This week I finally felt like I settled into a routine. My roommates and I started off the week by buying groceries at the farmer’s market on La Rambla. We got freshly cut meats and cheeses, dried fruit, nuts, and of course, some chocolate. We have also started going back to some of our favorite restaurants in the area, which makes us feel more like locals! We went to dinner at a traditional tapas restaurant on Tuesday and it was DELICIOUS. We have also been frequenting the gelato shop that is a 5-minute walk from our apartment…it is dangerous! I will admit, one of our favorite finds has been a Tex-Mex restaurant called Gonzalez and Company…it tastes like home! It is a Spanish twist on Chipotle. Sometimes we just need a burrito and some chips and guac.
Even though we have settled into a routine, we have still been adventuring and doing new things! On Monday we toured Montjuic and it was amazing! The castle is so beautiful with its unique architecture. We also saw where the 1992 Olympic Games were held. It was so interesting to learn about how all of the buildings were built for the sole purpose of being used for the games, but now it attracts thousands of tourists to that area. After we toured Montjuic, we went to the top of the mall that is shaped like an arena and had a delicious dinner on the roof! On Wednesday night we went to an FC Barcelona scrimmage at a stadium on the outskirts of the city. It was so fun to experience one of the most popular forms of entertainment in Spanish culture. We visited Moritz brewery on Thursday and learned about the process in which beer is made. The brewery has been operating for years and had such a cool atmosphere. At the end of the tour, we even got to try some of their most popular beers!
This weekend was definitely one I will remember- we took our first overnight weekend trip to Mallorca! It was a blast. We absolutely loved walking around the cute town of Palma and experiencing the slower pace of island life compared to the bustling streets of Barcelona. We walked around the Cathedral, which was built by Gaudi, and we caught a glimpse of a bride and groom walking to their car after their wedding ceremony! We also spent time walking along the walkway near the beach and bought some fun and unique souvenirs. On Saturday morning, we did an ATV tour and it was hands down the highlight of the trip. We rode ATVs through rural Spanish towns and ended at a beautiful beach where we cliff jumped and snorkeled! It was a surreal experience getting to jump off a cliff into the Mediterranean.
I am still in disbelief that I have had the opportunity to live here for 2 weeks, and I still have 3 more! It is a dream and I am just loving getting accustomed with Barcelona as well as experiencing new places in Spain!