Still a bit jet lagged, but getting adjusted quite nicely. The party was so great last night, everyone was just so nice and welcoming to us. We were even toasted at the party, even though it was not an engagement party in our honour! Despite the fact that we are night owls, this cultural ’schedule’ will take some getting used to. Lunch at 2pm, dinner at 9 or 10pm, bars and clubs at 2am— and these are arrival times!

We went to the market with Mary this afternoon and received our first authentic Barcelona experience. Lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, olives, and of course JAMON! That stuff is incredible, Kalan does not know what he is missing out on. It’s quite nice to not have to barter as well, and going with a local Barcelonienne was absolutely key, until we get this Spanish thing down (or Catalan as some have suggested)!

Then we popped into El Corte Ingles, which is a huge department store with everything in it. Good place to know about once my toiletries run out, which according to Kalan never will as I packed pounds and pounds of them. We then wandered the streets of the neighbourhoods we may choose to live in: Barri Gotic, El Born, Eixample. El Born is the nicest, and funkiest for sure, but I know we will be happy anywhere so long as we are central.

Tonight we will lay low and eat at home with Mary and Demian. They are both sick with colds, so rest is of utmost importance. Tomorrow we will rise early (i.e. 9 or 10 am) and catch the Bus Turiste to see Barca the way most tourists do.

To the ladies: no shopping yet. I’m waiting until our houses rent, and then all heck will break loose!

Shanti