Tak For Minderne, Danmark

I can't believe the semester is now over. I can't believe that four months slipped by so quickly. I can't believe I am finishing up an internship in Baltimore and that, if I'm being realistic, I may never be in Denmark again.

I miss all my friends at the IPC. I miss the inappropriate yet oddly insightful conversations we used to have on the one and a half hour commute from Helsingør to Nørreport. I miss the fresh baked bread every morning. I miss the twenty kronor cherry wine. 

I haven't yet wrapped my mind around the fact that there may never be an opportunity to see all the people that made IPC into a home all together again. When I think about how our fellowship will now be reduced from rowdy house parties to disparate visits, I can't help but feel that I took our relationship for granted.

Before I get too sad, here a few pick-me-ups I stumbled upon online.

Why should YOU choose Denmark? 14 Reasons everyone needs to move to Denmark immediately

(One thing they neglect to mention...Denmark is freaking COLD.)

And for those of you who are looking for different sources of...pleasure...during your study abroad experience...another interesting fact about Denmark! >:]

All jokes aside, THANKS DENMARK. Even though there were days I dreamed of lying on the sunny beaches back in California, I am nothing but grateful for the wonderful four months I spent there! To living and learning! :)

How to Fly Ryanair

I've been nice and lazy the last couple days, killing hours by lounging around in bed and watching trashy American TV (RuPaul's Drag Race, anyone?). As I wait for my last load of laundry ever to be done at IPC to finish, I figured I might as well attempt to be productive and write this guide that I'd promised to give weeks ago.

When I came to Denmark in January, it was my first European experience. My friend, a seasoned traveler who spent his gap year backpacking through Europe, advised me to take whatever opportunity I had to travel. Travel between European countries was apparently dirt cheap, especially if I used budget airlines such as Ryanair or Easyjet.

Come February, I started looking for affordable trips out of Copenhagen. Ryanair had the cheapest flights (roundtrip to Barcelona ~ $36), except they only departed from Malmö, Sweden. Undeterred, I bought the tickets anyways, figuring that Malmö couldn't be that difficult to get to. Wrong. To save you all the giant pain in the rear, here is a breakdown of the best ways to get to Malmö, warnings about flying Ryanair, and general tips on how to travel on a budget.

How To Get To Malmö:

I currently know of two ways to get to Malmö (unless you have someone willing to drive you or are able to shell out the cash for a taxi).

1.) Gråhundbus from Copenhagen Central Station to Malmö Airport -- 
         Exactly what it sounds like, this is a bus you can take directly from Copenhagen Central Station to the Malmö Airport. It's a pretty cheap option at 100 DKK, however it only runs at select times through the day, with a different schedule depending on the day of the week. If you're lucky and your flight lines up with the bus schedule, or you find that you are willing to arrive early and wait, this is probably the best option.  Make sure you board the 737 bus and NOT the 999 bus, which will take you to Malmo central station, located another 40 minutes or so from the Malmo airport. Don't worry about buying tickets online, you can purchase them directly from the bus driver. (Approximate travel time = 50 minutes)

2.) Regional Train + Flygbussarna Airport Shuttle --

         If you are unfortunate enough to not have a flight that aligns perfect with the Gråhundbus schedule (My flight would have required that I wait 8 hours at the Malmö airport), fear not, you can always take the regional train to Malmö Central station then the Flygbussarna airport coach to Malmö airport. The cost of a train ticket to Malmö Central from Copenhagen Central is 86 DKK. If you are traveling with a friend, I recommend buying a family ticket, which gives you two adult tickets for around 76 DKK each. You can buy these tickets at any DSB office. One is conveniently located around the corner from the Nørreport station. You can buy Flygbussarna Airport shuttle tickets online. Make sure you buy a youth ticket and keep in mind that buying in advance will save you around 10 DKK. The Flygbussarna shuttle also departs at specific times, so be sure to check the timetable on the website linked above. (Approximate time = a little less than 2 hours.) The Flygbussarna shuttle stop is located across the bridge from Malmö Central, be on the lookout for a white bus with a rainbow painted on its side. The shuttle will drop you off right in front of the airport.

Flying Ryanair

1.) Baggage Nazis -- Do NOT fly Ryanair if you are incapable of packing lightly. Ryanair is always looking for ways to charge their passengers. One of the easiest ways is through extremely strict baggage regulations. Ryanair also charges insane amounts for checked bags (You don't get any free checked bags, and checked bags are charged for by weight), so when you travel Ryanair, you want to be sure to limit yourself to a carry on only. Baggage size restrictions are strict and if you fail to comply, they will force you to check your bag or simply deny you boarding. Before boarding, airline personnel come around with a little basket to make sure your carry-on fits size regulations. If your bag doesn't fit, you will be charged...happily. 

2.) Document Checking -- If you are a non-EU citizen (that means YOU, Americans), you will need to arrive a little early at the airport and get your boarding pass stamped. It doesn't take too long, they just take a look at your passport, but you will have to queue so time your arrival accordingly. If your boarding pass isn't stamped, you will be turned away at the boarding desk and not allowed to board.

3.) Boarding Passes -- PRINT THEM IN ADVANCE. If you have them printed at the airport, you will be charged 60 euros per boarding pass. Holy shit! That's probably more than you paid for the ticket itself.  Ryanair allows  passengers to check in 15 days before departure. We traveled to Barcelona, then Palma, then back to Malmö within 8 days, all on Ryanair. That means we checked in for all three flights ahead of time, printed out, and brought three boarding passes each. Don't be this woman. 

4.) Check Location of Arrival Airport -- Like, really check it. For example, Ryanair flies into Girona airport, but advertises it under Barcelona. Girona is about 70 minutes away from Barcelona...which can pose a real problem if you didn't know that in advance. Make sure you know exactly where you are landing and how to get to wherever you want to go afterwards.

Anyways, bottom line is, Ryanair is cheap...but it makes up for it with all sorts of assholery. They are always looking for excuses to charge you up the wazoo: here is a list of possible penalties and fees. Also, don't look for amazing passenger service.  But if you are low maintenance and on a budget, however, Ryanair will definitely do the job in getting you from Point A to Point B.

Tips to Traveling on a Budget:

1.) You Have to Eat --When you're living somewhere that meals are provided for you on a daily basis, it's easy to forget that you actually have to pay to eat. When you're traveling and you plan on paying for each meal YOU. WILL. BE. POOR. If you really must skimp, you can eat two meals a day (brunch + dinner) or even better, cook every once in a while. I'm not telling you to not try native foods (because really, what would be the point of traveling then), but just plan ahead and be mindful of your budget.

2.) Transportation -- I can't emphasize enough how important it is to plan ahead. Make sure you have calculated for transportation in your budget. Whether it's the shuttle to and from the airport, or just for daily excursions throughout the city, look into day passes or the native equivalent of a klippekort. Even better, WALK. Each ride on public transport in Barcelona was about 2 euros, but with a T10 card, we paid 9.80 euros for 10 trips, split among multiple people. Research beforehand really does pay off!

Well, my laundry is just about done. Hopefully, this proves helpful to future DIS globetrotters. Happy travels!

Beginning of the End

I've been swamped these past two weeks with final papers and exams, but with three papers turned in and my only exam out of the way, I'm FREEEEE....to blog. I'm officially done with my time at DIS. It's hard to believe that I've already been in Denmark for four months and a day. With the end in sight (I leave this Friday for London to rendez-vous with my sister), I just want to thank some of the Danes who have made my study abroad experience so great.

First off, to the volunteers at Cafe Paraplyen:

I'm going to miss this cute little green awning...even though
 Comic Sans really should be outlawed.

Every single volunteer at the Cafe, has treated me so well over the past few months. Even though I would drop in and out because of travel breaks, they always greeted me with a smile and made sure I was fed...a lot. I'm definitely going to miss early morning breakfasts with that NASTY-ass cheese and singing hymns before starting the day of work. I was extremely blessed to have the opportunity to interact with both young and older Danes, and even more lucky to catch a rare glimpse of the Danish religious scene. My time spent here has taught me to better appreciate the free-thinking and tolerant ways of the Danes, and has taught me what it means to find fellowship in hard work. 

Mads, washing those dishes like a boss.

Master Chef John showing off the meal of the day.

Preparing the pickled beets for the next day.

I will always remember Cafe Paraplyen, or Cafe Umbrella, as a place that all are welcome -- Danes, Americans, young, old, employed, unemployed, healthy, disabled, gay, straight -- to call home.

I also spent the weekend with the Ehlerns, my visiting family. DIS could not have matched me with a more perfect family. Karina once worked as an au pere very close to where I live in California. When Kristian heard that I love food, he pulled no punches in wowing me at every meal I was invited to in their household. Whether it was lungfish roe on rye bread, crepes, lemon-butter cod, or barbecue roast pork, Kristian does not mess around. Mm. He may be single-handedly responsible for about five of the pounds I gained in Denmark. During the evenings I've spent with the Ehlerns, I've had some of the deepest conversations of my life.

Sitting down for a Saturday morning breakfast.

My visiting brothers are also unbelievably cute. Nielse is always showing me some crazy Parkour video on Youtube. Kalle offers me candies that aren't licorice, bless his heart. And how can I forget my adopted baby, Ofelia. That dog is PRECIOUS, I'm going to miss her so much!

Nielse climbing a tree....

The Ehlerns are going to be visiting the States this summer. They used to be a host family and one of their previous DIS students is hosting them in Maryland. We've made plans to meet up and I can't wait to show them a good time...and a good meal. :) 

Could not have asked for a better Danish family. 

Tak for the memories, Denmark!

May Day

I've been looking forward to May Day ever since I heard about it during Orientation week. The thought of this day eventually coming got me through the frost-bite inducing 19-degree weather for the past three or four months. It's hard to believe that my time at DIS is going to be over in a little more than two weeks. When I think back upon my experiences here years and years from now, I'm going to blithely gloss over the peacoat/scarf/two pairs of gloves/layer on everything in my closet weather, and just remember the perfectness of May Day.

May Day is also known as International Worker's Day, but in Denmark, young and old people alike flock over to Faelledparken to enjoy the dawning of spring, listen to speeches,and hang out with friends. Translation: glorious day drinking. Just kidding (except, no really).

I have never seen so many people so naked in Denmark. Look! Forearms!

Even these kiddos are out to have a good time. Except don't look
 in the bushes behind them...there may be a dozen or
 so people peeing in the bushes...

...and I don't blame them. Look at this line!!

Random drum line get-together. Just jammin' and bringing
 on the fun times.

So if you're contemplating coming to Denmark for the Fall semester, good for you. Enjoy the great warm weather and try not to despair as you slowly descend into the dark, glacial winter times AKA finals period. But if you're here for the Spring semester and starting to wonder if things will ever get warmer...look! Evidence! Coldest and longest winter since the 40's in Denmark and yet May Day is still glorious and beautiful. Don't abandon hope. Just grab a blanket, grab a crateful of beers and wine coolers, and get ready to get your tan on. :)

Enjoying May Day! It's the Danish way!

Berlin: Capital of Queer Europe

As a Neuroscience major and a pre-med, I don't get a lot of opportunities to pursue my personal interests in the humanities. I didn't want to weigh down my study abroad experience with heavy science classes, and decided to try something completely different and a little out of my comfort zone. When I enrolled in Gender and Sexuality of Scandinavia, I initially also signed up for the Amsterdam trip that focused on prostitution and trafficking. After arriving in Denmark, they announced that there would be a new study tour to Berlin that focused on queer culture and activism. The study tour also incorporated a second class I was taking, Sociology of the Family, so I thought "Perfect! Why not?" Long story short, switched study tours, great decision!!

I listened to someone rant about how so many blogs become picture books with no writing, and I felt really guilty about the lack of commentary I have been providing about my adventures. (This may be because I personally have a very short attention span and I usually skim through pictures rather than reading.) Still, I'm going to try to include a little more insight in the following posts. Feel free to skip them, I won't be offended, I promise.

Pictures...WITH INSIGHT (ugh):

We started off the trip with a Queer Berlin walking tour. Our tour guide was Finn, an absolutely amazing Irish trans man. The tour was his baby (he wrote the entire thing) and I think he was excited to do a test run on us. We got to see some important queer monuments, and Finn was sweet enough to also take us to some normal Berlin sights because he heard it was the first time in Berlin for many of us. 

Standing in Potsdamer Platz. Fun fact! Berlin was built on a really
swampy area. The pipes serve to pump groundwater away
to prevent flooding and allow construction. 

When the Berlin Wall stood, it ran through Potsdamer Platz, making it into a
 No Man's Land. All the buildings in Potsdamer Platz were constructed  in the 1990's.

Just to give you an idea of the complete desolation...
Potsdamer Platz in 1982, courtesy of Wikipedia.

And now...

Parts of the Berlin Wall reconstructed
for tourists.

This is all gum. EW. 

Finn was giving us the historical story behind Potsdamer Platz when he suddenly points out this building...or is it?? This is actually a FAKE building made up of large posters to eliminate the feeling of empty space. Say what?

#deception

We then stopped off at Tiergarten. This nondescript cement block is actually a memorial for gay victims of the Holocaust. Finn pointed out that many people forget that Jews weren't the only populations targeted by the Nazis. Gay men, the mentally/physically handicapped, and criminals were also sent to concentration camps. While Jews were denoted by the Star of David on their striped pajamas, gay men were marked by a pink triangle. 

When you looked inside, there was a video of
gay men and women kissing.

Interesting note, the term "gay" in Europe is used exclusively to refer to homosexual men while the term "lesbian" is used for homosexual women.

It was a nice day and I wanted to make use of my unlimited transportation pass so I headed over to the East Side Gallery. I had heard that bits of the gallery were torn down in late March by a construction company in order to make way for luxury condos. (Very sketch, read here.) Luckily, the pieces I was most interested in were still standing.

This depicts an completely non-queer moment in history when the leaders of Soviet Russia and East Germany exchanged a brotherly kiss after a speech at the 30th anniversary of East Germany

A portal through the Berlin Wall. Symbolic?

After free time, we went on a scavenger hunt/pub crawl through various gay bars in Kreuzberg. My favorite bar by far was Roses, where the walls were completely covered in pink shag. Oooooh baby.

My drinking buddy, Chris.

I just had to include this picture of  us Americans
 chilling in front of Dunkin' Donuts. Typical.

One of the highlights of the trip was our visit to Sammlung Boros, a privately owned collection of art housed in a renovated WWII bunker. The bunker itself has served as a shelter, a POW camp, a refrigerator, and a hardcore techno club over its long history. The owner of the gallery now resides on the 5th floor and the museum is open by invite-only. Lucky for us, it was art weekend and the bunker was open to the general public.

Bunker Chic

Art!!

This artist believes in engaging multiple senses. This machine
 is on all day and the popcorn is not allowed to be removed from
the building. It has been on since September!

No visit to Germany would be complete without a photo of wienerschnitzel.

Those potatoes hiding under that large slab of meat? Heavenly.

Our teacher, Michael, gave us his own interpretation of a walking tour. We walked through the art gallery/shopping area of Mitte and past several of the Berlin landmarks.

Alexanderplatz

While chilling by this fountain, we stumbled across a man dressed in a Waldo outfit. Apparently, he was making a picturebook for his nephew's birthday and his nephew's task was to find him. Well, now his nephew can also find 19 overly enthusiastic Americans.

Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral)

Brandenburg Gate

Don't go to Berlin without visiting the Holocaust Memorial for Jewish Victims. If you have time, go into the exhibit underneath the memorial. It's free, but bring tissues, it is absolutely heartbreaking.

DIS paid for two meals every day and I was operating on a tiny budget, but I knew I had to try currywurst. The sausage is nothing special, but the curry ketchup on top? Mmmmm....

I was very impressed with this study tour because it did a great job incorporating the academic with the social. We went to several panels and workshops. 

On the first full day, we were given a talk by GLADT, an organization that advocates for gay and lesbians of Turkish descent. We learned that many are persecuted in their home country for their sexuality but become victims of racism in Germany. GLADT provides a safe-space and has expanded its services to include immigrants from other countries as well.

We then attended a workshop by a queer activist who was Danish and had just moved to Berlin. After a brief history of queer rights, we learned 15 ways to resist oppression. Then, we were encouraged to think of a time in our life when we had been oppressed because of our gender, sexuality, culture, etc. We had a great group of DIS students and we really opened up...needless to say, waterworks by the end. Great bonding moment. Listening to people's stories made me realize that lots of less than great things have happened to me (once a drunk Danish man insisted on calling me "Ling-Ling") that I've attributed to simple ignorance. This workshop taught me that ignorance is not an excuse; it's the problem. Definitely gave me some food for thought.

We also had the chance to meet up with some young queer activists living in Berlin. They represented a wide range of populations: gay, lesbian, German, Iranian, sociologists, academics, party-animals etc. It was basically a two-hour session where they just answered all of our questions. One of my favorite moments is when one of the activists described Copenhagen as a "perfectly boring place to live".  HA. Oh, Berlin...the place where parties are bumpin' until 10 AM the next day.

Hands down favorite moment of the trip, DRAG SHOW. 

Frighteningly fabulous. (Photo credits: http://www.tikberlin.de/)

It was delightfully campy with live singing and dancing performances. It was a bit of a shame that the dialogue was all in German, but you don't really need to understand it to appreciate the spectacle. Absolutely fantastic.

Crazy thing that happened this trip: One of the other DIS students got chicken pox. CHICKEN POX. He immigrated from China to the US a few years ago and I guess he just never got his vaccinations. He had to take a train back to Copenhagen because he couldn't get on a plane. :\ Rough days.


OK, a bit of an honest moment here. One of the things I've been struggling with in Denmark over the past few months is finding people that I click with at DIS. I feel like more of an IPC student than a DIS student. To sum it up, on a long study tour, a student once made the broad statement: "We're studying abroad. We all know what it's like to come from money." That was definitely a moment where I really felt like I didn't belong. (#peasantproblems) It's been a struggle living on a budget in Denmark, where minimum wage is around $20 and lunch costs about three-fourths of that. Then to be surrounded by people whose idea of a good time is going out to bars and clubs every night (Not to knock on bars and clubs. The Danish scene is jumpin'.) is just a slap in the face. I admit that I'm a bit of an introvert, my idea of a good time is exploring the city and finding delicious, authentic street food, and sometimes I'm a big ol' Bitter Betty about life. Still, on this trip, I felt like I met a bunch of amazing people who are facing similar struggles, people who share my interests (you know, those outside of who is hooking up with which hot Dane), people who can crack me up on a daily basis. If you're coming to DIS looking for a great time, you're going to find it. But if you're already here and having difficulties, don't be disheartened. There are other crazies like me and you out there. :)

A great long weekend and I'm a little saddened to think that it is the third to last. :\ Woah, where has my semester gone??

Palma Paradise

After Barcelona, we pranced off to Palma in expectations of endless beach and sun...but we soon discovered that there is more to Palma than meets the eye.

First stop, the beach!! Warm, fine sands, clear
 blue water. A refreshing contrast from
the Denmark scene.

Cala Major. A smallish beach, but the water was unreal. We saw people jumping off the rocks into the water.

Located behind several hotels, Cala Major was
still pretty quiet when we went. We also saw people
 doing capoeira...random.

Definitely invest in some sunscreen if you, like us, plan to
lie out in the sun for several hours a day.

Casual, just a boat  sailing past in the distance.

From our vantage point reclining on the beach, we could see this beautiful (MASSIVE) cathedral in the distance. We knew we just had to take a trek out to see it up close.

Palma Cathedral

You can pay 6 euros to see the beautiful interior

You can walk along the walls that surround the cathedral
and look out at the Mediterranean Sea. 

The Cathedral is located right next to the Parc de la Mer. 

If you're not a beach person (first of all, Palma probably wouldn't be your dream destination), take an hour long train ride to Soller. It's 12.50 euros one-way and 19.50 euros round trip.

Antonelle has always been secretly passionate about old wooden trains.

The train takes you on a scenic route through the mountains.

We seriously debated picking these oranges...

Finally got my paella fix. SOOOO good. Mmmmm.

Soller is known for its citrus. I love how you can
see my friend also taking a picture of this
sorbet in the background. 

If you have time, also check out the artisan market in Placa Major. They sell handmade bracelets, earrings, etc. Cute and not terribly pricey. 

Things you should know about Palma:

1.) There is not a lot to see within walking distance of the city center. That is not to say that there isn't anything, but the best sights are scattered throughout the island of Mallorca. Renting a car would make travelling to further attractions (Coves del Drach, Cala Millor, etc.) more convenient....otherwise, learn to make the most of public transportation.

2.) Public transportation is usually 1.50 euros within the city of Palma. The bus line is called EMT and you can check out lines/fares here. If you want to explore other areas in Mallorca, check out the Mallorca public transportation site. Fares vary by distance.

3.) Since Palma isn't as touristy/famous as say Paris, it's a good idea to do some research into things you would like to do there. Many of the greatest sights are located pretty far from the city, so you might need to plan ahead for transportation. This site was really helpful for recommendations and tips on things to do/see/eat in Mallorca.

I didn't get to do as much as I wanted to in Palma because by this point in the trip, I was running low on funds. I would definitely love to come back when I am rolling in the dough and explore the rest of the island outside of Palma. 

Thanks for the tan, Palma! :)

Barcelona!

After three months in what I am starting to think is perpetual Winter Wonderland, I was definitely looking forward to using my last travel break as an opportunity to soak up the sun. Flights through Ryanair to Barcelona and Palma were SO cheap, we just knew we had to snatch up tickets immediately. (I'll post more about how to use Ryanair and how to get to and from Malmo in a bit.)

Round trip tickets to Barcelona for $36? Hot mama, sign me up!!

A picture summary of our trip:

We lived right around the corner from Casa Battló, one of Gaudi's famous works.

Casa Mila, definitely worth checking out. Unfortunately,
 we didn't have the chance to go in.

On sunny days like this, no day goes by without gelato!
 The  blue flavor is called "pitufo" which is "smurf" in
Spanish Yes...I am eating smurf flavored gelato.

 There was no way we could visit Spain without trying sangria and tapas. Be careful, this icy cold sangria tastes like juice and goes down waaay too easily.

At 6 euros a glass, skip the sangria in restaurants and instead
buy cartons at the grocery store for  less than 2 euros.
 Tastes exactly the same!

Pan Con Tomate - bread with tomatoes and olive oil. Amazing.

Spanish meatballs in a zesty, savory sauce

Patatas Bravas. Classic.

Barcelona has signature cold cuts that must be tried. Mmm...

Grilled salmon

Grilled calamari

After a leisurely lunch outside, we decided to hit up the beaches in Barceloneta. The beaches were crowded with tourists and locals alike...some more topless than others. There were also people trying to sell mojitos, beers, coconut, and...massages??

Fighting that Vitamin D deficiency

You absolutely cannot go to Barcelona without seeing La Sagrada Familia, the famous cathedral designed by Gaudi and under construction for over 100 years.

When we emerged from the underground metro, this sight simply took my breath away. I may have said
"Oh, shit" out loud. Classy American.

The outside alone is awe-inspiring, but if possible, the inside is even more spectacular. It's 13.50 euros for a normal ticket with no guides, but if you bring a student ID, you can get a 2 euro discount. I forgot my DIS card but I managed to fool the ticket man with my Danish residency card. :X "Sorry, it's in Danish". I'm going to hell.

Beautiful stained glass windows

This was hands down the most beautiful
 building I've been in my entire life.

If you're looking for cheap eats, don't pass by Bo de B. It's like Chipotle in concept. You choose a meat (vegetarian options are available), ask for avocado and feta cheese, then go down the line and pick the toppings you want. My advice? Beef or chicken,  avocado and feta, ALL the sauces, ALL the toppings. Your taste buds and your stomach will thank you.

Located near the Gothic District

Look at that delicious goodness. This is only half of my sandwich.
All this for only 5 euros.

Even if you hit up Casa Mila, Casa Battlo, and La Sagrada Familia, you must take the time to go to Parc Guell to truly appreciate Gaudi. The steep walk up the hill is worth it...and an escalator is even provided to help you up the last leg. Bring a lock, ribbon, or hair tie if you want to leave a memento on the fence!

After we asked another tourist to take our photo, people started clambering for this spot. TRENDSETTERS!!

Eerily accurate.

The park is huge, with so many contrasting elements.
It may take over an hour to see it all.

The famous lizard....chameleon? thing. 

Don Simon was our best friend this trip. He fuelled many
 late night conversations on the terrace.

Located off Las Ramblas, La Boqueria is a great place to find fresh produce.

Vast candy selections on every corner!

At one point, a tourist had to catch a shrimp that was trying to flop away.
Brings a whole new meaning to the word "fresh"!

My favorite part was the fresh fruit and fruit juices. Papaya, mango, kiwi, coconut, dragonfruit, you name it. Mmmmm....

Croquettes and other fried goodies in a handy portable cone! 

That is literally a cup of melted chocolate for your dipping pleasure.
 Only 3 euros! The churros are made fresh...I'm drooling
just thinking about it

I really wanted to go to the Magic Fountain show, but it only happens on weekends. Still, I'm glad we made the trip out to Montjuïc. We didn't get to check out the Palau Nacional (National Art Museum of Catalonia), but the view from the hill was gorgeous!

Finally, just because I find such things amusing, check out this restaurant. Wish we had the time or the inclination to go inside...

Things you should know about Barcelona:

1.) According to our host, 20% of tourists get pickpocketed in Barcelona. Keep your belongings close!

2.) They don't speak Spanish there, they speak Catalan. Still, you can usually get by using Spanish or English.

3.) Most things are within walking distance, but if prolonged ambulation is not your thing, invest in a T10 ticket. 10 single rides that can be divided amongst multiple people for only 9.80 euros. This saves you over 50% considering most rides are 2 euros in Barcelona. It works for the metro, buses, and most modes of public transportation and gets you to most places within the city center (including the airport). 

4.) Many stores are not open on Sundays so plan accordingly.

Barcelona is definitely doable in three or four days. Two days would be pushing it. We didn't get to try montaditos, which are slices of baguette heaped with various toppings or visit Els Encants, an open-air market for various trinkets and souvenirs. Oh well, there's always next time. Overall, a great trip!