TIME

as days on the calendar are disappearing from January, I become really nervous of a number of things I want to do in Spain . . . After putting all my wishes on the paper I realized that a lifetime is not enough. The truth is that I happen to have fallen in love with this country - however I understand that I am student here and the perception is quite different, with all the perks and fun that go with it. Spain being disorganized, highly laid-back and easy-going (read lazy) country has conquered my heart. I saw an successful end and a plan within all the disorganization, laid-back feeling helped me to relax and think, and easy-going is just fun :) 

So today I made a decision to stop being sad that my Spanish dream is coming to an end. From today, from 12:00 I will embrace every opportunity to enjoy, eat, read, speak, listen, love and learn this wonderful country! VAMOS! 

Romantic Madrid in January

It could be the most romantic thing a couple could do in Madrid . . .

Meet her at the bottom of the monument to Cervantes around 17:30 in the middle of the Plaza de Espana. The square is in the center of the city, but with big trees protecting precious quietness, roads full of cars finally entering into tunnels on three sides of the square and a fountain with a small pool: makes it an oasis of tranquility just few steps from crazy and always busy Gran Via.

Then take her for a short walk to the Templo de Depot. When you get there, around this time of the year, the sun will already start changing the sky into all those glorious and beautiful colors: pink, red, violet, light and baby pink . . .  Do not pay attention to the tourists, they are always there. If you are lucky and the Temple is open, - enter, but never lose the sight of your girl, because guides can be mean there.

When you think you had enough of the beautiful view and it started to get chilly (as it usually does in Madrid after the sun disappears) take her to the Museo Cerralbo, which is again a short walk from where you are. It is warm and pretty in there. It was a house of a Madrid aristocrat - Marquez de Cerralbo. His wish was to make his house into a museum after his death with only one rule: all of the things have to stay together and never to be separated. The guides are nicer in there - so let your girl wonder around on her own and then find her and hug her making it, just for this moment, look and feel as if it were your own house. . .

Imagination is a funny thing. . . 

Barcelona

Last week I was seduced into going to Barcelona. After promises of tons of fun, bike rides and delicious food I made the crucial decision to visit the "the enemy city". And as any other Spanish city, it had not disappointed me. It had all I could ask for - mountains (hills), the sea with beautiful port, tons of art in the area (Joan Miro, countless Gaudi's work, 1 hour away Dali residence and museum), wonderful weather, smiling and handsome Spaniards.

Knowing me, I did not even come close to the camp nou or whatever they call that nasty place. There are many other places to see! If you are ever in Barcelona (or bcn) go to the top of Montjuic (Mont=Mountain, Juic=Jew). Super romantic views of the city plus interesting places to see are guaranteed. I was taken to the Joan Miro Foundation museum to bite on some Catalan art. I have to mention that a month away from Spain made my castellano quite rusty, so when the guide of the museum was talking only in Catalan I could not see the difference. Of course it is not true, but close enough. Catalan is a beautiful mix of Spanish, French, English and I even heard few German words in there. Natives told me that it is a much softer language, so even to have an argument in Catalan has a sweet undertone. That is true :)

Other what I liked in Barcelona was their delicious and fresh food. I love food. And this one made me do: "mmhhh" very often! Fresh Mediterranean grilled fish with potatoes, salad with cheese, nuts, honey and vinegar (!), dry fig covered in chocolate and the tomato bread - Pa amb tomàquet, or just [tumaket]- something you can try at home: http://spanishfood.about.com/od/tapas/r/pancontomate.htm. Mmmhhh . . .

Last by for sure not least -> La Sagrada Familia. It got into my heart in a different way than on my first trip to Barcelona 4 years ago. It is so big that for me it just "magically" appeared above the buildings or in between avenues (avenidas). The fact that it is still under construction and is more a living being than an undone church, adds to the active and energetic image of Barcelona.

Could not get enough of this church

My first and last pic of Barca - only because this shop sells famous Vasco brand

It is always sunny in BCN !!!

Joan Miro Foundation with THE VIEW

All I can say is that I want to go back.