Disco/Running

Friday-Saturday, January 21 and 22

First experience at a discoteca: I should probably start at the beginning de la noche. (Minor detail: I made a 30 minute walk into a 50 minute walk. Solid.) I met up with the girls at a plaza around 11:30. A bar promoter pointed us to this shot bar where we paid .50 cents for a mysterious blue mixed shot. We then decided to buy 3 bottles of wine and split them among the 6 of us. Mistake. Afterwards, we spotted a bar (that smelled a bit like rotten cheese) and the others ordered a cerveza muy grande. We met a local that fell in love with Sarah. She is his princess (see below). From there, it was discoteca time. $10 euro cover that included 2 free drinks. Vodka y limon. We hung out and danced until nearly 4 a.m. Best decision of the night = taxi for $5 euro.  The morning was not my friend to say the least. I told Catalina “me duele el estomago” and with that, she whipped up this herbal tea that tasted like apple juice that apparently is good for your digestion. Sweet!

While a bit hungover, I made the trek to el centro to meet some girls. I took them to the mercadillo near my house, which was a big hit. The market is very overwhelming but everything is muy barrato (cheap). We even practiced our bargaining skills. I bought a shirt for $4 and a bag of gummy bears for $1.  Win.

 "My princess! I love Sarah the most."

 Guapas!

The Spanish love their Fanta.

Sunday 1/23/11

Slept in until 11:30 a.m. For all who know me really well, this is a very strange occurrence. I’m generally an early riser and like to get a good start to my day… it could be the blinds that completely close out all light…or some left over jet lag exhaustion?  Yo no se.

I threw on my running clothes, then looked out the window and realized it was snowing. Yes! I put on my earmuffs and running gloves and said adios to my senora. It was a great feeling to finally be able to get out there. It also helped me get my bearings around the city, which was much needed to say the least.  Solid start with 4 miles…I guess I’m not in shape to run the Barcelona Marathon on March 6^th then, huh… Watch out Chicago Marathon in October!

Running is a strange experience in Spain. I get some strange looks from old men here. Maybe it was the spandex pants?  I also got some cat calls, one being something like “Hola- oh la la…guapa!!”  I guess it’s more of a compliment here than in the U.S.?