Getting ready for a weekend in Costa Brava

Still sick...
I'd say I'm feeling better, but not quite 100% yet. I'd say 80%.  I have no idea what bug I caught, but I'm telling you, this is a tough one to get over! I've been sick for almost a week now (but then again I've been switching meds every few days). The Spanish medicine I bought has been working well but my ears still feel a bit blocked up and I have to clear my throat/blow my nose every once in a while. I hope I'll just get over it naturally. Fortunately, I'm not the only one sick (I feel like I'm on the "uphill" side of getting over a bad cold). Today in class and just around IES in general, I heard sneezing, coughing, blowing noses, etc. It seems there's more people getting sick now, so hopefully now that I'm at the tail end of this bug going around, I won't catch it again. That'd be miserable. I should have packed vitamins...or at least vitamin C. Oh well.

Classes & Some exploring (no getting lost this time!)
Today, I had my European Regional Economies class at 12:25 pm and Mediterranean Oceanography class at 3:45 pm. Both classes went well but I think the medicine I'm taking makes me really sleepy because I found it very difficult to stay awake. Fortunately, both professors are fairly energetic, so that got me through both classes. In between both classes (I have a two hour break), I went exploring around the neighborhood to do some comparison shopping of "Menus del Dia". I've mentioned before that when it comes to eating well and on a budget here in Barcelona, trying "Menus del Dia" are the way to go. They can range from 9/10 Euros to 15/20 depending on where/what you eat. Generally, they're a great value and I've been splitting them with friends because they're so filling (and it's always more fun to share!) I found a few promising cafes and a second hand store. I settled on a small cafe about two blocks from IES and off the main avenue where I got a bocadillo (Spanish sandwich) de jamon serrano (dry cured Spanish ham) especial. For 4 euros, I got a bocadillo (which is practically 2 sandwiches) and a bottle of Sprite. Have I mentioned that soda is oftentimes more expensive than wine here? It's not uncommon to see a can of Sprite/Coke/Fanta/etc for about 2 euros + and wine for 1 euro. It's very weird because because back home it's the opposite. Anyways, my bocadillo was delicious - it had jamon serrano, sliced tomatoes, cheese, and grilled peppers...mmm! So delicious! I'm telling you, I've eaten so well here it's ridiculous. I'll certainly miss the food here...especially since I can afford to eat a lot of carbohydrates without feeling guilty (since I walk at least 2 miles a day on average).

Mexican Independence Day Celebration in Barcelona
While enjoying the sights and sounds of National Catalan Day this past Sunday, my friends and I came across a booth for the Mexican Consulate. They gave us an itinerary of events for this month and suggested we attend the Official Ceremony for "El Grito de Independencia 2011". This evening, my friends and I attended some of the events.They were all very good, but I got quite tired around 9:15 pm, so I took the metro back home and packed for the weekend. We have to be at Placa Catalunya at 7:30 am, so I'm off to bed.

Off to Costa Brava for the Weekend

Costa Brava

This weekend, you won't be hearing much from me because IES has organized for all the students a study journey to the Costa Brava. The Costa Brava is a beautiful costal region in the Northwest corner of Catalonia. We will be visiting Girona, Cadaques, Portlligat, Dali Museum, Collioure, and much more. I don't want to spoil too much of what we'll be doing. I'll probably do a long post Sunday evening/Monday afternoon. I start my internship Monday as well....so look out...long posts (and even more pictures) coming soon!


Have a wonderful weekend!