Ocho: “Read part 5”

The 3 kings at their parade

The crowd at the 3 Kings Parade

People watching the parade from the buildings

I woke up feeling blue for the first time since I graduated. Read part 5 for more info.

Daytime

Nightime

I spent the day doing some research about potential projects, internships, jobs… basically anything.


I emailed a prof who has done research in Catalonia before and he responded immediately, saying he was in Barcelona, visiting family and trying to get funding for a project that would begin next year. I asked him if he had any ongoing projects or knew anyone who does.

I’m reaching out to as many contacts as I can. This prof responded that he didn’t have anything happening until next year. He is keeping an ear peeled. Is that the expression? It sounds/looks weird right now.

Sagrada... nuff said

I also emailed my Water: Ethics, Policies and Law prof to ask if he knew any info on the course/certificate I want to do. He sent out emails to two people in water management that were guest speakers in my class. Helpful people are wonderful. So much better than unhelpful people.

I’ve also been in touch with one of my many amazing cousins who has contacts all over the place. He was super helpful and has sent emails to some friends who work in water issues in Europe (mainly Spain, France and the Netherlands). I’ve already heard back from one person who referred me to a man in Barcelona who does work against water privatization of municipal water. I sent him a message earlier. BAM! I may not be the best planner, but I get stuff done when I want to. I also messaged my honours supervisors to ask about the next step for publishing my research. Waiting on their response.

Other than a slew of emails and research, I’ve had a lazy past two days. The three kings parade was epic. SOOOOOOO MANY PEOPLE. All the floats throw candy at the crowd... but they throw it really hard. And it's hard candy... I got hit in the face by a piece. I actually thought my glasses had broken. HAHAHAHAH. It sounds even more ridiculous written down.

Parc Guell Viaduct

Underside of the viaduct

Yesterday I spent the afternoon exploring Parc Guell again, listening to music (*L: I need that playlist from you, I’ve been really into the Yeasayer, Bombay Bicycle Club and Mystery Jets that you introduced me to!). I found a nice patch of grass in the sun and just sat and people watched. Barcelona may just be the best city for people watching that I’ve ever been to.

There are so many different accents and types of people. Also, the kids here are so incredible cute! They ALMOST compare to my adorable little cousins. This one little boy was running along the path behind me and then jumped onto the grass beside me to pose for a picture for his mom. The adorable part was that he sat down in lotus pose and pretended to meditate. So CUTE.

Kid in Parc Guell popping bubbles

Did I mention that I booked a flight for the UK to visit friends, family and family friends? I’m sitting at the airport right now, waiting for a flight to Bristol to visit one of my wives and recent travel buddy. The plan is to surprise another friend/family friend and then get some advice from her. This woman is amazing. I have known her for most of my life and have had the pleasure of traveling with her before. We recently started plotting another adventure together. She emailed a while ago to say that she had some projects to propose… I’m excited to hear what they are.

Floor stone in Santa Maria del Mar

But before that, I get to see a bestie who I haven’t seen in months… CAN’T WAIT!

8.1

I’m sitting in an airport terminal at the time when I should be on a plane. Either I’ve missed the flight, or it’s delayed. The terminal is pretty small and filled with British accents. There isn’t a single representative from EasyJet anywhere in sight and if the screens are to be trusted, my flight will be 2 hours late… approximately. If the screens aren’t to be trusted… then it’s going to be a looooong day.

Just a really cool shadow in front of the old Roman wall

My flight is basically going to be leaving when I’m supposed to be landing, leaving my friend waiting for me at a bus station in Bristol. This terminal has no phones, since cell phones are the new lifeline, landlines seem to have disappeared in the past few years. I remember a time when phone booths lined the streets. Now if you want to contact someone when you are cellphoneless, you better make friends reaalllly quickly with someone who has that lifeline.

There is a scrolling text on the bottom of the flight schedule screen saying that they won’t announce departures over the loud speaker, so we have to try and guess which door our flight leaves from. Fun. I’ve had more flight and transportation issues here than anywhere else in the world.

8.2

IN BRISTOL!!! LOOOOVVVVVEEEEEEE