Immaculate Monday

What a weekend - this time in a really good way. I just had two perfectly harmonious days and did nothing related to school thanks to my friend Alexandra's visit. She came in from Geneva on Saturday morning and we spent the day doing only enjoyable things like strolling through Barcelona's old neighborhoods, taking in the busy atmosphere of the "La Boqueria" market off Ramblas, exploring the Christmas market in front of the old cathedral, having delicious Paella lunch at the harbor and doing some evening shopping in illuminated streets full of Christmas lights... Which reminded me that there was a beautiful city outside of campus that we were just ignoring most days. A shame. Will see whether I can include that in my New Year's resolutions for 2009 somehow.

On Saturday night, we joined some of my Asian classmates who were having a karaoke night at a Chinese restaurant - which was one of the funniest things I have ever seen. Japanese songs, hilarious videos, loads of Chinese liquor, people spinning on dining tables and everyone just going crazy. Quite a multicultural experience.

Yesterday we started the day with a fabulous brunch and then rode the moto out into the hills above Barcelona to take in views of the entire city. Unfortunately the weather decided to turn cold and chilly, but it was still impressive. On our way back, we stopped at Parc Guell but found it crowded with tourists, so we decided to continue to the beach at Barceloneta that was fortunately deserted on a windy afternoon like yesterday. What a wonderful break from studying... Merci Alex!



Unfortunately Alexandra had to go back to Switzerland last night but I have another day off thanks to "La Inmaculada" - the Immaculate Conception. Long live Spanish holidays and weekend visits from friends!