i fell in love in spain

So just like that, I wake up and suddenly, I'm wrapped up in a down jacket, surrounded by bratwursts instead of tapas, I have a mug of hot wine in my hands instead of a cold glass of tinto de verano and people are greeting me with "halo" instead of "hola."  I am definitely not in Spain anymore.

And get this... it is now 2012?!  Imagine that!

Barcelona seems to be but a distant memory now when it really has only been a month since I left.  Things seem to change with just a snap of your fingers.  And the older we get, the faster time flies.    I'm sure you all can share the same sentiment that life just happens way too fast.  Especially when you're jumping from one flight to the next, catching the next bus or train, flipping thru and collecting maps like receipts.  My life in 2011 seems all but a blur...

And just when I’m starting to settle in and really get a feel for Barcelona, I had to pack up and leave again. I could easily see myself building a life in Barca for the many reasons that beautiful city has to offer.   Way too many reasons to write about but for memory's sake, here's (almost) everything in a list and photos of why I fell in love with Barcelona.

:: Mediterranean weather.  Sunshine makes me a one happy girl.

:: Traditional meets cosmopolitan with a dash of bohemian vibe.

:: Tapas, tapas and more tapas.

:: My love/hate relationship with the Spanish siesta.
:: The energy, the people, the culture.

:: Best chai tea I've ever had (thanks to Ross and Lindsay) at Caj Chai in Born.  Their Choco Chai is to die for.

:: El Borne - a treasure trove of boutiques, artisan shops and quirky bars.

:: Living in Barri Gótic, the Gothic Quarter, and walking through small winding alleyways with medieval buildings.

:: Mine and Cassandra's affinity for gelato at  Gelaaati! de Marco.  Dark chocolate rice milk gelato and coffee soy gelato... a lactose-intolerant's serving of heaven in a cup.  

:: Morning run through Barceloneta and running as fast as I can away from the crepe stands with that dangerous scent of Nutella.

:: Patatas bravas with the salsa brava sauce and Tortilla Española, my go-to staples.

:: Burning off patatas bravas by walking to just about anywhere in the city.
:: Throwing elbows to get inside Can Paixano for some 0,98 cavas.  Totally worth the fight.

:: Afternoon glass of tinto de verano.

:: Bo de B, the best 4 euros you can spend on lunch or even dinner.  Think Subway concept but with your choice of fresh chicken, beef, or pork, grilled to order and topped with generous servings of fresh veggies.  

:: Gaudi all over the city.

:: Charming plazas and cafes in the Gracia neighborhood.
:: Peaceful, scenic climb up Montjüic.

:: My salsa dancing partners - stylishly dressed grandpas with their band of street performers - playing live salsa music at Plaça de Catalunya every Friday nights.

:: Modernist and medieval architecture all over the city. 

:: Graffiti on store front shutters.

:: Finding cute and charming cafés tucked in hidden alleys.
:: Being greeted good morning by our favorite Doner guy everytime we pass by... morning, noon or even at night.  Doesn't really matter the time of day, it's always a good morning!
:: Being greeted "hola, guapa" by sly Spanish men.
:: A sunny afternoon spent at Parc Ciutadellla.
:: How the city comes even more alive by dinner time, which is sometime after 10 pm.
:: Mojitos with tequila and brown sugar.
:: My god-sent Barcelona friends Brittany, Marta and Cesar.

[store front graffitis]

[one of my favorite cafés, en aparte]

[lillipep - another cute café in born]

[an artisan book binding shop]

[performers at Barceloneta]

[el born]

[random alley in born]

[la loca rambla]

[just outside my doorstep in barri gotico]

[gaudi]

[I will be back one day, Barca]