Barcelona: I'm Back Again!

Hola Stranger,

Before I get on with unloading everything I can remember about my time in Barcelona, let me first get something off my chest. I am done my final exams!!! (That is, if I didn't fail anything). Finals in Italy work on a completely different system. Instead of a normal written exam, every course has a mandatory oral exam and sometimes an additional written one as well. Each course has 3 different exam periods, one a week after classes finish (right now), one in the middle/end of June, and once in late July. If you fail your exam the first time in May, you can do it again in June, and then again in July. Still didn't pass? Don't worry, you have more chances next term. I'm sorry Italy but this is perhaps the worst system I've ever seen. Students are less motivated to study the first time around because they know they can retake the exam a month later. This has created a phenomenon where Italian students become grade obsessed, taking exams over and over again in hopes of getting a better mark. And what is this oral exam I speak of? Essentially you sit in a room with all of your classmates, and the professor calls you up one by one. The professor could ask you one or a few questions, and grades you on your answer.

Roomie Paolo's story: 

He gets perfect on the written exam and goes in for the oral feeling confident. The professor asks a question.

Paolo "I'm sorry, I really don't know this one, could you ask me something else? Anything else."

Professor "Nope, see you next month"

Another example: My Erasmus friend Selman waited 6 hours in the classroom for his oral exam. From 3-9 pm, he sat there impatiently waiting for his turn and when his name was called, the janitor came in and kicked everyone out because the school was closing. He had to go back the next week to do it. Tell me I'm not the only one who thinks this is messed up. At least I'm done and didn't have to suffer like the rest of them. *phew*

April 19, Saturday

Aside from Abriel, the rest of us had already been to Barcelona but were all just as anxious to revisit the city. The first time I had been there, it was during the cruise and one day was simply not enough. With the bus guided tour, I had a general idea of the city layout which made navigation just slightly easier. Thanks to GoogleMaps, asking random strangers and walking around in circles, we found the airbnb apartment at the predetermined time. The owner wasn't there to greet us; apparently he thought we were arriving at 2 am. The heck?! We had to wait 2 hours for him to clean the apartment. Right then, so we killed time at a nearby restaurant, mainly to steal their internet. It was run by a Chinese family so we showed our support by ordering some food as well. 5 euros and you get a massive plate full of greasy goodness. The Chinese know how it's done. Carl was travelling by himself in Barcelona and met up with us while we waited for the airbnb owner to clean the apartment. Reunited for the 3rd time in Europe. Not bad at all :)

After getting a ton of groceries, the 5 of us came back to the apartment so that chef Sean can do his thing. He made his signature short rib tomato soup. There was no ladle so we used a mug to scoop the soup. What a group of talented and high class individuals. Don't judge.

Everyone always tells me about the phenomenal night life in Barcelona so I obviously couldn't pass out the chance to go and experience it for myself. Between the five of us, we bought five bottles of wine. And in case you have difficulty doing the math, that's a bottle each. Yeah, it was bound to be a good night from there on. Since the Singaporeans were also in Barcelona, we all meet up at Razzmatazz, a local favourite with its massive dance floors. It used to be a warehouse but now they've converted the three floors into a maze of a club with a terrace on the top and numerous smaller hidden rooms with different music selections. Nothing bad to say about the place aside from their 17 euro entrance fee. 

April 20, Sunday

I was dead the next morning. But realizing that we had to make the most of our time in Barcelona, we buckled down and went to the center in search of the afternoon walking tour. I don't have too many pictures from that tour because I don't remember much of it. My head was still spinning and I did not pay attention to anything the guide was saying. As far as I was aware of, she was talking complete gibberish. Possibly the only thing I learned was that this sketch was drawn by Picasso on a napkin. The why and where I can't tell you because I don't remember...I was proud of myself for managing to follow the crowd.

After the tour the 9 of us went out to a restaurant for some small tapas. The waiter was a complete jerk who just wanted to take advantage of some tourists and rip us off along the way. He messed up our order countless times. Sean's octopus dish was an outrageous 40 euros on its own. He has absolute no luck in ordering food; I think he may be cursed. The food was mediocre, definitely doesn't add up to its exuberant price tag.

What's better than a stroll in the park after eating an expensive meal? We headed to the Parc de la Ciutadella, which was a 5 min walk from the restaurant. The place was packed with friends, children and couples hanging out on the grass, benches, boats and strolling around. Too cute, too cute. Perfect way to spend a weekend afternoon.

Parks get guaranteed positive points if they have water fountains. I don't know what it is about them, but it just adds so much elegance to the environment. This scene right here reminds me of something out of Tivoli, the city near Rome which I absolutely adore. There's even a zoo inside the park but even without paying a penny, you'll find different species of birds waddling around acting like they own the place.

Sean was thinking about cooking dinner again but we were exhausted from a day of walking so we just went to our new favourite restaurant; the Chinese place down the street from our apartment. The fish tastes exactly the same as Mama Qi's: I approve.

While Kenneth was out for a run, he discovered the Castle of Montjuic, currently an art exhibition house that has a great view on top of a hill. Down a series of steps you'll find the Magic Fountain, a glorious water fountain that performs along with the music. He was astounded and ran back to get all of us. I have to say, it was the best water fountain show I've ever seen in my life. I'm not descriptive enough to explain how it went but really, if you're ever in Barcelona, go watch it. You get a free show and an amazing night view. Michelle date approved.

 April 21, Monday

Because we loved the fountain show and the castle so much, we went there again during the daytime. A completely different vibe but just as good. I can't believe we lived a 7 minute walk away from this place. The last time I was in Barcelona, we were on the tour bus and I remember we didn't get off at this stop in time and I had told myself "next time, I must come here". Mission accomplished. Look at the picture, how can you not want to go there?

With no concrete plans for the day, we decided to head to La Ramba and walk around a bit. Most of the shops were closed since it was a holiday so it was just a sea of tourists, strolling in circles not knowing where to go. The guys found a 12 euro buffet for lunch. What attracted them? The rows of meat spinning on the racks. Buffets aren't my cup of tea but when you're travelling with 3 guys, you become one of them. The boys seemed to have fully enjoyed themselves with the endless plates of meat so I guess it's money well spent.

With our bellies full, it was time to get some exercise and we proceeded to walk to La Sagrada Familia, my all time favourite church in Europe so far (yes, more than the countless ones I've been to in Rome). I don't know if it's the breathtaking height or its unique structural design but I can't seem to stop staring at it with awe. On the backside there's a dinky little cafe stand outside and we sat there for a bit, enjoying the view. One day I'll go and admire you from the inside as well. Just you wait.

I think we may have walked all over Barcelona this day, and that's no easy task. Not wanting to take the metro, we headed to the beach. No joke, after that day, I wore out my shoes. Exhausted from a whole day of walking, we found a bar right on the board walk and enjoyed ourselves with some tea and biscuit. How British of us. Since it was our last night together, we took it easy by drinking some wine and playing more games. Thank goodness for Abriel, you really have no dull moment with him around. Best story teller ever.

April 22, Tuesday

After almost two weeks of travelling, it was finally time for me to head home. Abriel and Kenneth left early in the morning as they continued onto their next destination. Sean wanted to see the inside of Sagrada Familia while I just wanted to relax and do some last minute shopping. While I was dragging my luggage into the 3rd Zara of the day, I ran into the Singaporeans who were also shopping; what are the chances! We all went for lunch together and little did I know they were all a bunch of passionate foodies. We went to a French infused Spanish tapas restaurant, it's very festive inside with helpful servers that will cater to your endless questions.

The food may look simple but aye carumba was it delicious! Savouring every bite really applies in this case. You know the food is top notch when you start drooling looking back at the pictures. Take me back!!! Grilled brie on toast with jam, nomnomnom!!! One of the best dishes I've had in Europe so far and you don't get a hefty bill either. I paid 5 euros and tried numerous dishes. You simply can't beat it. A great way to end my time in Barcelona.

I didn't get home until 1 am because I may or may not have gone to the police station in Rome. Long boring story which I won't get into but do not worry, I did not get hurt. Exhausted from travelling, I crawled into my cozy bed and slept like a baby, ready to go to school the next day.