Hasta la próxima, Barcelona.

Today has been my last full day in Barcelona, and what a day it's been! We leave for the beach tomorrow - I can't wait.

The past 2 days I've had free to do whatever I like. I went out both days and did some exploring. Yesterday I didn't really have a plan as such but I headed towards the Passeig de Gràcia. I went in all the clothes shops and found some new ones that I like, hopefully they'll be in Granada too. I tried not to buy a lot because of my baggage allowance on the way home but I got a few things.

I also popped into Orange to try and sort a Spanish sim card out but turns out I needed my passport. A really annoying situation occurred as well. When I walked up to the customer assistant, I explained that I have an English phone but I need a Spanish sim for my year abroad (in Spanish). The assistant then said 'Ah, English ....' then proceeded to explain everything in English rather than Spanish. I find this so annoying, LET ME SPEAK SPANISH!!

Afterwards, I went into the Catedral de Barcelona. It was absolutely stunning, you had to pay 6 euros but it was worth it. There are so many different sections to it including a garden and fountain. Afterwards, I bought a huge ice cream (2 scoops, mint choc chip & kinder chocolate) and sat in the sun. I walked back up through some small streets and found the Palau de la Generalitat. I walked home through Las Ramblas and took a detour on the way into Mercat St Josep - La boquería. It's an amazing food market. I bought a mango and coconut fruit juice and had a look around. It's well worth a visit. I took a slow walk back home, my feet were hurting from all the walking I'd done!

I got back and had a little siesta, skyped my parents then we went to the Italians' for dinner. We had prosciutto all the way from Bologna! (yes, they brought a whole leg of pig in their suitcase). It was delicious, we had it with melon and some bread. We got through 3 bottles of champagne too, given that it was our last night it was clearly going to be the best champagne. Each bottle was around 400euros. Absolutely mental. It was pretty good though!

Anyway, today I head out with the intention of seeing Casa Milà and La Iglesia de Santa María del Mar. I didn't actually go into Casa Milà, I was going to then I read that you couldn't take pictures. So I carried on - it was such a long walk. En route I saw some people getting off a bus and I thought, I really recognise those outfits. They were a group of castellers! I've learnt a lot about Els Castells in my Catalan Culture class at uni and I really really wanted to see it. So I decided to follow them. We ended up in front of the Cathedral (where I had been yesterday). The square was absolutely full of people and on the steps up to the cathedral there was a band. They started playing and then groups of people formed circles and began La Sardana (a typical Catalan dance). It was such a great atmosphere, I was so pleased I followed the castellers. 

After the Sardana had more or less finished, an instrument sounded and all the Castellers (there were 3 teams) began a procession towards where it was going to take place. I once again, followed. Each team had a few people who were playing the traditional instruments. We ended up down a random street. The first castell was a small one, maybe just to warm up, I'm not sure. After that, each team took it in turns to build their castle. Men, women, boys and girls all take part. Each team has their own colour top, and they wear white trousers. They wrap a black cloth around their stomach, then tie a red bandana round them too. I think this not only adds to their costumes, but also helps the people climbing on top of them as it gives extra support. All the big strong men help form the base, while more climb on top, and so on, until little toddlers climb all the way to the top, stick their hand in the air then climb down. It was amazing to watch and I'm so glad I got to finally see it. 

Once I'd watched all 3 teams, I headed off again. I went to the Santa María del Mar church. Núria had told me this was her favourite church and I can completely understand why. It was stunning. Although I'm not religious, I have really enjoy walking round these different churches. I was absolutely shattered walking back, it's a really long way but I had a good day. 

Tomorrow we're going to the beach. I will be sad to leave Barcelona because I've finally got my bearings and it is such an amazing city, That said, it's been a very tiring 10 days and I can't wait to get to the beach. I'll be spending my days making sure the girls do their homework,once that is done we can go swimming or go to the beach. Tara might even be coming one weekend!  It is going to be a calmer atmosphere. Hopefully I won't get any more sun burnt though!

Besos.