Entries for October 2005
First Week in Barcelona
Oh Barcelona!! What a beautiful city!
As is my typical style, I came without having a concrete place to stay or much knowledge of the city itself. Thanks to friends and family, I did have a few "contacts" lined up. Things always have a way of working themselves out.
First of all, I only knew I was going to meet up with a random German guy also from ESADE who was looking for an aparment. I knew we were going to get along well when he did not complain about carrying my 70 pound bag up to the third floor. Now I can officially say that my roommate (Sven) has been a blessing. He has already completed his MBA in England, but has decided to have an extended study period (like most of us, just trying to kill time before getting back to reality although he already has spent plenty of work time so I don't blame him). He is 34, German and prior to business school was a consultant (in Germany?).
After this week, I definitely have learned that setting up a place is much easier to do while being here because online pictures can be slightly deceptive. Renting a room in someone's apartment would have been a great option except that I am way too old to live by anyone else's rules. Fortunately, Sven and I have found a third roommate (Andreas, also German). What could have been an awful situation, has turned out to be for the best.
There's not much to say regarding classes. They are there. I will show up and get the work done.
As for Barcelona, the days have been gorgeous. I actually took a nap on the beach a couple of days ago. It was much needed considering I had not gotten enough sleep the previous evening. Nightlife in Barcelona does not get going until 2 am. Needless to say, I have gotten home around 6 am on the weekends. I will definitely have to make an adjustment. Not a bad one though.
My only major concern now is getting a rough idea of the sites I want to see within Barcelona and the places I'd like to visit while I am here. Please feel free to offer up any suggestions.
I shall now go back to enjoying the sun on the terrace.