The beginning...

Of course I had to start my adventure with not only a little drama, but also a little extra fear for my papa... We arrived at the airport about an hour before my plan took off, perfect timing, until we realized that I had forgotten my carry on at home with ALL of my stuff in it. So we call Tommy, who is at Whole Fods, tell him to leave immediately and BOOK IT home to get my bag and then to the airport. After frantically pacing for the longest 45 minutes of my life, I get my back from Tommy, give Rodes and very quick goodbye hug, SPRINT through the airport and security, and make it to my gate right after they closed the doors...I missed my flight. Luckily, there was another flight that had room for me, I made my connection to Barcelona just in time, and made it safely to my hotel, Casa Fuster.

After a little nap, I decided to go wandering...explore a little bit. As I was walking, with absolutely no idea where I was headed, the first thing I noticed was the architecture, one of the things Barcelona is most famous for. It was as if each building, whether the Mcdonalds, an apartment building, or a hotel like mine, is so carefully planned, thought-out and designed. The intricacy of each and every structure of the city is nothing like I have ever seen before; it is absolutely mind blowing.

As I continued walking, I continued to observe. I was trying to take it all in, but there was so much to see, so much that was so foreign to me, that it was impossible to digest it all. I did, however, come upon a conclusion that will make things a little bit more interesting while I am here: the people aren't that warm. They aren't rude, but I believe the look at me, see an American tourist, and would rather keep their distance. I smiled at the people I passed on the sidewalk only to receive a turn of the head 75% of the time... I am definitely not in my Nashville bubble.

Towards the end of my walk, after getting a little bit lost for a little while, I finally found home...Starbucks.

It was so wonderful to see something familiar...everything about it was the same as it is at home. As i approached the barista, I even tried to order in Spanish and he just giggle, because at starbucks they order the coffee in English... so I once again just looked like a clueless American...

I have a great feeling about this. I miss home, and the combination of the anticipation of the unknown, and all the sad goodbyes last week nearly killed me... but I have a sense that once I get my sea legs, I am going to be at my prime. I miss you all, I love you all, but this independence and adventure is exactly what I needed for a little while.

xoxoxo