Anna's Weekend in Barcelona!

Hola a todos!!

This this past weekend was spent in Barcelona. On Monday of last week until Thursday morning, my friend from Santa Barbara, Carissa, stayed with me. Then Anna came on Thursday afternoon and left Monday morning. So this is the first time in a week I've had my room to myself! It was SO much fun having both of them in Barcelona and showing them around. Since Carissa came when I was busy with class, she kept herself busy during the day with her other friend she came with. Then, I was able to go to class and get my homework done, and then I hung out with her at night. It was a lot of fun and she really loved Barcelona!

So on Thursday afternoon Anna came with her family friend Stuart. Us three, Anna's friend from Brown who is also studying in Barcelona (Hannah), and my friend Emily all made dinner at my place. It was a lot of fun eating dinner with a big group and catching up. Anna and I did not go out Thursday night because we were exhausted. On Friday morning, Anna came with me to my gym and we had a great workout. Then, we packed lunches and headed to Parc Guell where we met up with a bunch of friends.

We enjoyed our sandwiches and wine with an amazing view of the city and great company. There was a great group of musical performers, so as usual, Anna and I got up and danced with each other to the music in front of the crowd. It was such an amazing picnic and such nice weather! We then proceeded to walk across the city (took about an hour and a half) towards the beach. We enjoyed gelato then headed home in the early evening.

On Saturday Anna and I got up early (at least by Barcelona standards: 9am) and headed towards mountains about an hour outside of the city. The Monsterrat mountains are known for their unique form and a monestary that lays on top. As the majority of people take a cable car up to the top of the mountain, Anna and I hiked up. It took about 1.5 hours and it was absolutely INCREDIBLE!! The views were stunning and the hike was challenging. I really cannot explain how beautiful it was, but as we ascended the views got better and better. It was so steep at some points Anna and I were basically rock climbing then climbing steep stairs.

When we got to the top, there was sort of a farmer's market. So, exhausted, we walked around and sampled loads of cheese and fruits, then enjoyed our packed sandwiches with outstanding views of the Spanish mountains and countryside. It was so great to get outside of the city and enjoy the majestic views of Barcelona, especially with Anners! After a couple hours, we climbed down then got back around 6pm. We went to a couple bars to enjoy some beer and socialize, then went to sleep pretty early.

On Sunday we went to mountains on the outskirts of Barcelona that have the "best views of Barcelona". It is called Tibidabo, and there is kind of a carnival there (hard to explain, but small rides with cotton candy and ice cream). We went up to the top of a church, which by far was the best view of Barcelona I have ever seen. It was such a beautiful day, so Anna and I literally just sat on top of the church for hours examining the city. Again, it was so great to relax and reflect on life with Anners. It was so relaxing. Alongside with the trip to Monsterrat, this day made this weekend my favorite weekend in Barcelona.

Now, I am just focused on school. I am keeping up with homework and studying (I have a midterm next week). And I am going to Amsterdam this weekend (21st birthday on Saturday!!!!!!). I cannot wait -- there is a group of 10 coming from across Europe! WOO HOOOOO and we are couch surfing and I cannot wait!!! Obviously, I think you can see my excitement for the weekend.

I signed up for a 10k race in Barcelona! It is April 10. I am doing it with my friend Nathalie and so we have been hitting up the treadmill the past couple weeks! I am really exciting for that, and I have never participated in a race before!

I booked a flight to the Canary Islands (off of Africa) in the end of April... get ready for a whole new shade of Kate!! (don't worry Charlotte, I will wear sunscreen!) Tomorrow I plan on booking a flight to Berlin in May, and Anna and I discussed going to Turkey in May as well.

Hmmm what else?!? Not much... and next time you hear from me I will be 21!! Watch out! (just kidding... kind of)

xoxo