Barthhhhhhhelona!
Trip Start
May 04, 2006
1
5
7
Trip End
May 22, 2006
Barcelona,
Spain
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Barcelona seems to be built for mischief. No matter what it is you want or where you need to go to get it, there will surely be several dark dank alleyways you will venture down with small groups of people puffing big clouds of smoke and avoiding the drops of water coming from fire escapes and gathering in black puddles in the streets
A blue peugot was our vessel
. Seriously, downtown Barcelona was a bit like Gotham City. I loved it.We only had one full day to see Barcelona so we did our best to wake up early and get our tourist shoes on (which would be reefs - all the stupid Americans are identified by flip-flops). Walking down La Rambla we oogled at the street performers, ooohhed and ahhhed at all the delectable delights at La Boqueria, the city's largest outdoor market, and coued over the baby animals for sale at different vendors along the street (if you ever need baby ducklings this would be the place to find them). We walked and walked and walked until we saw what we were looking for, Case Batillo, one of Antoni Gaudi's famous architectural structures. If you don't know Gaudi, his edifices (I know I like an elitist retard saying 'structures' and 'edifices', but I just can't bring myself to call his stuff buildings or apartments because they are all monuments to architectural innovation - fancy pants lingo is allowed as far as I'm concerned.) are pure crazy modernist genius. I was totally in awe walking through the place. We went to two more of his great works, La Pedrerra and La Segrada De Familia. We didn't have time to go inside La Pedrerra unfortunately because we wanted to save as much time for La Segrada, a MASSIVE unfinished church with three separate sections representing different aspects of Jesus' Nativity, Passion, and Renunciation (I think)
About to enter Spain
. It was built in the very early part of the century and after Gaudi was run over by a tram (yes a tram not a train) in 1926 it was left with at least a centuries worth of work for future architects to complete it (it's supposed to be finished by 2026). I know absolutely zilch about architecture, but this thing is such a work of art it would take a total fool (and I'm just topping 45% fool) not to appreciate it.So after our day of sightseeing we were pretty exhausted. We went back to our hotel to recharge for the evening, and it was a very big evening indeed. We just happened to pick an exciting night to be in Barcelona - a qualifying match for the world cup was being played in Paris - Barca vs Arsenal which really means Spain is going to war on the soccer field against England. When we ventured out again La Rambla was starting to fills with fans carrying signs and wearing soccer jerseys, once we arrived at our restaurant (in search of what was rumored to be one of the best places in the city for Paella) erratic screams and cheers were swelling up from bars and houses with big televisions all of the city. The manager at the restaurant we picked seated us with an enthusiastic "Go Barthelona!!!" and seemed in exceptionally good spirits even with Arsenal leading the game as we started our meal. We ordered our food. Barca scored, a free bottle of wine finds its way to our table
As we're trying to find our hotel, snapping shots
. We cheer having just finished the first bottle of wine we ordered and, to support the team of course. As the meal continues we become the last party. Barca scores again, time is running out and Voila!!!! Barcelona prevails!!!! Garbage trucks are honking as they drive down the street and people are running in stampedes screaming and waving flags. The three of us are all thoroughly intoxicated and giddy with all the excitement. James, the manager, (we 're all on a first name basis now) brings out bottles champagne, some to drink some to take silly photos with he basically joins our table for the remainder of the evening. In addition to free desserts and lots more free champagne, we received special commemorative medallions James had left over from a 100 year anniversary party the restaurant had held a few years ago and a private tour of the Queens dining room, yes she has her own private dining room. It was easily one of the most memorable dinners of my life.
Unfortunately moments after we left the restaurant, my memory has been totally erased. The last thing I remember is walking down the street a few feet and puking my guts out. This was because I had about the same amount to drink as my buddy Scott, who is 6'2 and 180 lbs - just a lil bigger than my midget self
Casa Batillo
. The next thing I remember is waking up in my hotel room in the comfort of my bed with an extremely large trash can next to me for damage control. I have never suffered a complete blackout before, actually I had never gotten so drunk that I puked before so this was as much a novelty as it was a complete embarrassment, especially after I was briefed on the rest of the nights activities- how after I refused to walk Scott had to carry me, bitching and whining back to our hotel through crowds of screaming soccer fans. How I was totally incoherent as Katryn dragged me into the shower to clean myself up and get ready for bed ( Kathryn asked me if I needed help taking my clothes off and responded with the utmost confidence, "CIRCULAR FONT" perplexing her beyond recognition. (As far as I know, "circular font" does not exist, except in the depths of my drunken soul.)I was sick and hung over for the 8 hour drive back to Angouleme, and though I NEVER want to be that drunk ever again, I have nothing but fond memories of the night (thanks to aforementioned blackout) and I don't think I would change a thing about my whole trip, this included. 
