Category: Uncategorized

Rest day! Because I certainly needed it after two days of cycling in this heat…

I spent most of the day trying to pack in doing the things I really enjoyed last time I was here. I went for a run up to the lighthouse. Calling it a “run” may be too kind, it was a walk-run at best. I am not in as good of shape as I was last time I was here…

I cycled from Callela de Pala through Palagrufell to get to Cal Fray for lunch. I don’t think anyone really liked me there because I can’t speak Catalan and I was a serious loner. However, once they did decide to give me some attention I was served an amazing meal. Sopa de peix, paella, and flam.

I don’t know for sure but I think I may have been served a mixed half litre of other diners’ wine leftovers. At the end of my drink I found a few fruit flies… I think that this is just the house wine, but I can’t say for sure.

Once I finished cramming myself with delicious food (and wine?) I cycled to Pals. I went into the art studio and store I saw last time that I loved, from artist Anna Agustí Hortangas, and almost spent too much money but decided I would be back again sometime after I have an income. I walked through the pottery store where I purchased my favourite mug. I went inside the church that was built approximately in the year 997. I picked a flower and pressed it in a book. Hah!

I went to the beach when I got back to Calella de Palafrugell and did some “laps”. Last time I was here I couldn’t really swim properly. Obviously I could stay afloat but I didn’t have any technique for front crawl. When I went today it was a totally different experience. It was amazing. The water here makes you so buoyant you barely have to do any work, which is wonderful. But mostly it was amazing to be able to see all the life that is thriving under the water. Corals, fishies, and a few nemo’s here and there! I can’t wait to spend a majority of the day at the beach tomorrow. I am going to swim lots!

DOTD

Spotted early-ish in the day with no real contenders, I present you dog of the day. I pet him and then walked away with a slight tear in my eye. Or maybe that was just my sweat.

Tomorrow I set off bright and early for my first day of solo cycle touring! What could possibly go wrong between the current heat wave in Spain, my lack of physical fitness, and my sensitive northern complexion prone to heat rash and chafing?! Despite everything I am excited to get started.

Today was simply a run around day collecting last minute odds and ends to complete my kit to leave Barcelona tomorrow. As per the heat wave, it was rather warm outside. Profuse sweating occurred. Strolling along Passieg de Gracia, Mom bought a new hat so she no longer looks like she is headed for a “boy scout jamboree” as my father so lovingly put it. The highlight of the day for him was taking our soiled clothes to the local ‘La Wash’ coin Laundromat. His idea of rubbing elbows with the locals is to get your washing mixed in with theirs stimulating a confusing yet exciting interaction.

The highlight for me was certainly the lunch we had at La Rita. Thursday is paella day in Barcelona and this spot did not disappoint. It opens at 1 pm and there was a line up already when we arrived at quarter to.

Most of the afternoon was spent alternating between trying to get various phone features and apps to work and melting by the rooftop pool. I think I have managed to download the correct apps and gpx files to guide me on my ride tomorrow to Calella. I am going to try to set up Strava to track my rides and then post them each day here.

Next, dinner. Aka – more delicious food and drink.

Now I have packed up most of my stuff and laid out my diaper shorts for the early start tomorrow. I am mentally preparing for the sandwich building and stealing that will occur at breakfast in the morning. During the cycling trip with my parents we mastered the art of making the most of the hotel complimentary breakfasts.

Until tomorrow – I shall dream of sandwiches –

DOTD

Adéu Barcelona! Hasta pronto!

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!