When in Spain...

...Do as the Spaniards do?

Day 41

This past weekend, most, no all, of our friends were traveling - Pisa, Paris, Switzerland, Portugal, you name it. My roommate Rebecca and I had tried time and again to plan a trip for this weekend too, but with no success. I thought it would be easy. It's not. Mom, bless you for planning so many family trips, you're truly magical.

So when none of the people you hang out with are home, what do you do? Well, you go shopping, and you stare out the window begging the weather to stop raining. You also go on dinner adventures with a 25 year old Restaurant Marketing Manager named Jordi. Haha here goes the story...

A couple of weeks ago Rebecca had a random encounter in a discoteca with a Barcelona native that she had met while he studied abroad at the College of Charleston. Since then, said Barcelona native, Jordi, had been quite persistent in his efforts to hang out with her. Jordi invited us out for some drinks at one of the restaurants he works for. He pulled up outside of our residencia in a tiny gray car blasting techno music. Oh wait, did I mention he's a DJ? :) He proceeded to greet us with the traditional cheek kiss kiss. Helloooooo Europe!!!!! He walked through the restaurant, "Fishop" as people greeted him left and right, while Rebecca and I awkwardly looked at eachother thinking, "What are we doing here??" He ordered for us, first long island iced teas, and then sunrises. My life savings could not have even begun to pay for those drinks. Thank goodness they were FOR FREE!!! After we had worn out our welcome, he took us to a discoteca where yet again we got in for free... I think he might be kinda famous. He drove us home and invited us back to the restaurant the next night.

The next night started out with the same greeting, car ride and techno music. It was followed by a sushi dinner. It's times like this I really wish I wasn't a picky eater. I know tons of people who would have loved to be in my seat. Once dinner started to wrap up, he set up his DJ equipment and a steady stream of friends and family began to pour in. Rebecca and I sat there feeling a bit as though we were interrupting a family reunion. Eventually, his sister approached us and helped us join in on the fun. They were the cutest Spanish family. I don't think I'd ever see my parents dancing in a bar until 3 am.

All in all, the adventure was super interesting - to be taken places by someone who has spent their lives in Barcelona and calls it home, rather than just a place to party for a semester. Also, to get a feeling of family, when we both miss ours so much. So, thank you DJ Jordi for your tour of Barcelona.

Besos y Abrazos!