We all fall down...

Well, I made it back from Spain safe and sound. The trip was pretty much flawless. Except for those 30 Italian high school students wandering/flirting/speaking very very loudly, the girl behind me that kicked my chair 1,573 times and the broken entertainment systems. I know, I know... wah wah... how horrible, my flight back from SPAIN was bad. Ok I'm done whining now. I swear.

I had a wonderful time in a beautiful city with an amazing friend and I'm so glad I was actually able to make the trip happen. And I'm extra glad that I got to cook for her. I was a little worried it wasn't going to happen when the kitchen I was supposed to cook in had the gas shut off, but we made due. I know I have complained about how I have the teenie tiniest kitchen. Well I lied. Jeanelle has the teenie tiniest kitchen.

Despite it's small stature, and the rediculous amount of sweating (10% because I was nervous to cook for Jeanelle and 90% because it was insanely hot) I was able to pull of what I think was probably my best meal yet.

It was the best because it was inspired. Inspired by my new found love of food and my deep routed love for the people I was cooking it for. Jeanelle has become as close to me as blood, and even though we were separated by time and thousands of miles, it was like nothing had changed at all.

Ok... now that I'm all teary eyed... enough with the sappy stuff. Yes, I love my friend dearly. Not only because she is brave and personable and intelligent and wise, but because she loves to have fun. So we ate... and drank... and had some good old fashion fun... drinking game style.

Which resulted in this...

I would like to say there was one of us that wasn't blurry. But I can't. So I won't. I will however tell you that I fell. Down Jeanelle's tiny Spanish marble steps I had been complaining about for a week. We all fall down. Or at least I know I do. Thank heavens someone was there to pick me up...

Love and Beer Floats

Angela

going international

Fountain Show at Plaza de Espana

Spain is pretty amazing. Everywhere you are confronted with beautiful old buildings, sandy beaches and amazing mountains with castles and olympic villages and parks... oh my! Ok... that was pretty lame. But I think this place is pretty impressive. However, I can't say I have been super impressed with the food. I think this might have to do with the fact that I am in a very tourist driven area. The best things I have eaten haven't been exactly "Spanish." Although I did have some amazing paella, I'm not sure my burger...

kabob...

and pizza with crepes...

really count as spanish cuisine. So I have decided to take things into my own hands. Today, Eric and I hit the major market and tonight I will tackle one of my favorite foods. Langostino with a garlic butter sauce, a delicious pasta and a beautiful salad. I'll keep you posted!

Love and Beer Floats

Angela

On the menu... piranha

Steven and Jeanelle and the very popular party trick... The Piranha

Writers block. I'm sure it happens to everyone. However, I'm guessing it happens to most people because they can't think of what to talk about. In this case, so much has gone on, so much has been seen and so much has been eaten that I don't know where to start. As a matter of fact, as I write this, I am sitting here with a big fat full belly from a delicious dinner of salad with ham, parmesan and melon as well as quatro queso pizza (see I'm learning Spanish) and chocolate soufflé for dessert. Not to mention a large amount of lambrusco (Spanish rose champagne).

Since so much has happened, I have decided to just skip to the good stuff. As they say, a picture speaks a thousand words. And since I have been up for 20 hours... I'm going to let the pictures do most of the talking.

The view from our pool at B Hotel in Plaza Espana

Tandem bike riding on the beaches of Barcelona

Beautiful flowers from a vendor on La Rambla

Checking out the Mediterranean near a gorgeous church in Sidges Spain and hour south of Barcelona

Delicious paella! How have I gone 24 years with out Paella?! Working on find a paella pan to bring home.

And finally... the fruits of my labor... the tan I've been working hard to perfect...

Of course I ruined it today with a sweet sunburn. yay.

Love and Beer Floats

Angela

Eat Well, Be Well

Barcelona... I've only been here for two days and so far this trip has been amazing. Beautiful beaches, yummy sangria, delicious food and gorgeous monuments. Some how I managed to escape jet lag so we have wasted no time.

Friday we spent the day at the beach, tanning topless and eating and drinking at chiringuitos (beach bars). Don't worry... we put our tops back on before the eating and drinking.

Today we work up at a reasonable hour (1pm) and headed to the city center for tapas and a trip to La Boqueria, a huge food market...

where I was a kid in a candy store. Literally... there was candy everywhere.

We took some of our market findings and headed to a major park.

We snacked and played cards and were offered a multitude of drugs... which we declined.

(Jeanelle and her wonderful boyfriend Steven)

So far... so good...

Love and Beer Floats

Angela