Warming up (it’s hot)

Ok here we go…

Unfortunately this photo is a bit old because the second week I was in Barcelona I had my phone stolen on the metro and along with it all the photos from before and all the potential for future photo taking. I suppose it was my own fault though, really. I had my phone in one open jacket pocket and my wallet in the other. I’m just surprised they didn’t take my wallet as well.

Anyways, for two weeks at the beginning of July I was in Barcelona doing an urban planning field course with UBC and the UPC of Barcelona School of Architecture. It was a lot of fun and a great learning experience!

I won’t go into too much detail about it because likely none of my fans really want to read about the two weeks of public life study and urban planning analysis. Perhaps I will post this in a different section. Nerd section?

Onto the cycling…

My parental units met me in Barcelona as my course was wrapping up and we prepared ourselves mentally and physically for both the hellish cycling trip we were about to undertake and also the constant exposure to one another for nearly two weeks. I am happy to report we survived. Barely. We cycled an average of 80 km per day, not without significant elevation change (uphill), stopping each evening in a new town. Our route: Barcelona -> Calella -> Caldes de Maravella -> L’Escala -> Figueres -> Joanetes -> Girona.

Despite this being a pretty intense cycling trip, I decided that the best way for me to see the most of Europe this summer was to continue to cycle. So, the plan has been in the works for the last week or so and with the help of my parents we have sorted out how to get me set up with a bike, panniers, gear and such. Most of this will be picked up in Barcelona tomorrow or the next day. Stay tuned! I will be sure to post a horrendous photo of my new diaper shorts for all to enjoy!

In summary and in conclusion

Currently sitting poolside at our hotel in Girona. I am working on this – the most read and profound blog in the world. My dear pasty British friend Tom is sitting next to me working on his phD report. I still don’t really know what it is that he does. His work resembles what I can only imagine would be the result of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and partial differential equations procreating.

Across the pool my parents lounge and read on their respective electronic devices. The soft spilling water from the pool sets a lovely background to the aggressively loud Catalan rap/movie that the neighbour is watching. This is indeed a real slice of heaven.

Not for long though – stay tuned as I embark on what can only be a series of wild misadventures!