Hanging Around Barcelona

After Southern France, the logical next step was Northern Spain.  I'm disappointed when I reflect on our decision making that we skipped San Sebastian, but we were anxious to make it to Barcelona to have a few days to unwind.  We planned for 3 days of  sitting on the beach, and exploring the famous nightlife - so that's exactly what we did.

 

 

 

I believe Chanelle and I had more fun on this jungle gym than the little kids!

It's such a unique bonding experience to travel with someone, especially your sister.  Chanelle and I had the opportunity to get to know each other in a whole new light, which is rare for siblings at our age.  Chanelle and I proved to be exceptional travel companions.  She had the laid-back personality that would force me to slow down my fast-pace way of living so I could take in my surroundings with meticulous attention.  In return, I offered her a little motivation to get up and moving in order to optimize time to see the absurd amount there was to be seen in every city. 


We both agreed that the "Feet Up" hostel we stayed in in Barcelona was our favorite.  We met the friendliest most out-going people there, which was perfect because going out on the town is much better in a large group.  The evenings were spent over a few beers in the common room playing card games and chess before venturing out to explore the night life in the sleepless city...



Chanelle and I at Feet Up Hostel



Christmas Came Early

Chanelle's second host family, Patrick and Celine, were the most unique people I had encountered thus far in my life.  If Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause actually existed, I'd imagine they would take form in these two.  Their 24/7 jolliness was unfathomable.

I could not imagine a house more fitting for Southern France

Partick is a retired banker that owns a 200 year old mansion on property so large it contains it's own forest.  It's comical actually, for when we rolled up for dinner one evening the local girl scouts had asked him if they could do their annual camping retreat in his backyard.  We were greeted by 60 Cub Scouts with their 30 tents sprawled across the forest of his backyard, having bonfires and roasting S'mores. 





The Hot Tub Room!

Alongside his forest, he has a dance patio (his philosophy is that 30 minutes of dancing a day keeps all bad moods away), a separate hot tub facility (which would be more likely to keep my bad moods away), 5 donkeys, and 2 ponies.  It was a zoo. 

Celine slaved away in the kitchen but not in vain.  The food she concocted would put any master chef to shame.  The whole evening she would randomly shout out:

"Lenai! You are so happy, and I am so happy, we are all just so happy!" with more genuine enthusiasm I knew the human body was capable of.   I want to create a miniature version of this lady, so I can pull her out of my pocket every time I need a moment of encouragement. 

She told me that they throw parties in their 5 star resort of a home almost every weekend. 

"Oh, we just LOVE parties! My favorites are weddings. When you get married, you come here, and I'll play ze wedding song on the piano for you! I LOVE to play that song on the piano! Yes, you must come back!"

You don't have to ask me twice Celine. I will gladly get married in your magical forest of a backyard and ride donkeys off into the sunset. 




Patrick and his Ponies



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