barcelona

Thanksgiving is just not the same when you (a) have to work, (b) aren't with your family, (c) don't get to run a Thanksgiving morning race with your friends, (d) don't go out partying the night before knowing you will regret it when you have to wake up and run 6 miles, and (e) don't stuff your face with turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and of course pecan and pumpkin pie!!!

Needless to say, I was a little sad/bitter/hungry all day at work. My fellow American expats commiserated with me (Alayna and Kristin). The only thing that got me to 3pm was knowing that I was going to be able to leave then and meet Candice at the train station and head to the Basel airport to catch our flight to Barcelona!

I'd never been to Spain before so I was really excited! We spent our first night in Barcelona at a nice restaurant with our own Spanish version of a Thanksgiving feast: chorizo croquettes, paella, and sangria!

Friday morning we went and toured the city.

We went on a gondola ride over the bay (which of course Candice freaked out on because of her fear of heights). We walked along the beach a little bit and saw some truly amazing sand castles.

My favorite was the Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) Church. I think it is the most beautiful church I've ever seen (and I've seen a lot of churches during my travels). The church was started in 1882 and is still under construction. It is expected to be completed by 2030. The one side of the church is the passion scene:

Rick Steves told us about all of the symbolism built into the architecture of the church which is really cool.

The other side of the church is the nativity scene:

Barcelona is just so pretty, I couldn't stop taking pictures.

Our next stop was the Picasso museum.

Then we went to Olympic stadium:

We walked Las Ramblas many times during our weekend. I liked it best in the morning (less creeps and pickpockets).

Saturday morning I got a 10 Euro manicure which was amazing. Then we spent the day relaxing on the beach.

Unfortunately, I had to prepare to facilitate training on Monday morning, so my beach time was more work than relaxing...

 

For our last night in Barcelona, we went for some more paella and more sangria (its just to yummy). The restaurant we went to was really lively and they gave us free champagne, so we couldn't complain.

So, not my typical Thanksgiving weekend, but I really can't complain! A tiring, but awesome week and a half travelling with Candice. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends (and ate some turkey and stuffing for me!). I have so much to be thankful for this year.