take the bad with the good...

so lets start with the bad news...
Monday night I went out with my roommates to Ovella Negra (The Black Sheep), which is a cool tavern-like bar off Las Ramblas about a 15 minute walk from our flat. On the way home with Laurie, at about 2:30am, some little punk snuck up behind me and literally ripped my wristlet out of my hand. I ran after him but he went down a dark ally and it was too late. It´s definately the scariest thing that has ever happened to me and I keep replaying the situation over and over again in my head and thinking about what I could have done differently to avoid it. My roommates took care of me and helped me calm down because I was pretty shaken and emotional.
We were warned in orientation that 60% of us would be pick-pocketed at some point in Barcelona and now I am part of that statistic. I just need to learn to pay attention to my surroundings more carefully and stop being so trusting of everyone around me. Barcelona has always had a huge problem with theft and its mainly the tourists who they prey on. My cell phone was in there, as well as the keys to my apartment and all my IDs. Luckily I was not carrying my passport or any other important documents. So I had to go home and call PNC Bank and cancel my debit card, and now I have no way of getting any money until my new card comes in the mail, so I think my roommates will let me borrow. Its just so frustrating and a hassle that I wish I never had to deal with. Yesterday I went to the police station to report it, and the translator was trying to tell me that all of the pick-pockets are immigrants from Morrocco and that there is nothing they can do about lessening this crime. He basically made it seem like its not their fault if the theif is not Spanish and the police here should only take responsibility for the Spanish citizens. Well guess what, the kid who robbed me was definately not Morroccan and was most likely Spanish...
Now the good news. Sunday I went to Parc Guell with Kim and Claire and we just relaxed and strolled around. That night I went to Quinze Nitz (the 15th night) for dinner. It is a really popular place because the food is excellent but the chefs are still in training so the prices are very reasonable (at least for a seriously expensive city like Barcelona). Monday I spent the afternoon with my friend Sarah and we walked through the neighborhood of Born, but came back before it started to rain. Last night (Tuesday), CEA took us to see this amazing Flamenco show at a little place in Placa Reial. The music was bumpin and their rhythms are incredible. And you should see how fast these dancers move their feet!
The weather is still yucky and I am just looking forward to some sun and nicer temps so I can walk around all afternoon exploring places here.
Friday morning ... DUBLIN i cant wait!
xooxox
steph

take the bad with the good...

Barcelona, Spain