First off---HAPPY NEW YEAR 2008!
It's interesting how when I'd see anyone after the holidays we'd have the typical exchange:
"How was your holiday break?"
"Good. And yours?"
"Fine."
"Did you stay in town with family?"
"Oh, well, for part of it, but then I went to Barcelona with a small group of girls for 6 days."
Oh, the joy of the holidays. It's that large chunk of time that you get that either decide to do the typical fare and overestimate how much "stuff" you can get done around the house before heading back to work, or you're lucky (or crazy) enough to momentarily forget the fact that you're broke until you get back from a fabulous excursion to Europe with some close friends.
I had the joy of being able to do both. We spent most of the first part with the Dainton crew. Christmas tree and a big ham dinner (which isn't really that appetizing for a vegetarian) at the Grandparent's house. You know it's the typical American holiday, so it's important to abide and play along. I enjoyed myself, but I have to be honest that after another day of literally sitting around and watching others watch football or TV, I was ready for the new adventure just around the corner. Not many people knew that I was going, I was barely aware. I kept having to check the itinerary to make sure I knew when I was leaving and for how long. I don't think that I'm not sentimental, sure I enjoyed all the Christmas activities with the fam, and I missed the heck out of Brian and Noah while I was gone, but I seem to hold true the ability to know that they will be back and I'll be back and that it is a blip of time that will pass...and looking back it was a blip.
Tiffany and I traveled there and back together and we shared bunkbeds while there. It was INCREDIBLY easy to travel with her. I have a true ability to just BE when I'm with her. I'm not moody, or anxious, or needing to feel "over-positive" or having to make conversation...I think what it is is that sometimes I reflect the vibe that I'm given. I know that this is the case with many situations with relationships that I have. And I'm more unaware when or if I give out the vibe first or what my vibe is. Do I change? Well, not to get deep into that, but I truly believe that it was just an EASY trip.
Great food (pimientos de padron, manchego, paella, patatas bravas, olivas), great wine, beautiful people, amazing company and conversation...easy, easy, easy!
It was for Liz's bachelorette party, but I don't feel like we did much to celebrate that aspect (other than pulling out little penis toothpicks, relationship MadLibs, and LOTS of vino) other than talk about it A LOT. We did a lot of that...talking. Staying up til 4:30am talking. It was an easy and enjoyable trip and perhaps making me realize that life should be about that. About letting things be easy and relaxing as much as possible. Letting life lead a bit, while still taking an active and vested interest in it without always trying to direct it or worry about it. Although it happens, and that's okay, easy is always nice.
Places we saw and loved--La Familia Sagrada, Montjuic, Parque de Galle, La Rambla on New Year's Eve, and well, when it comes to Barcelona, all I have to say is visit Crepes de Born in El Born district. Well worth it, vale. :)
But, I will say that one of the best parts was getting to the Austin airport and seeing Noah run towards me saying "Mama!" And seeing the doting father waiting for a big hug. :)
“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” - Henry Miller
