9.5 hours later...

I was invited by Maruxa to a party hosted by her closest friend last Saturday. It was a cookout. I was very excited to have my first experience of socializing with regular locals in a regular environment. I was a little aprehensive because Maru mentioned that there would be a lot of Spanish speakers there but I was totally game for the opportunity to meet more people. As it turned out there were several English speakers there and I also met two teachers. I met Maru at Diagonal where we caught the train to Horta...last stop. Id never been to Horta so I wasnt sure what to expect. When we arrived i found the neighborhood really something special. I could really feel the difference between the crazy hustle and bustle of the city center to this area...if felt more like a neighborhood should feel. There were shops yes, but more working class shops and apartment buildings but they had a feeling of being lived in by real families not just people making a temporary stop in Barcelona for a holiday. Overall I was really pleased by what I saw. I wasn't so pleased to discover that we had to walk up a very steep hill to get to the address we were looking for!

Cautionary Tale

I started my classes in Monday and it has so far been a really good idea. What works for me is that I am listening to Spanish with knowledge if what the conversation is all about. The format if the class is there are two instructors. For the first two hours Catalina speaks much slower and does a lot of descriptive gestures. We are allowed to speak English so the slower pace if helpful. The second two hours us spent with Veronica and she speaks rapid quick fire Spanish! First day I understood about 20% of what she said...the rest of the tine I was a deer in headlights...lol! It's gotten better and today I'd say that I comprehend about 70% of what she is saying. The class is an interesting mix. Two americans, one Indian, a Brit, two girls from holland and a girl from lithovania. During my second day in class during the break we started sharing about our experinces to date in Barcelona. The Indian guy had been mugged by 5 guys, the Brit was stuck living in an apartment with no lights, hot water and shower curtin. He said taking a "cold" shower included a mop up afterwards...lol! I shared about my Harper drama and lost passport. As I listened to them I started wondering why we all came and were attempting our level best to learn the language so we could remain and interact with our new friends and neighbors. Farah (the Indian guy) was retelling about an article he read that said that barcelona was the city you were most likely to get robbed in...lol! I watched his face as he told the story and you couldn't miss the hopeful light that still showed bright in his eyes. He obviously was still enthralled with the city. My thoughts wandered to all the stupid things I'd done in the 17 days since arriving that could have sent someone packing for home? The first and most obvious is the missing paper work for Harper. I can admit that there were moments that I did not think he was going to be able to enter Spain. Those are really big events but I´ve also done some smaller actions that can make you scratch her your head with wonder. I had been doing my shopping at a grocery store on the Ramblas which is too far from the temporary flat, probably and 15 minute walk. But imagine carrying groceries...UGHHH! Well for the first week here I pretty much only traveled in a straight line around my neighborhood. I did not venture down to many of the calles because honestly they just looked scary. Well one day I got up the nerve to do it...I was with Harper and he doesn´t let anyone get to close to me without them earning a growl or a bark (I love that dog!), anyway the calle that I could see from the balcony of my flat actually led to another grocery store! Yes there was another larger mercado less than 100 yards from where I was staying!!! If I´d just walked side to side I would have discovered. I felt pretty stupid about that one. Another situation was buying Harper´s dog food. One of the shops down from my flat was a small pet shop and I walked in to buy dog food. The brands sold in the US really aren´t offered here so Harper was going to have to change. I did not want to buy a huge bag of dog food just in case he did not like it. Well I got something that looked okay but when I got the counter to pay the women pulled open a notebook. I felt a bit of dread. She ran her finger down the column, looked up and smiled at me. I´m not sure what the smile really meant but I´m interepting it as¨SUCKER!!¨ She rings me up and the dog food is 18euro...which translates to about $25.00 US Dollars for a small bag of dog food!!!! Before I left the states my friend John told me that dog food in Europe was very expensive but crap!!!...my groceries for the week had only been 24 euros...at this rate Harper had better food than me. I was thinking this dog is going to eat me out of house and home...luckily I found another store that sells less expensive dog food and Harper likes it! So what have I learned from my not so pretty situations in Spain...well one is a walking a straight line limits your experience and narrows your view! Anyway...I feel a bit like my friend from class...the city still enthralls me despite the momentary setbacks:-)

My new neighbors

I meet one of my new neighbors. He is an older Spanish man who lives in the attic apartment. Sarita mentioned that he had dogs that might be great play mates for Harper. I've lived here for a week and I've heard the man on the stairs with his digs a couple if times. Honestly they sound like aan angry wild pack of wolves....lol I hear him trying to control them as he is going up the stairs. Their nails clawing into the contrete stairs. Harper has gone nearly insane when they've passed our door! I've actually been a little frightened by the noise of the dogs...they sound like they might attack for no reason. Well yesterday morning after returning from our walk I heard them coming down the stairs...snarling and clawing their way. I could hear the old man tell them to esperete (wait in Spanish) I'm sad to say that I was gripped by fear by the sounds they were making. It's really hard to see up my stairwelll, it's dark and has four levels to each flight, so all I could do was hear their approach. I looked down at Harper and nearly psnicked he was getting all amped up anticipating the encounter. Harper isn't one to back down from a confrontation. Sometimes I sm appalled by harpers readiness to jump into s fray. It is totally the terrier in him. He's pulling at the leash so I start backing back down the stairs, thinking I'd just wait in the vestibule until tje old man comes down the stairs. I DID NOT want to try and pass him in the narrow stairwell. Harper is getting more and more excited so I think maybe I should just go back outside the entry door from the calle and wait. I'm really in a quandry because the snarling, growling and clawing is getting louder and closer! I make the decision to just leave and I'm trying to yank Harper out the door when i look up and finally got a look at the motely crew of demon dogs...OMG!!! They are three chihauhaus! I couldn't believe it!! All that noise and struggle coming from three dogs that probably weigh 7-8 pounds each!

Milestones

Today is interesting for many reasons.  One I´ve been in Spain for about 17 days and if I were really on vacation it would be around this time that I would have boarded a plane to return home.  So this is the end of my tourist mode.  As of today I move into resident mode.  And how appropriate that TODAY I move into my new flat!  It was not supposed to move until tomorrow, but Sarita called and said that I could move in tonight!  Awesome!  So I have been here over two weeks and some say that many things have happened pretty easily for me; such as finding an apartment so quickly and according to Anna easily.  I agree that this process has gone much smoother than I thought and I can say that I am deeply appreciative.  I was really nervous about wiring such a large sum of money to a virtual stranger in a foreign country but I am sure Sarita feels the same about renting her appartment.  The process was basically I met with her mother, Donnatella (beautiful Italiana) on Monday evening and fell in love with the flat.  It is large (relatively speaking) and reasonable for the neighborhood.  I will be living in Barrio Gotic which is in the city center near almost everything.  I guess a good place to start for someone still learning the city and barri´s.  Anna lives in Mont Juic and she thought I should look there.  We did see a great flat owned by her boss but it wasnt furnished.  Since I dont want to commit to buying furniture here it did not work. Mont Juic is less touristic so it is a good place to keep in mind once at the end of my lease if I decide to move.  I am happy to be out of my small studio.  I find that I stay in more there...odd but it makes me want to hybernate.  There are probably other factors.  I think also because I have been living out of a suitcase for the last six month; knowing that the studio is temporary has maintained the feeling of not being settled within me.  I cant wait to upack my suitcase...starting TONIGHT!  Tomorrow is a big day.  I begin my Spanish language classess. Four hours a day of speaking Spanish!  Very exciting!  Speaking of exciting...it has been a very exciting week.  I am still processing some of what has happened so right now I¨m not writing about it.  It¨s nothing horrible, just unexpected encounters:-)  Sounds cryptic!  LOL. 
So let me recap my milestones:
1.  Secured a permanent flat
2.  Surpassed the number of days that I´ve ever stayed in Europe
3.  Managing to comprehend more and more Spanish that is spoken around
4.  Have stopped mumbling in Spanish when I speak with people
5.  Enrolled myself in Spanish language classes
6.  Have spent time with two women that I can see a deep friendship developing
7.  Some of the fear that had gripped me each morning has lessened

Regarding the last point.  I acknowledged to Maru that each day I woke up gripped with fear of failure and uncertainty.  Those feeling were in mortal combat with hopefulness and excitement.  On some days fear and uncertainty won out and I did not leave my flat.  On others I was able to venture out and navigate the city with some success.  On Tueseday night I met Maru for a movie.  I travelled by train to a new neighborhood and arrived at the meeting spot a little early.  It gave me time to people watch.  I watched people waiting and meeting eachother at the metro stop.  I was struck at the joy the expressed at seeing eachother.  Real joy!  I didnt know if they had just seen eachother at work or had just had lunch with each other earlier that day...but at the moment they saw eachother I could have sworn that they greeted eachtohter with the joy one experiences from not having seen a friend in a long period of time.  I sat there smiling as lovers, friends, husbands and wives embraced.  At that moment I realized one of the reasons I came to Barcelona...the people here have a boundless joy about life.  They share it, arent stingy with the love and affection.  Just then Maru walks from the metro and comes over to me...two kisses to the checks...HOLA Guapa! she says...I am happy because I am apart of this joy!

Spy game

Drama... Is what happens when an American losses a passport in a foreign country...DRAMA!!!! So here I am again at the American Embassy trying to replace my passport. I know the ropes by now but somehow I am still very unsettled.  I think it is because I can´t believe I´m having to do this AGAIN.  Deep breathing helps some.  I think the best way to deal is one must keep a good sense of humor and patience about yourself. Look at it as a civics lesson or a lesson in international relations...lol. But keep faith that all things will work itself out. Crazy experience getting my passport...been down this road before but the protocal for entering the American embassy has changed in Barcelona since I was here last. Instead of just entering through the front and going through the checkpoint you know have walk around to the side door that is kind of hidden, knock three times and wait. A guard opens the door gives the once over and motions you to wait and close the door...am I bewildered...yes. He come back and motions you in after a few minutes. It felt like some bad spy movie scene, all cloak and dagger espinoge bullshit. I kept waiting for him to ask me for my code name... I think I would have responded Jason Bourne...lol!  Giggling helps too and acknowledging the absurdity of this whole situation!!!  I feel better...Im in BARCELONA!!!

Starting to socialize

I had the great pleasure of meeting Anna on Wednesday night and I can say my visit with her came a a very good time.  I was starting to feel a little isolated; not being able to understand or be understood.  I find that I mumble when forced to speak in the stores and avoid eye contact.  I really feel like a chicken but I am frozen everytime someone says something to me!  So visiting with Anna was great timing.  She asked me to meet her in Poble Sec to view a flat that her boss owns so this was an opportunity for a little bit of an adventure that I could succeed with.  This would be my first visit to Anna´s so the challenge for me was good I get there.  Small assignment but at this stage I need a victory!  So Anna gave me the direction and in less than 20 minutes I met her at the station exactly where she said to meet her!  Awesome!

So what is the the plan?

Ok today finally feels like how I felt my first day in barcelona would feel. I´ve finally gotten possesion of my dog and went are on our first walk!!!! I left my flat with a sense of peace, rightness and wonder. Where would the day take me and what was on my agenda. I figured the most important thing was to give Harper a good walk after being caught in customs for three days. Later we'd stop eat breakfast and walk so more. I wanted hIm good and tired when we arrived back at the flat. As I started walking away from our flat I started notice reAlly for the first time alo of the intersting shops along the way. Stops for fresh fruit, groceries, laundry mat and clothing stores. The Born district is an eccletic mix of artsey boheimian old Spanish influence. I feel really transformed here, a sense of freedom that I haven't felt in years. My step is a little lighter and quicker, although not as quick as the spaniards! I'm 5'7 with a pretty long stride but man these little old ladies effortlessly leave me in the dust. I wonder where on the hell are they going in such a rush but I quickly realize they aren't rushing; this pace is just the energy of the city. It's frantic and highly charged like a live wire while managing to hang onto the mañana, mañana mantra.

Another thing I notice as I walk is how fit most everyone is! It easy to understand because the city walks toor bike rides almost everywhere! So as Im walking I planning my path to thinness:-) I have 5 weeks before school starts and nothing but time to walk, run and watch my diet; which as already improved since being here. I examine that a litte closer because I'm an acknowledged emotional eater and possibly the sense of peace I'm feeling is helping in that area. I don't feel the raveanous hunger I'd surely have felt by this time in the morning if I'd been back in the states. My appetite has curved and food choices here are more natural. So I'm walking and imaging my great debut as thinner, happier Charlotte in about 4 weeks! I plan on attending my meetup eventwhile I´m getting fit, but in 4-5 weeks I'd would be well on the path to Barcelona fitness and ready and open for some hot Spaniard to sweep me off my feet! Yep...sounds like a sound plan to me! I'm smiling and walking and walking...aha! the ZOO! Doesnt look terribly large, maybe I´ll do the zoo one day soon.  Walking,walking through the Garden Park, same place as the concert I attended in August with Lluis, down toward the beach and Olympic village. Pace is good, Harpers sniffing and pissing his way to happiness,the weather is fabulous and life is good! Awwww... The beach... How beautiful! I love the water! There are lots of runners and so far Harpers doing pretty good. He hasn't attacked anyone and people have walked very close to us and we have encountered many bicyclist. I am hoping to get him used to the energy and closeness of the city so he doesnt become nervous and want to snap at people. I´ve got his treats and MUZZLE in case things get a little sticky.  We walk along the pathway along the marina for about 20 minutes. Harper keeps jumping up on the wall to get a look at the water! He is so excited! We walk a little further and I find a little stretch of deserted beach so I figure this is a good a place as any to test out Harper reaction to the sea. We go down on the beach and he doesnt know quite know what to make of the tide! He wants a drink of water but he has never before had water chase him! Hahaha! It's funny! He finally loses his desire for a drink and decides that the water is his new toy! His goal is not to have the water get him wet! He loses good naturedly many times. Awww... Good boy!   Next he discovers the sand and starts digging like crazy! I'm laughing at his antics when suddenly a man appears from the left. I don't hear him because I have my headphones on and fucking Harper doesn´t do his normal attach thing when someone gets to close to me.  Instead he runs up to the stranger for some petting! Before I can reel Harper in, anticipating his usual violent reaction to men I am further surprised by Harpers tailwagging, rolling over for his belly to be scratched move.  Needless to say my jaw is hanging from it´s hinges, THIS can´t be my DOG. I'm surprised as hell that Harper is all hugs and kisses and I finally get a good look at the guy. OK Harper isn´t gay but I admit he´s got good taste.  The guy is really cute, all Spanish with dark hair and eyes about 5'10 and all smiles! Hola Quapa he says... Awww shit! I wasn't planning on encountering anyone today and I'm not even thinking of pulling out my limited Spanish. I still feel stretched thin from having to deal with the last three days of getting Harper through customs. Hola que tal! I say back praying that this will be the end of the friendly gesture.  But of course not....wouldn't you know it he responds in what sounds like rapid fire Spanish to me. Ok deer in headlights!  I´m trying to make sense of what he just said and how to respond...honestly if he had not have been so cute I would have hidden behind"no habla espanol". He squats down beside me and is so engaging. I quickly tell him my Spanish is vey limited and he laughs and says the same about his English. For the next 30 minutes Juan sits with me watching Harper scamper and dig. The two of use stubble through the language gap enough to learn a few facts about eachother. What is clear is that he is flirting and trying to pick me up...lol. This isn't intended to be some cheesey romance novel but this IS what is happening! As in the case he has exhausted his English and my Spanish stalls. So my first spanish flirtation comes to end. I'm not sure if wenhave agreed to meet again or what but he says he has to go and leans in for what I assume is the European dos besos. But nope he full on kisses me in the lips!!!! He says quiero besos quapa and kisses me again..full on with a little tongue. Okay I'm shocked, flattered and wondering if I'm not some monumental slut for participating in this kiss...with a stranger...on the beach in Barcelona! And what style this guy has... one arm wrapped around my neck/shoulders and the other hand caressing my check...okay slut or no... I'm liking this! He looks at me smiles rubs his nose against mine and shakes his head, I'm wondering if he thinking the same thing i'm thinking?  Anyway Juan leaves with what I feel is with some regret. He keeps looking back and we waive at eachother until he is out of sight.  Ok...so much for my plan of attention from a hot Spainard for another 4 or 5 weeks. So I´m sitting there with this silly grin on my face thinking ¨wow¨... what was THAT?!  I sit for while longer letting Harper tire himself out. I look up and Juan is returning.  Holy crap! He comes back down to the beach and wants to know if  he can drive me home. Okay I still think he is cute and I´ve heard that Europeans move faster BUT in America we don´t do this unless we want to run the risk of gettinig chopped up into a million little pieces.  So I stopped the cutie and thanked him and sent him on his way.  I watched him walk off and get into his car...a Volvo SUV...okay maybe he wasn´t an ax murderer. 

So I am sad to see Juan go but still on cloud nine for his unexpected attention.  I walk back along the boardwalk and see another stretch of beach to take a rest.  I sit down, kind of preoccupied with getting Harper situated.  I look up in time to see a NAKED man walk past me.  Yes NAKED as the day he was born.  Somehow I´m now on the NUDE beach.  To my left is an older man stripping down to nothing and diving into the sea...did I mention it is still pretty cool out...no more than 60 degrees so I´m sure the water isn´t too much warmer than that.  I look behind me and there is another group of nudies...in the distance so I cant really make out anything accept that they are naked. LOL!  I love Barcelona!!!  To my right there is a group of guys setting up for a volleyball game. I wonder...NUDE volleyball?!  HAHAHA!  Im 12 years old again because I entertain myself with the thought of ALL those BALLS flying!  Well...Ím getting hungry and Harper and I have been out for 3.5 hours time to head home.  All in all AWESOME day and it´s only lunch time!