Dear Diary

“Sorry it’s been so long since I’ve written, but…”

There was some sitcom or book or play or something where the protagonist was reviewing his/her diary and every entry started that way. Well that’s how I feel now. It’s been a very long time since my last Journal entry. I was starting to feel so intimidated by the long pause, like to write something after so long, it had to be really good. Well, I scrapped that plan, and instead decided just to write something, anything, just to break my long online silence.

I got back from an amazing, amazing trip to Barcelona. I have to thank my hosts, Anna and Pau, and their families, and friends. Their hospitality and friendliness far surpassed any tourist experience I could’ve expected. I also was happy to see my friend Ruth, who drove all the way from Paris (not just to see me, but she drove a long way nonetheless!) At the end of the trip, instead of merely being tired from an adventure and ready for home, I found myself sad to go and missing friends.

Here are some pictures!

Anna, Matt, Walky, David at comida at Anna’s family summer beach house in Calella de Palafrugell

Anna and Pau at el far de Sant Sebastià

Anna, Pau, Judit, Matt at the beach in Barcelona. (Our backs are not to the sea!)

Re-enacting some event from the Barcelona Olympics

Matt and Ruth at Cadaques

Matt and Ruth: Wackiness!

Anna and Matt on the roof of Casa Mila

Anna and Pau on the roof of Casa Mila: Picture I: No, no, Pau.

Anna and Pau on the roof of Casa Mila: Picture II: Sigh.

Anna and Pau on the roof of Casa Mila: Picture III: Awwww, but we really like each other.

Hurray for cultural rapprochement!

The best going-away committee ever.