Merce

So there is a wild celebration in Barcelona -- Merce. It took place 23-27 of Sept. Everything in the city shuts down (surprise). Stores close, banks aren't open (again, SURPRISE). I swear, these people never work. Any excuse to close the stores and banks there is, they use it. Merce is a saint that protects Barcelona, so Barceloneses celebrate it. Plus, it's another excuse to exhibit their Catalonian pride.

These giants were crammed into Plaza San Juame and there are people inside them to make them dance. Each barrio in Barcelona has it's own giant to represent it. They play music and make the giants dance with each other. Kind of hoaky, but cool nonetheless. The giants are really detailed.

The last night of Merce was the best because the girls and I, along with the rest of Barcelona and remote parts of the world that decided to visit for Merce, went to Park Montjuic in Plaza Espanya. The huge fountains in front of Montjuic where all lit up and synced to music and fireworks. It was, by far, the best fireworks show I have ever seen in my entire life, even better than some Fourth of July celebrations I've been to. The entire show, which lasted about an hour, was like the finale.

You can see the fountains here and the big castle-esque appearance of Montjuic. So beautiful.

Colors!

During the end of the show they asked that everyone light their sparklers and they played the Catalunya national anthem. It was so cute, and I felt a weird sort of patriotism for Catalunya. It was one of those community moments where you feel united with everyone there, as corny as it sounds.

Barcelona knows how to throw a party which is a good thing since customer service is not its strong suit. I can't even imagine how expensive that firework show must have been. You know you're a pragmatic American when you see the most amazing firework show of your life and afterward you wonder how much money it must have cost. You then think about all the inextricable taxes and fees you encounter as a foreigner, and assume that you, and your fellow American compadres, probably financed the entire damn show yourselves, somehow.

There is no rhyme or reason in Spain. It is such an arbitrary place. At least in the United States, we pretend not to be arbitrary. We tell everyone that our decisions have purpose and that is why we can make them with such conviction. Spaniards don't feel the need to justify their decisions, or even make them in the first place really. They just do things... because they can. And that's enough for them.

Modern Day Conveniences

Dryers were probably one of the best things that were ever invented. My fellow Americans, please do not take for granted that you, most likely, have one at your disposal. I do not have that luxury. I hope it doesn't rain.

Ocata

So on Saturday a few of the girls and I visited Ocata, another beach town outside of Barcelona. We can't seem to be able to wrap our mind around the idea that we can go to the beach at the end of SEPTEMBER/beginning of October because it's still warm enough outside. Actually, it was hot, not just warm. You know you live in Illinois when...

The air was so fresh there, without all the smoke of Barcelona. Generally, I will like a place if it doesn't have the BCN smoke. Also, this beach was so much better than Barceloneta where there are janky people bothering you every 4 seconds to buy a massage for 10 euros, or something ridiculous like that. Another classic Barceloneta phrase is "¿quieres coco, quieres coco?" ad infinitum at the speed of lightning. ANNOYING. This did not happen at Ocata.

There was also this really cute little Spanish boy there with his parents. He was watching his dad swim in the Mediterranean, and I watched him. No, that's not creepy; he's just a cutie! Plus, the sailboat adds a nice touch, no?

And, and, AND... there were REAL seashells. Not just the trash that you pick up because you think it's a seashell and then you discover that it's really only a crushed McDonald's fry bag that has been weathered by the salt water.

I spent a good hour collecting cool seashells. I plan to buy a bowl or something so I can display them on my desk. I enjoy creating a homey work atmosphere.