The UK: Takin' the Piss with Scots and Brits

Edinburgh: Visiting an Acquaintance, Forming a Friendship    

   

The Castle 

I landed in Edinburgh, a beautiful student town that my best friend Caitlin told me I would adore. I only had one night and most of the following day there so I wanted to make the most of it. I was staying with a friend who I had met 6 years prior in Cadiz, Spain where I was taking a Spanish program for high school. Although we were in the same friends group there, she was only around for one week, and we didn't spend that much time together. But when I was in Europe we got in contact on Facebook and I jumped at the opportunity to visit her. Staying with locals is way better than staying in hostels. 
    

It was very easy to begin the friendship again. I love how with some people you can ease swiftly into relationships and deep meaningful conversation. After I dropped my bags at her place we walked to the old man's pub where she works to drink a pint. We then made our way to Arthur's Seat, a lookout point. The ground was a wee wet so I almost ate shit multiple times, but phew we finally made it to the hilltop. Twilight conversation while gazing at the stars. Then as the cold began to seep in we made our way back to her flat. A great warm sleep and the next morning I made my way into the city center. 

The Vintage Shop

       I had found a nice vegetarian lunch spot recommended on a blog, but along the way I got tempted by a massage shop. My mind was a bit uneasy with the thought of only a week or so of my euro trip left. So I splurged to clear my mind and indulged in much needed relaxation. Afterwards, I made it to the vegan cafe where I had haggis and soup. Very yummy and filling. Onward to check out the beautiful city, passing pretty cobblestone streets. I took a walk through Princes Park, snapped some shots of the castle on the hilltop, and then ventured to a Internet cafe to print my bus pass to Glasgow. 

Fried Mars Bars 

    My friend Lisa then met me to walk around some more. She showed me some quirky shops including this vintage place where I wish I had been before Halloween. Such classic items and pretty affordable. Again, wishing I had the money and room in my bag to fulfill the retail gap I've had. Before heading back to her place to grab my bags for the bus we stopped in and bought a deep fried Mars bar. This was something she said she had never tried but was a very Scottish thing. Although the few bites I had were delicious, I could feel a heart attack coming along. Hugs and thank yous and off to Glasgow.

Glasgow: A Quick New Zealand Reunion

      

Cave Campout Rave, Long Beach, New Zealand

Guy Fawkes 2010

The bus ride was fast and soon enough by nighttime I was at my friend Niamh's place. As I was riding in, fireworks were going off everywhere. No, not to my arrival, it was Guy Fawkes Day. 

Still beautiful, and I still felt special. (I love naturally, un-planned, coming into places on Holidays. . . there just by fate) And the last time I had celebrated Guy Fawkes Day was in New Zealand. This was fitting, as I was reuniting with a former Scarfie (student of Otago University) I studied with 2 years ago in New Zealand. It was such a crazy adventure altogether, memories and events are so fresh in my mind that I felt like I just left the Kiwis, but so much has happened in between now and then at the same time. Time, a concept I am trying to understand. Off to do some pub hopping and fill up on cider before we went to bed.

Fall Colors of Glasgow University 

One of the Rooms (Not my Picture)

  The next day I explored the Glasgow campus-beautiful. But it made me miss being a student, I'm a dork and I kinda crave the classroom again. (But I don't want my next step to be grad school). I go to all things free. Glasgow University holds a museum and The Macintosh House, a famous architects house, which included a free tour. I didn't know anything about the architect before I started the tour, I was just told that it was a "must-do". Well, turned out a very awkward experience. I was the only one on the tour, so I got a private viewing, with a shy man accompanied by a security woman. He would introduce me to the room, speak for a minute (sometimes less), and then be silent as I walked around. I asked questions about the patterns, but the rooms were so simple. . .there really wasn't anything more to ask about. And he wouldn't show me to a new room, he just stared blank, so I just started showing myself out. It was pretty hilarious. In one room, I asked a question with a one word response, and the security woman just laughed at the awkward silence after. 
       
A long walk in the park, a much needed cider break, and then dinner with Niamh at a burger joint. We went to this cool church turned into a multiple story bar/club.
       
      The following morning I said my goodbye to Niamh and headed to the city center before my bus departure to London. I watched crazy street performers, took shelter in a bookstore while it rained, and then went to a cool ethnic tea shop before I left.

 On my way out of the shop it started pissing outside again so I sprinted in to a hotel, sat in a chair and began reading. I looked up and two officers were in front of me. I immediately apologized saying that I wasn't staying in the hotel and I'd get up and leave. Instead, they asked my name and insisted I stop with my American accent. I was confused. They told me there was a missing girl and I matched the description exactly. I handed over all my identification to explain to them I really was American and that I definitely wasn't lost. They escorted me to the nearest police station, told me I was safe and that I needed to start telling the truth. It was a very confusing situation. At first I didn't want to go off with them, but I also didn't want to create a commotion, they kindly showed me their badges as confirmation and I obliged. After an hour of security checks, I had a handful of management and officers apologizing for the mixup. Yes, it was completely stressful, and yes it is weird I have a look-a-like, I didn't even get her name;But if I had been kidnapped, I would want an intense investigation, and that much makes it all worth it. Plus, all these crazy situations continue to help me develop how to act and communicate. 
  A long bus to London, made more entertaining with some scotch...when in Scotland, right? 

London: My Love, Like a Cinema, I Could Watch You Forever

I landed at my friends place early in the morning and took a nap until 1030. Cori is one of my lacrosse girls from college, and we are a pretty great duo. After taking me to some markets and her favorite shops she decided to skip out on class, and we did some bar hopping. That night we went to a spot in between a bar and club, good music and it used to be a horse stable, so cool venue. I think the stables cost a few hundred pounds a night, but we got away with hanging in them gratis. Then the rest of the night was the dance floor. A funny bus ride back helping deal with one of her mates. Once back at her flat we realized her iPhone, along with 2 of her friends was stolen. Such shit luck. Mine had been glued to my hand all night as I had been a paparazzi, so no picket pocketing on me. 

Tower of London

   The following morning we did more searching for her phone and then got a Facebook message from her mom "call me". Turns out the cops had called her grandad and had her iPhone. The thief had gotten arrested that night, and had a pocket full of cell phones. We went to the station to provide a statement and learned 8 cellphones get stolen a night at this place. Looks like I won't be going back to Proud, although it was fun. While Cori was piecing together the night to the detective I leaned back a bit to stretch. Out of no where an alarm sounded. The detective pressed a bunch of keys and left the room. Turns out I leaned back on this red stripe that alarms the whole station and sends a message to every officer in London. Oopsies. Good thing the detective could laugh. 


       We explored some more of the city. The bridge, the Tower of London, and then some grub. More pregaming with her college buddies, oh how I wish I was still in school. Then off to check out the night scene. One of Cori's friend and I snuck off to share a small bottle-wow are drink prices expensive in London. Well, actually everything is expensive in London. The pound is crazy, basically double it to see what the price would be in dollars. Lots of dancing, lots of fun.
    The following day we did a bit of too much sleeping in. Then we met one of my friends at the Camden markets which was such a cool experience. Reuniting with my best friend's cousin, catching up while walking around the different international street food, different stalls of accessories...so much shopping. BUT so little money.. I had checked my bank account that morning and learned I was in the negative. Well, I thought I would come back to America with a few hundred...I guess, broke it is. 

That night we went to a Benny Benassi concert with a great pre and post lineup-Zedd, Dirtyphonics, Gemini. 10PM to 6AM, I'd never been to such a long show. But the beats were insane, and the crowd was awesome. It was an awesome experience, great vibes, happy people, and the love of music. About 3,000 were at the start of the concert and only 20 of us made it until the last drop. I was pretty proud. Getting back to the flat at 7AM I packed up my stuff and left to make my bus ride at 8AM. 

   As I went to board the bus to Paris, I was asked where my check in was. What check in? I'd taken megabus a handful of times and had never heard of such a thing. Well, turns out I didn't read the fine fine print, and my passport caused issues again. I watched as my bus departed. Fuck, shit, bollocks. Waiting in line to see if there was another bus. I was stressed. No buses until tomorrow night said the clerk. I had a plane to the US, and I would be getting there without enough time to make it. 
    I hate crying. But after 30 minutes pleading with the desk clerk and him telling me "it was just too bad", that I'd have to reschedule my flight...the tears rolled down. I was already borrowing, this would just mean more debt. As I was wiping away my last tear and taking a deep breath, thinking how my brother would get my emotions under control, I repeated his words in my head "just stop". When I opened my eyes a friendly smile had a handkerchief for me. The Brit had overheard my debate with the clerk, and he insisted I take his ticket for the next bus and that he would postpone his trip. Random acts of kindness, the generosity of strangers, I couldn't help but leap at him and give him a gigantic hug. Within the next hour I was off to Paris for my last two nights in Europe. 
  Sometimes I forget how fortunate I am. I have to always remember that no situation is never the end of the world. Goodbye London, it's been real, an epic city that I will have to return to. For sure. 

Dublin: An American Bird Visiting a Bunch of Lads

  So the reason I could pay for this whole adventure was because of working hard in the Hamptons this past summer (combined with a graduation present from my rents). Well, at the end of the summer I became great friends with a handful of Irish guys. We had some epic, crazy times together...so including Ireland into my euro trip was basically a must. I was told to visit during Halloween, so I stayed for a few days at my friend Jamie's during this hallowday season. 

      Although it took a while to find them at the airport, I was soon at my friends gaff (house). First thoughts of Ireland-it's freezing. But after studying in New Zealand at the southernmost university in the world, I tended to take their bitching at the cold as them just being wussies. That night some of the lads came over and we did some predrinking (pregaming) before we went out. A ton of people were dressed up at the club so I was a little out of my element, but it was good fun. And the taxi drive home, I think that just made the night. The taxi driver was this African guy who wasn't taking anyones shit, I think he pulled over like 3 times trying to kick us out. Our friend up front was constantly repeating "ess normalleee" and pretending he was Italian. The driver kept on screaming "you cause big problem". I was giggling in my seat, but slightly afraid of this maniac driver and his screeching voice. 
   The following day we all slept in late, chilled around, and I took my first dose of television in my entire trip. Just sitting and chilling was something I actually needed after the constant boom, boom, boom, touristy thing after another. I was fully enjoying the laziness. 

Running View before the Rain, I can see the water!!!

        The following morning I woke up early and went on a run through the neighborhood, leaving the side door cracked as not have to wake everyone by buzzing to get in. Of course I got lost. It turned into a far too brave idea to attempt a run. I was in shorts and a tshirt, it was drizzling and cold. But a hot shower made all better. 

That night was Halloween, so I decided on a cowgirl because I couldn't find any kitty ears at the shop. After bedazzling my hat and feeling like a 12 year old again, my costume was ready. We went to some friends place, full of lads :D then a birds (girls) place, a club, and a casino. This was the first time that I was surrounded by a bunch of Irish girls, damn do they pile on that makeup. I was not up to par with the fashion show. To each their own. Once on the street a bunch of fireworks were going off, and everytime they did my friend kept on picking up his phone. He was pulled over by a cop and scolded at, although he clearly wasn't involved, my silly self, for a second, thought he was part of the CIA. Haha.

Lads in their costumes

   The next morning and I woke up not in the right element- on the wrong side of the bed, you may say. My mind was all over the place, and I just wanted to get out of there. Maybe it was the fact I was in one place for so long, I'm not really sure. But I was planning on leaving and taking a bus to Galway for the next few days. It was a torture of planning, and I ended up just hanging out for the day. I cooked up some veggies for dinner, and got some relaxation from that. I miss cooking, I miss my kitchen. Prison Break until snooze time.

    The next morning I woke up and realized it was my last day. Another run and this time I managed to find a soccer field to do some plyos, damn do I miss my lax girls. Having other people push you to go faster, go harder, having someone else feel the pain with you. I went into town with a new friend who showed me around St Stephens Greens park and to essential sites, like Temple Bar, Dublin's famous party hub where I'd visited the night before. I enjoyed the cobblestone streets, I enjoyed the street performers...but I was happy we hopped back on the bus when it started raining again. Is that weather annoying or what!  

   That night we went to a DJ concert, Nicky Romero. The boys might not have gotten their tickets in the most kosher of ways, using the rents Paypal account, but it sure was worth it. The Irish sure know how to have a good time. I got lost a bunch but was completely fine with jumping within a random crowd. A really fun concert with a whole bunch of love. They all tend to stay up until the following morning, and although I had this energy in Spain, I couldn't muster the strength to stay up so late in this country. 

Best Lads

  The next morning came around and I was supposed to be leaving. But I felt like I was just really beginning my trip and starting to be where I wanted, so I decided to postpone my journey by a day. Maybe a careless decision to miss my flight, but I couldn't get myself to leave. My friend told me I could stay but that we weren't going out again...I was completely good with this. Dominoes pizza and Lord of the Rings to bring the night to an end (Damn does that movie remind me of New Zealand and all my kiwi friends). 
    I finally departed the following day for Edinburgh, Scotland. Boarding the plane I thought about how sometimes there is so much I want to change after I leave a destination. A quote from Carrie Bradshaw, from the classic show "Sex and the City" pretty much sums up where my head was at. So many roads, so many detours. So many choices, so many mistakes. As we drive along this road called life, occasionally a gal will find herself lost. When that happens, I guess she has to let go of the coulda, shoulda, woulda, buckle up and just keep going. 
    There is definitely a place in my heart for these lads...hopefully we will reunite again in the future. If not, if I'm ever bored in life I know where I can escape to have an epic time. 

Granada: I could live here forever...

One Tree House

I took a bus from Valencia to Granada, a long 10 hour journey but a beautiful ride. Once I arrived I took another bus, and another bus to my final destination-the Albayzin quarter. Of course I got off one stop too late, as I always seem to do. This district is known for maintaining the culture and history of the medieval moorish past with narrow, winding cobblestone streets.
    The weather was pretty poor-Granada is known for its constant sun, so I was a bit surprised. It was nighttime when I entered so I spent some time catching up on the Internet, then climbed into the cabin style room. I digged the atmosphere at this place, very hippie like to match the Albayzin culture. The staff turned into great friends by the end of the stay, my time spent in the hostel was filled with jam sessions on the guitar and drums, and some chill time in the tree house. Yes, my hostel had a tree house. If I hadn't had a flight booked for Dublin, and I didn't have the urgency of arriving for Halloween, I think I would have extended my stay. It was just too much of paradise.
    Granada is the first place that I think is utterly beautiful, and is also somewhere I feel I could fit in. At this point in my trip through Spain my fluency and ease of speaking the language had improved, and I was managing to speak with almost everyone in the native tongue.
   

The following night I joined some fellow backpackers to tapas. My best friend Lauren had told me tapas in Granada were the best-wow was she right. We went to two different bars, ordered some drinks, and every beer comes with a tapas of your choice. Although I enjoyed being with fellow Americans, I get annoyed that being grouped with them marks me as a tourist. Whereas when I go out alone, I'm approached with a sense of local exchange. But company is always nice. That day I went to El Sacremento, the cave district. Usually people who can't pay for electricity and rent find housing in the caves. Some of the people actually have beautiful homes and the place has been passed down through their family. I was invited into one cave and fed a bunch of beer, while I was allowed to look around and had great conversation. The cave people are very kind people, they welcome visitors, and they love company. Maybe some day I will live in a cave.

       The next day I went shopping through the Arab markets. But I was interested in way too much stuff, it was all so indie style and hippy patterns. Moments like these make me wish I had an endless budget. So after some breaking of the bank, I got some solo tapas, spent some time in the tree house, and then went to La Alhambra for a night visit of the palace.

Wow, was it breathtaking. All lit up and the palace I entered was adorned with such complex geometric patterns. I was in one room for 20 minutes just staring up. I kept thinking how long it must have taken to chisel out the ceiling like that, how many hands were at work. And all these Arab phrases-although I had no idea what they meant, I could still appreciate the beauty. It was nice taking this night walk, but I noticed that many people were just walking through taking in the spectacle solely from their cameras lens. I think that is a little sad, they were just taking a snap and on to the next room. How do you appreciate things without seeing them with the naked eye first? The only reason I take photos is because I find an appreciation from my raw eye. Some music jam time when I returned, and I feel asleep in the tree house to the beats.
     The following morning I went with a fellow American to La Alhambra again. I was able to check out the gardens and some other palaces in the daylight with my double pass. The only unfortunate thing about the daytime, and it was finally a sunny day in Granada, was how crowded the whole area was. I had to use my crop magic to keep people out of my photos. I became so engrossed with the garden, I swear I spent about 20 minutes on just one picture of a flower. My American friend from Cali overheard that the sultan of the palace used to demand every visitor bring a plant or flower from their country, which explained the diversity in the gardens. And the whole of the place has maintained the same upkeep as was originally demanded, so it really looks like it once did.

   This was my last night so I started drinking with my hostel crew. Some Kiwi, a few west coast Americans, and some Spaniards. We all took a sunset walk to a huge hill, the view was killer. I mean, who wouldn't want to live in such a beautiful place? The city was nestled within the mountains so perfectly. And the people are just so nice and inviting. Over the hill we walked through the woods into a crazy rave. Some lights, an iPod tune setup, and about 100 people. We were passing a few family beers around to share among the group. Yes, family beers...that is what Granada makes of a group, it quickly changes them into a family. That is the magic of this place. I took a walk with an American girl, and wow...an amazing view of the Sierra Nevada snow capped mountains illuminated by the moonlight. Yep, Granada is a special place. The last jam sesh brought my time to an end and I took a quick 2 hr nap before grabbing a taxi for the airport.

Daylight View of Sierra Nevada Mountains

   All in all Granada was more than I could have imagined. All my Spanish friends/encounters had praised Granada as the best of the best. But it wasn't until I spent 4 days there that I gained such high appreciation for the place. Great tapas, kind people, and usually sunny weather. I will return and stay at the Makuto Guesthouse again, that is a fact.

Mi Vida Continua a Barcelona y Valencia

Another morning departure, the last train ride of my eurail pass. I could have used another week of it, the buses and trains are ridiculously expensive over here. Well, that is in terms of what the rest of Europe has been like. One way from Madrid to Barcelona was 130euros, so the last day of the eurail came in very handy. I'd say for the convenience and the ease of use the eurail was super helpful, and I'm pretty sure I more than broke even. But if I buy it again, I will be smarter and breakdown my journey, making sure if with the extra reservations it is still worth it.
   I got off the train and written bus instructions for myself, but I got completely lost trying to find it. To add, it was raining out. But grumbling around with my backpack and tote in hand, I was so stubborn. Looking back, I was like my dad when he is lost, not wanting to ask anyone for directions because he can figure it out himself. Well, after getting pretty soaked and adding an extra hour or so to my journey I found the right bus. While on the bus it was super crowded and the driver was a complete grump. I got on and he didn't even give me a moment to grab a handle. With a 18kilo backpack on and nothing nearby to hold onto, besides an old lady, I went flying. Seriously though, I flew. Landing on the ground face first. Fuck, shit. I started uncontrollably laughing as I lifted myself up. All the Spaniards were just staring. It was pretty embarrassing as I had another 15 minutes on the bus, and no one asked if I was ok. So I giggled about how clumsy I was while the bus was completely silent. Ayayayayyyyy

Fountain Nearby Hostel

My hostel was a site to be seen. Located centrally in the city center. Reviews had said it was new, but it was like super, super new. Sufficient check in process that landed me in a room with what looked like comfy beds each with a curtain. A curtain, alright let's see how I can jump up there. (Open curtain). Oh shit, umm sorry haha (close curtain. Girls voice "sorry I didn't know the bed was taken"). I was laughing pretty hard, and some young sorority college girls were laughing too. A 12 bed suite, I guess something kinky had to be happening.
      So after explaining to the cleaning lady in spanish that someone was having sex in my bed and that I would need the sheets changed she was a little pissed but was totally cool with it. I was happy to be talking with the Spanish staff, everyone basically spoke English in Barcelona. It's such a tourist place so it makes sense, but when I try and speak to you in your own language can you at least give me a chance? I mean, there were times by the end of the trip where I would just speak English, it was easier and since I wasn't forced to I just yielded to my national tongue. I guess I should have just demanded to speak Spanish to everyone for practice's sake. But sometimes its nice for someone to understand your every word, not like the first grader speech my Spanish spits out. Ok, I'll give myself more credit, maybe 3rd grader haha.

Harbor Bridge Near Shipyard

    Meanwhile my sheets were being changed, I toured the city and did some napping by the harbor. Reminded me of Charleston, with all those palm tree lined paths by the waterway. Yeah I miss my home, Charleston,SC just got voted this year for #1 city to visit in the world, last year we received #1 city to visit in the US. But nothing compares to being able to flitter around Europe, dipping my feet in here, testing the waters out there. I am living the life. A walk back past the Column of Columbus, pointing to the New World (woop woop). And back to the hostel to figure out directions to this fountain that had a night light show and some restaurant my college friend suggested. But once showered and changed, an Aussie girl and guy handed me a beer and insisted I skull it. Alright. These two came from a bigger group from my room, of about 8 Aussies and Kiwis. I decided to F the tourism and join the socialness.

Statue of Columbus

     A great night to follow. One of my favorites was this placed called Chupitos, specializing in crazy shot concotions...and all only 2euro. My favorite this flaming one with whipped cream. Yum! Barcelona is renowned for pick pocketers, the worst in Europe, so I had pretty good clutch on my handbag at all times. A great night, and the two sexing it ended up including the birthday boy so I guess my bed was a birthday present. But once I got home, ready for clean sheets, this sorority girl has a note on my bed with curtains closed "hey, I wanted to be closer to my friends hope its ok to switch". Yeah sure sorority girl, do as however you please....I didn't really want that bed anyway.

Flaming Chupitos

     I woke up the next morning to say goodbye to the crew. Just one night and we got insanely close having an insanely good time. I was pretty spent the next day, one too many chupitos, maybe. I decided not to waste the day away and took some good sun to work, going to Park Guell. It was a gorgeous park, so quirky and edgy, and with a kiwi, mango, banana juice drink the day was getting better. These juice places are so popular in Europe, seen them in Amsterdam and Spain especially. Just the juice, think it would be good place to start up in Charleston. After the park I headed to La Boqueria, this open market hidden on the side streets. It was much fun, so much food to buy, to eat, meats, fish, tapas, juices, chocolate, Spanish ham, olives....the list could go on and on. Such a spectacle, a really cool place I would love to buy my local food from if I lived there. Energy dissipated so I went back to the hostel, ate lunch at the hostel, super good food, super cheap prices. Then I got in touch with my lacrosse friend, who is studying abroad this semester, and went to her boyfriends place. Friendly faces are so great. For dinner I went to a spot my friend from school recommended, La Negra Rosa, great find and great raspberry mojito. I spent that night just chilling, it was rainy, and Spain always makes me feel like I haven't slept at all. You go out until 6, you get up at 10, and if you don't take a siesta you are dead. So there I was, dead in bed.

La Boqueria

    The next morning I took my luck at another good weather session early in the day. The Arc de Triumph, La Sagrada Familia, and two parks. I went to a tapas place for lunch-my favorites: croquetas y chorizitos. But this old man, I could sense he was the boss, started talking to me from the bar. Asked me to drink, I said water, he said "your in Spain, vino blanco o sangria". white wine it was, the old man moved to the seat opposite me. And then he began to talk to me in English, no Id like to practice my English, he said he was from Florida, I'd still like to practice. Although this old man was funny, he was yelling my tapas order over and over again, it was obvious he just wanted to talk to a pretty girl. He gasped when I corrected "nina" for "adulto" and when he learned I was 22, not 18 like he thought. I guess I'm not as old as I think I look. Anyways, although conversation was light and friendly, there is only a certain amount of time you can get hit on by an old geezer. So I proceeded to my map and made it obvious I had other things to do. That night there was some event that was going on in the hangout area, so I opted for the outside lounge for a bit. Three college cats were outside as well and we ending up talking. The two guys study abroad in Holland, the one girl studies abroad in Florence-oh wait let me correct myself "interns" she thought her college internship semester counted as her not being a college student. I really wasn't judging, but "so the internship is for your degree...your still studying then?" "Well, yeah I need it to graduate, but I'm, like, not in college, I'm, like, an intern you see." So funny. Free drink arrived because of the party they were hosting, and it was a great last night in Barcelona.

My Favorite Park, La Ciutat

Jardines Del Turia

    Early AM ride to the bus station. Last minute style. Running to catch it, like a school kid. To Barcelona right? I said in Spanish, no not to Barcelona. I was so confused, shit wrong bus. He goes to Valencia? Then I remembered yes that's where I'm going. Sometimes I forget what point I am in my journey, so many places...hahaha opps. (American Girl smiles)
      I'm getting better at this direction process, I map quested on my phone  to my hostel ahead of time so I had directions, and I landed there! Not the best of hostels, but they had a kitchen and a terrace. The first day I just walked to a bunch of parks, ordered the churros and hot chocolate while taking a break by this beautiful fountain. 

That night I went to bed early and could sense I was getting really sick. The next morning I knew it was strep, went to the pharmacy, talked a bit, and boom-antibiotics. 8euros. No talking to doctors and getting tested, no insurance needed, nothing like that. So easy, which is just what I needed when I didn't have the energy for anything. I cooked myself up some soup and that was my only move of the day, kicked it by the TV for the rest of it. Since I only get a certain amount of time in each place, doing anything besides walking around and taking in the sites has been mentally considered just being lazy. But I'm sick, I have a fever, I think even a tourist has to take a day off. However crapy I felt, I swear it was as if I'd gotten myself all dolled up for a ball. Everyone in the hostel kept on calling me "bonita" (pretty) and wanting to chat with me. I didn't feel pretty and really wished everyone would stop talking to me, I just wanted to watch tv in Spanish subtitles. Please and thank you.

My favorite piece

    I mustered up the strength to take a walk around the city that night. I hadn't done anything all day and I needed some movement. I walked around and enjoyed staring at all the graffiti in the area. It was amazing how the outside walls was basically an art exhibit, but better. The graffiti in Valencia is renowned and you basically see murals on the street everywhere. I walked by a guy spraying graffiti and watched him create his masterpiece, the following day I went back through the city to capture the beauty of the street art world.
    The following day I woke up and felt slightly better, I could tell the meds were kicking in. Back home this would warrant another couch day, but as my last day in Valencia I mustered the energy to do some walking. And at night I took the bus to "La ciudad de las ciencias y artes"...it was another world. Architecture so futuristic, and the way it was illuminated-so breathtaking. I spent a while just walking around it, watching the buildings sparkle against the water with their tilled design creating the effect. A beautiful end to a good destination. And the strep throat was going away...wahoo for antibiotics!

La Ciudad De Las Ciencias Y Artes