lately...

Well...it has been quite a while since my last entry...truly sorry. But I have been having lots of fun, so allow me to share with you the latest happenings.

TORRES WINERY & LUNCH @ LA CASA DEL CONILL
About two weeks ago our group embarked on a little winetasting adventure in Vilafranca del Penedes. Torres wines are renowned, not only in Spain, but around the world. In fact, there is even a winery in the Russian River Valley in California. Lucky for us, the winery we visited in Vilafranca del Penedes is the most prestigious of all the wineries owned by the Torres family. After viewing a short film about the Torres family we hopped on a tram and toured the grounds (vineyards, factory, storage cellars, etc.). While this particular wine-tasting event wasn't as magical as I hoped it would be (it's no Napa Valley), it was interesting to learn about the process and sample some delicious vinos.

After winetasting we went to a restaurant called La Casa del Conill...translation, "The House of the Rabbit". All 40 of us gathered at a huge table to enjoy a traditional Catalan lunch that was delicious, filling, and to be honest quite messy. The first course was 'pan con tomate', which is basically toast topped with garlic and tomato. The second course consisted of grilled artichokes and 'calcots', which are grilled green onions that you eat with a garlic sauce called 'romescu'. Calcots are actually rather yummy, but they are not exactly something that can be eaten daintily...and the bibs they gave us were definitely necessary. For the main course we enjoyed a variety of roasted meats and vegetables...I even tried rabbit!, but I still refuse to go anywhere near the blood sausage. Overall the food and plentiful quantities of wine and cava were delicious. All in all a great day!

HORTA LABYRINTH
Because a few of my friends and I are going to miss the tour of the Labyrinth organized by our program due to traveling, we were determined to find a time to visit it on our own. El Parc del Laberinto is located somewhat outside of the main area of Barcelona, but worth the trek as this place is gorgeous! This 18th century neoclassical garden is the second oldest garden in Barcelona, and boasts over 22 acres of landscaped beauty. The park is filled with charming ponds, breathtaking fountains and sculptures and architecture that overall is incredibly impressive. The labyrinth in the middle of the park (which is truly the main attraction of the site) was most interesting...and frustrating as I got lost more than once. This place was so peaceful and surreal. As I walked around I couldn't help feeling like I was in a fantasy movie...very Pan's Labyrinth or Lord of the Rings. My description just isn't doing this place justice...just go.

TIBIDABO
This last weekend we finally made our way up to Tibidabo, which is the highest location in Barcelona. Getting to the top is not exactly the easiest task....involving metro, train, trolley and tram both there and back. At the top of the mountain one will find a rather unique church and (interestingly enough) a small amusement park. The church is unique in that it is actually one church built on top of another, in two completely different styles. To be honest, it is not exactly the most beautiful church I have ever seen...yet intriguing nonetheless. Just a short walk away from the church is a cute little amusement park...very reminiscent of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (only on top of a mountain..) We didn't spend much time there, but we did manage to take a ride on the ferris wheel! And the view from Tibidabo is astounding, and offers such a unique perspective of Barcelona...so check it out sometime! 

Well friends and family...that's all I got for you (or at least all I can remember at the moment). Spring break starts tomorrow...Rome, Florence, and Paris here I come!