Adventure #21: Hanging with the Commander in Chief

In Barcelona, there exists a bar called ObamaBar.

Upon walking in, there in front of you is the leader of the world chilling and smiling on a bench.

 

Darling, you are so funny!

Can you tell how in love we are?

(Don't be jealous, Mary)

 

 

 



Adventure #20: Telling time

I was a little disappointed that the sundial was off.

Now that I think of it, they probably don't adjust for daylights savings.

Adventure #19: Meeting Fellow Black Americans

Being an American "black"girl travelling outside of the country, it isn't often I encounter one of my own.  I've encountered many Americans but I don't think I have ever met any of my African American sisters abroad.

 

Well, I can't say that anymore.

These two ladies were standing behind us in line at Sagrada Familia, one hailing from New York and the other from Philly.  It was so refreshing to talk "American" for a few brief minutes in line.

I think I creeped them out a little though waiting for them to pay just to get a picture with them.
I've got to work on my social skills.

Adventure #18: Blues in Barcelona

 

One of things I know about myself is that melancholy things make me happy.

I don't know why, but I find what I will loosely term a meditation on sadness restorative.

There is something about blues music that gets me.

I suppose it's the authenticity, the rawness of it.

It's like an expression all of one's hurt, so vulnerable, it is immune to judgement.

It's like what I feel when I go parking garage dancing.

The feeling of aliveness that comes from being completely immersed in the moment you are creating, without judging what it is or what it isn't.

Just being.

 

We went to this place called Rien de Rien in Barcelona where my old roommate, Tetiana, used to work as a cocktail waitress. 

They have live blues music every night (and amazing espresso martinis); we went twice.

The musicians remembered her,so we got to socialize a bit with them while they were on a break.

This is a picture of me with bass player/singer who is from Zimbabwe (singing American blues in Barcelona).  He referred to himself as my doobie brother..

Very fun and very talented guy.

 

 

Cory, me and Tetiana.

Tetiana always make this sexy face whenever she takes pictures, but she didn't do it this time.

My best attempt at it is below.

 



I just look like I am crossing my eyes and eating a lemon.

Sexy never works for me.

 



Adventure #12: The Todo Todo

I was disappointed that not a single Filipino joined me or even really knew what I was talking about.
This is for my girl, Dianne, and all my filipino peeps who dig the line dances.

Dianne's family used to have big parties every year for Christmas/New Years/various holidays.

All the aunties would gather in the living room and do line dances together and I would watch intently and shuffle my feet around until I got it right.

Crystal Almazan, your dancing was such an inspiration to me!

So, Dianne, enjoy my vaguely remembered Todo Todo!
Sorry the video is so short.
I just couldn't bear to continue recording incorrect line dancing!
(And I really can't get over how much I remind myself of my mom!)

Adventure #17: Rocking Horse

So, as interesting as the sights are from the hop on/hop off bus,  I was falling sleep.

We stopped off at Los Glories (i think), this outdoor mall for some recharging.

This rocking horse was in the middle of the food court and I just couldn't not ride it.

At first, I felt a little awkward being a grown woman, in a dress, climbing onto a children's ride.

But once I started rocking and closed my eyes and felt the love of the sun and caress of the breeze on my skin, it became transcendent.

Kids have the best stuff.

I wish that adults encouraged each other to be as free as they allow small children to be.

 

Adventure #16: Hop On/Hop Off Bus

A very easy way to see a new city is the hop on/hop off bus.  It's basically a shuttle service that takes you around to the major attractions and through the rest of the city where the real people live.

Sitting on the open second deck on a perfect day was really a slice of heaven.

I even put on some of my favorite music to create a soundtrack effect (mainly because the informational track was putting me to sleep) and it made the experience that much more rich.

Complete sensory overload.

I was much happier than the face below portrays.

 

A quick shot in front of La Pedrera, a building by Gaudi.

I seriously wonder if Tim Burton is at all inspired by his work.

 



 

 

Another Gaudi house, La Casa Batllo.  I can only imagine how amazing it was inside.