So after about 5 months of temperatures that have just now started hovering over 40 degrees F, Lewis and I decided to take advantage of our European address and head to Barcelona. I got two days off for Easter and I took 2 vacation days, so a nice little getaway.
For the short version of the story: we loved the warmer weather (into the 60s and 70s), we loved the tapas and we loved coming back to Sweden.
Yeah, a coworker of mine recently said that she feels like an asshole when she doesn't absolutely love some European city. I can relate with her. Barcelona was very nice, but I didn't fall in love with it.
I think part of it is that we really don't have a home right now, so it felt a bit strange to be running off to another country with a whole different language. Kinda like we were nomadic people or something. I don't like that. I need to have a sense of home. So, I think that was working against the whole experience.
Saying that, we had an amazing day on Easter, when we went to the beach and just relaxed and let the stress of the last few months burn off us with the hot sun. We walked along the beach and stopped at a restaurant to have paella (my first time!) It was great, and I think as I get older I really appreciate the "do nothing" days of a vacation. On the other days of the journey, I was excited to find Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts: two of America's contributions to gourmet cuisine. Let me tell you, I have missed lattes in a to-go cup and donuts the past half year!! I think I had 3 lattes from Starbucks in addition to all the great Spanish lattes.
(Ok, but since all of you LIVE in the U.S. and can get all the Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts you want, this probably is of no significance to you.)
Back to Barcelona ... we spent a day shopping because I'm still wearing the winter clothes I packed in my suitcase in November. But I only bought some navy PF Flyers. (Damn!) We also went to the Picasso museum and visited lots of Gaudi architecture.
What turned out to be the biggest surprise was how happy I was to see Sweden when we flew into Copenhagen. Lewis agreed. I guess we have gotten used to our slower pace of life, and Barcelona seemed WAY too busy. It's nice to feel like this is becoming our home. A real relief actually.
Tilly had a good time while we were gone. We found a woman who watches dogs out at her house in the woods, about 20 minutes from here. Tilly made 2 new canine friends and went on lots of bicycle rides with Mette. I think she was depressed when we showed up and we brought her back into the tiny apartment. :)
Anyway, it's nice to feel like we're getting settled in, and we'll be psyched for you guys to come visit when we get the house! Also, it's very light now! The sun rises before 6 and sets at 9.
Hej då!
