A Slice of Life

It’s a tram, it’s a bus, it’s a taxi, it’s a metro. There are so many ways to transport us to wherever we want to go. However, the most utilized mode of moving us around this city continues to be our feet. Since I have never been a fan of the car, all of these choices provide me with much security and freedom. As I have mentioned before, my brain works extra hard in Spain. I have to learn my way around the city, but first I have to attempt to translate the directions into English. This takes time and patience. Almost everyday Jeffrey, when frustrated, declares he is buying a car! I, on the other hand, have zero interest in owning, selling, maintaining, parking or driving at all. My feet are sore, I want a pedicure and I sweat a lot when I walk in this hot city, but I love it. I love the sounds, the signs, the shops, and the sights. Since siesta really exists over here, I find I need to adjust my schedule in order to accommodate the shopkeepers’ habits. The stores slowly close around 2:00 in the afternoon without warning and silently reopen around 5:00. This nuance allows me to adapt to really living the life of a true Spaniard.

So far, my days look like this. I wake up with the kids and make them a breakfast, one that contains at least a bit of protein, since their school day begins at 8:20 and ends at 4:40, I feel the continuous need to assure they are nourished and hydrated. I’ve found a gym, many markets, a manicurist and most of the other essentials. Each day presents itself a little bit different and a little bit familiar. I’ve taken to a double shot of espresso in the morning. One shot only costs one Euro at a cafe around the corner. Coffee, as we know it in the USA, doesn’t exist except at the few Starbucks where the kids beg for a Frappachino.  I discovered a daily market eight minutes walk from our apartment, although it took me 45 minutes to wind my way there the first time and forty minutes the second time. I’ve got the walk down pat and am creating each nights meal as I uncover the amazing fish, produce, and other specialties right at my fingertips delivered fresh from local farmers and purveyors.

Jefftey and I both meet the kids at the bus everyday and either grab them a jamon (yes, that’s ham) sandwich at the corner Enrique Tomas jamon shop or head back to the apartment for fresh fruit. it’s homework, it’s dinner, it’s showers, it’s bedtime. Another great day in Barcelona slowing slipping away, a slice of life one day at a time.