Barcelona...the exploration begins!

So, last night after we posted we met our roommates who we fondly refer to by their country of origin, so we have Canada, Denmark, London, Honk Kong (or city), and London. Canada is a talker...I mean a serious talker. Canada is traveling alone and you can tell that lonliness has set in. Denmark drinks a lot, smokes a lot of the "special stuff", and is rather vulgar. London just wants to party and hook up and Hong Kong doesn't speak much English or speak much at all. Today we got some new roomies...thankfully. Canada and Denmark are still there, but the others left and we now have three from Australia...so we actually had to learn their names :)

Today we got up around 8, showered, had our complementary breakfast, and headed to the Barcelona Aquarium. It was pretty nice...nothing like the the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, but for its size had some nice exhibits including a cuttlefish reproduction tank. Very interesting (says the biology teacher in me) and very fun to see a mom and dad explain to their two 10 and under children what the cuttlefish were doing..."kissing", I think, was how the mom put it.

Next we walked through the Gothic Quarter to The Cathedral and went inside. It was absolutely beautiful, obviously, gothic in its style, but very detailed and intricate. The we headed up to the Placa Catalunya (a big square) where there are several large sculptures and lots of people watching to do! We ate lunch at Burger King (I am a bit ashamed), but Katie was dying for a cheeseburger and all admit I enjoyed my burger as well. We finished off the day walking around La Rambla a very high energy shopping area filled with locals and tourists and street performers. We saw some human statues, break dancers, and Spainish dancers. It was good times! We headed back to the hostel rested for a bit...chatted with Canada, of course, and then went out for dinner. I had some grilled swordfish (AWESOME) and Katie had pollo and patatas (chicken and fries). We finished off the night with a walk to the beach and are now ready to rest!

Tomorrow we are headed to the Picasso Museum, Olympic Stadium, and several other exciting places! Hope all is swell with everyone! We love you and miss you!

Amanda and Katie