Backtracking to Sitges

In mid September, ISA took us on an excursion for the say to a small town on the coast called Sitges (seat-ges, as in gesture). We met outside the University of Barcelona and loaded the busses.

We made a stop along the way to a vineyard and winery called Codorníu. The winery has been a family owned operation since the 16th century and is located on an absolutely breathtaking property. In 1872, the first bottle of Cava (Spanish sparkling wine, like Champagne) was produced! The cellars are enormous and we took a tour through them on trains pulled by 4x4s. It is not a place I would want to be lost in that is for sure! At the end of the tour we headed to the tasting room and got to try a Rosé and a blanc cava.

We hopped back on the busses and headed for Sitges, where we had the whole afternoon free. The beach in Sitges had fine white sand and the water was wonderfully! We took a long swim and then laid out to enjoy the warmth and sun of Spain! After a while, Lauren (a friend of mine also in the homestays) and I headed into the quaint town to find some paella (very typical Spanish dish). We had lunch and then spent the rest of the time wandering the town and finished our adventure with a much needed ice cream. We then crammed back on the busses to head back to Barcelona.

Not enough hours in a day

So as I am writing this, I should be doing about 10 other things. My blog is WAY behind and so are my pictures! So here goes for a quick update with more details to come later, they are already late so what's another 4 days.

Between the beginning of school and right now I have been to one of Spain's oldest Winerys, named Codorniu. They invented Cava. It was absolutely HUGE and gorgeous! But like I said, more about that later. After the tour of the winery we had the customary cava tasting then heading to another beach town named Sitges. Again, beautiful! We spent some time at the beach and wandering around.

The next weekend was a pretty relaxed one. Getting to know more local places of Barcelona, falling in love with art by local artists and I went to a Spanish Guitarist concert, he too was amazing. My friend Amy's dad came into town and Sunday night we spent time at a bar called The George Payne, and Irish pub that shows American football and Rugby and has traditional American bar food! Sometimes you just need a little dose of familiarity.

The next weekend was the largest festival in Barcelona called La Mercè. I cannot do this festival justice with an overview, so know there is A LOT to come related to it.

Last weekend 15 of us rented 3 cars and drove to the south of France to stay in a friend's country house. It was quite a different experience but so much fun! More about the 370 year old house without electricity to come, I promise!

Back to the present, I should be charging my camera batteries, charging my phone, packing, making sure I have my passport, wallet, boarding pass and anything else that I will need to get to and enjoy a long weekend in PORTUGAL. Eight of us are heading to Lisbon tomorrow and cannot wait! That being said, I have to wake up in a little over 5 hours to start the many metro and train rides to get to the airport on time. I feel like a broken record, but more about Portugal when I get back on Monday!!

Hasta Luego!