WEEK 7: Learning Curve

And when you don't think things could possibly get that worse...they do. This week has been of mistakes, learning, and also fun.

It all started on Monday when I got pick pocketed. Yep, it happened and it is a real thing. I had just been thinking earlier that day of how I have been pretty cautious and smart about keeping my personal belongings and then....boom I'm victim to it. I was on the metro in Catalunya which is probably one of the busiest metro stations in Barcelona. My friend Nick and I had just missed the train and were waiting for the next one about three minutes later. When we got on, it was really crowded so I put my phone in my front pocket for a split second, grabbed onto one of the railings, put my had back in my jacket pocket and it was gone. It happened so fast and I was so shocked I didn't even know what to do. Those bastards. Cried the whole metro ride home. 

So I'm currently phoneless. This can be a breath of fresh air, but it also sucks when you can't take pictures. Or make a grocery store list. Or text your friends. Or check Instagram. Or even have Google Maps because you don't exactly know your way around everywhere. Hopefully this week I can figure out a solution, but it isn't exactly easy having a phone shipped when you are in another country.

I also have a stress fracture. Because I haven't been used to running that much, putting a lot of stress on my ankle hasn't been good and I'm taking some time off to let it heal. This same thing happened to me in high school during swim season so hopefully just resting it and icing on and off will help it get better!

And......the cleaning lady threw away my Nikes. I had a bag of sweaty work out clothes and Nike shoes in a grocery bag that I was planning on washing and had been there for a while (gross, I know)......and the cleaning lady threw them away. Looks like I'm going to be out shopping for a new pair of shoes. Shout out to my parents and Liz for listening to me vent, cry, and figure out my life this week. Love you guys. 

Highlights!

duck and peppered beef

Liz and I went to an Asian tapas place in the Born district called Mosquito and it was really good! We had craft beers, a peppered beef dish, seasoned duck in a soy glaze, rice, and pork and shrimp dumplings! I really liked it and definitely want to go back during lunch to try the pho that I heard was amazing. The waitresses are helpful in explaining what is boiled, steamed, and fried as well as recommending different dishes and explaining the different kinds of meats. I would go back with more people and try a bunch of different things.

Arc de Triomf

On Friday, we woke up and walked down Passeig de Gracia just window shopping and also found some cute restaurants. Liz bought a new coat and we went to a spot for lunch. We then walked to a new area we hadn't really been around before and saw the Arc de Triomf which leads into the Parc de la Ciutadella and then the Zoo. We then headed back and went to the grocery store, made fajita bowls for dinner, and went to a bar called Le Cyrano. We had heard of this bar from tons of different people, but had never been because it's only open Thursday-Sunday and we were traveling the last couple of weekends. Essentially, you ask for a type of alcohol and a mixer and pour how much you want in. Well...almost how much you want. I had asked for Captain Morgan and Coke Zero (my favorite drink) and poured the entire glass with rum until the woman came over and poured about 1/4 of it into Liz's glass. Hahahahah at least I tried.

creme brulee cupcake and soymilk cappucino

On Saturday, my ankle was really bothering me so we laid low most of the morning just working on different stuff blog related and school related. About mid-afternoon we went to Cup & Cake. This may sound familiar because we went to Brunch & Cake a few weekends ago for turkey/avocado bagels and banana bread. They are both run under the same management but Cup & Cake is more of a coffee shop with decadent cupcakes, cakes, muffins, and a lighter menu for brunch. The space is more intimate and for people who want to relax, read, or work. We went and each got a cupcake and coffee (and went back for another cupcake to split......) and did homework for a little bit. They didn't have wifi which was kind of a bummer but we were still able to be somewhat productive. I also Skyped my dad for about an hour when I got home which was really fun. I feel like I haven't been able to catch up with him as much as I like. It can be really hard with the time change because when I am at school during the day, he is at work in the morning and then when I'm done, he is either out at lunch or in meetings. By the time he's leaving work, I am either out or asleep so we have been on completely different schedules.

breakfast tacos

Sunday morning, we got to sleep in again which was amazing. This weekend was definitely a time to catch up on sleep and energy as we go into a week of midterms. We lounged around for a bit and then decided to go down to the beach to explore and get drinks at this place we found called Surfhouse and wow, did it exceed its expectations. This place is right on the beach and it was such a beautiful day out that you didn't even need a jacket. We sat outside and were immediately served the brunch and drink menu. We ordered their special mojito......and it was amazing. I needed a drink after figuring out the cleaning lady actually threw away my Nikes...how does that even happen? Anyway, Liz decided on the breakfast tacos (which looked amazing) and I got the turkey and cheese bagel breakfast sandwich. The place was filled with locals and I loved the atmosphere at the beach. I can't wait to go back. On our way back to the metro stop, we walked the other side of the road where there were different vendors set up with cheeses, olive oil, chocolate, churros, and more. We decided to get a little champagne glass filled with mixed cheeses to have before dinner tonight. We love cheese. Sooooooooooo now it's laundry and homework and chill time.



PARIS NEXT WEEKEND!