July 4, 2009 Archive

People Watching

On the 4th of July I had hoped to go out and do something. But due to a lot of factors, by the time I made this decision Petra was already in bed. I decided that rather than sit around the apartment by myself, I would hit up the streets of the Costa Brava and find some entertainment.

It didn´t take long.

I just wanted to sit somewhere and maybe have a drink while watching the people go by. However, I have a fear of going to a restaurant, particularly one in a foreign country, and sitting down at a table by myself. Not to mention that here you seat yourself at most restaurants, but not all of them. So I was definitely nervous about it, but decided I just had to conquer the insecurity and go out and do it.

I finally found an ok, non-intimidating looking restaurant and had a seat. I ordered a glass of wine and started watching the people. I realized I hadn´t picked the best of locations, but it would do. And oh were there lots of people to see!

(more…)

Posted by Caro in cool, Fears, Food, Hilarious, interesting, Random, THE trip 2009, Travel and tagged with

Misc Other Sites in Barcelona

Two places of interest that don’t fit anywhere else in this blog: The Barcelona Cathedral and La Sagrada Familia.

Two very different places, yet both very noteworthy. Our first day of sightseeing, Petra and I tried to go into the cathedral. However, I didn’t bring anything to cover up my shoulders, so I wasn’t allowed in. Again, I’m one of you. I used to go to church in tank tops at home. Can’t I just get some kind of a card that says “She’s Catholic. Allow her inside” that I can use whenever? Anyway, that’s a whole different issue. I guess they’re more conservative in Spain!

under construction....boo!

under construction....boo!

We finally got to go in another day, and it wasn’t as great as I thought it would be. I mean there was cool stuff, but I didn’t see how it was significantly different to 1. be a cathedral vs. just a really big church or 2. require super conservative clothing in 100 degree weather. (more…)

Museum of Catalan History

On one of my last days in Spain, Petra and I headed out to Barcelona for some last bits of sightseeing. First on the agenda was to see the Museum of Catalan History, which was supposed to be a really good look at how Catalonia came to be, and all the take overs and gained-then-lost-again battles for independence they’ve faced. It was indeed very informative, so much so that we spent nearly 4 hours there!!

While the history was incredibly fascinating, it started to drag on a bit after a while. Much to our shock and appreciation, we stumbled upon an interactive area…one where you could actually try on armor. Now this is what I’m talking about!!! (more…)

Posted by Caro in cool, Discoveries, fun, Hilarious, THE trip 2009, Travel and tagged with ,

An Inflatable Raft

Upon our return from Paris, Petra noticed a man sleeping on an inflatable raft at the airport. The kind you would use in a pool or a lake or something to just float on. I’m not sure if she was joking or not, but she knew I have 2 long layover ahead of me, and said I should get one.

I totally wanted one. Yes, this is a BRILLIANT idea. I will just get one back in our little beach town.

Finding an inflatable raft became quite the mission. It seems the stores in our town sell pool noodles, swim wings, inner tubes, inflatable dolphins you can ride, and even inflatable pool sets if you’re weary of the beach. But no simple little blow up rafts to float on.

(more…)

Posted by Caro in Hilarious, Random, Shopping, THE trip 2009, Travel and tagged with ,