Desde el principio...

Hello everyone :)

Though the decision is a bit delayed, I've decided to start a blog. I realized after sending practically the same message to multiple people, that this would be the best avenue. The title is derived from my impression of the lifestyle here: Paella and Parties, or more general, eating and drinking. Meals are such an event here, especially dinner which isn't until 10 at night. People can stay at a restaurant for hours eating and drinking and enjoying life. The nightlife here also never ends. Most clubs don't close until 6 am and there's always people out... I'm not sure how anyone functions normally because the only problem I currently have with the city is lack of sleep. However compared to the blizzards and exams that everyone else is facing at home, I guess I can't complain ;)
  
Here is a recap of my first couple of weeks in Barcelona:

The first week was definitely a learning experience. Our apartment unfortunately turned out to be in not the best of locations and it didn't have internet, so we had to go on the hunt for a new one. After searching desperately online for hours after our spanish class each day, we finally found one in the Born area and started to enjoy the city instead of rushing around it.

My dad came to visit me last Sunday and it was so nice to see a familiar face. We toured the Cathedral and it was BEAUTIFUL! I can’t wait to go to mass there. The best part is that it’s right across the street from my new apartment.  We also visited Gaudi’s architecture – so beautiful! Here's just some of his beautiful work:

While here, Dad got addicted to "Cafe con leche" which is sweet and delicious coffee! He adapted very well to the lifestyle here, stopping at little cafes everywhere to get some. We also went to some very nice restaurants while he was here. The first was called Taller de Tapas which was a deIicous tapas restaurant. Some of my favorites included the croquetas, grilled calamari, and grilled peppers. Another restaurant we went to was called Salamanca and it was a very traditional Spanish restaurant. Of course we had some cava and had the most delicious sea bass. I was sad to see him go when he left Wednesday morning, but it was great to have him here!

School technically don’t start school until February 7^th, so we'll be leaving tomorrow to visit Sevilla and Granada until next Tuesday :)

Sorry this post was so long! I'll be sure to update more often so you won't have to read so much at once :)