Barcelona

The Breakfast Club

 ^^Honestly, I'm a graceful jumper. I just realized last minute I had my camera in my hand, panicked and leaped like a frog.  

 The promoter took us to a restaurant at the beach for lunch. Just the sight of the ocean healed my Southern-Californian Soul. The boys were disappointed to see that it still wasn't warm enough for the exotic women to be out in their bikinis but we did see an elderly man jogging in his speedo. At least I got some eye candy. 

 We ate delicious paella right out of the giant skillet. We had ordered an assortment of the rice dish, my favorite being the squid ink and seafood (not pictured). Mmm mm mm. 

^^ We were also serenaded by this adorable man

 ^^When you tip him, he gives you a CD

 ^^And then insists on signing it with a sentimental note

 ^^Platz choosing his dessert wisely

^^Ben trying remove Ryan's phone battery. Look at the mischievous face:)

 ^^Evidence of a previous prank 

 ^^Poor Kitty Kat

 The lunch was about three hours, a little long for my standards, but it was great company and an unbeatable view. By the time we finished, the boys were late for soundcheck but the promoter was kind enough to drive us through part of the city so that we could see a couple of Gaudi structures. 

I don't remember much from college but I do remember studying the architect Gaudi. I even had a picture of his work in my mind before we got in front of the buildings and I wasn't too far off. It was such a powerful experience to see the Sagrada Família and the Casa Milá in person. We had about 30 seconds in front of each building to run out and take a few photos and hop back in the van but I hope to be able to go inside one day. 

^^Construction began in 1884 and has continued after Gaudi's death. Estimated completion: around 2027

^^I look at this cathedral and I am struck with a feeling of awe and terror.

I feel that way about many gothic cathedrals but this one really made my jaw drop.

We truly loved Barcelona and hope to be able to spend some quality time there one day. The weather was perfect, the town was beautiful, there was ocean, the audience that night was amazing, the only thing that could have made our trip better was more time. 

And one more photo because I adore this handsome man

<3