Getting . . . younger?

I'm not exactly sure what's happening, but it seems that the closer I get to turning a year older, the younger I seem to be acting. I don't know if it's springtime in Barcelona, a carefree attitude, or unexpected events, but I feel I'm living the life of someone in their mid-20s, not someone entering her early 30s!

Again, I'm amazed by how life in Spain, especially Barcelona, encourages a whole new sleep cycle on the weekends! No matter how often Tessa and I say we are going to have a quiet night, or just a drink or two after work, it seems that the opposite happens. Suddenly it's 4am and we're still out, dancing, laughing, and loving life.

Unfortunately, I am quickly reminded of my age when it takes two days to recover from one late night. And I know that I can't stay up too late when I have to teach the next morning. (Maybe growing older has made me a little bit more responsible?)

Regardless, I'm happy to feel a bit younger as I get older. And these late nights continue to be full of entertaining stories. As spring fever sets in, I'm sure the fun weekends will continue as well - and I look forward to their arrival each week!

Bona nit, Dali!

Late Nights in Barcelona

Wow - what a week it has been! Wine and hilarious conversations Wednesday until 3am, fantastic concert until 2am Thursday, dinner Friday, followed by drinks and dancing until 7am last night. It will never cease to amaze me how different life, especially night life, is in Barcelona. There is never a lack of something to do, the city is constantly buzzing with energy and life, and it is so easy to stay out until the early morning hours.

The past two weekends have included coming home after 6 am, something that I never really experienced until living in Spain. Yet here, there are so many people out at that time and more who stay up even later! For me, when there are so many people out and having fun, it's so easy to lose track of time - one moment it's midnight, the next the sun is coming up.

For someone who used to be nicknamed "Pirate Eye," I still find it amazing that this lifestyle suits me so well! Although I might be tired, once I'm out in it, I can usually make it until the end. Unfortunately, these late nights don't make for the most productive next days, but that's okay. (Another aspect of life in Spain that I love? I've gotten much better at relaxing!)

I've been here a year and a half, but I feel there is SO much more of the city I have yet to discover, both during the day and the night. With holiday drinks and dinners next weekend, followed by winter break and visitors, I have a feeling there will be even more late nights to enjoy in the upcoming weeks. Barcelona - I love dating you! :)

The Adventures of Emily and Jenny - still happening after all these years!

Emily just left this afternoon after her third annual fall visit to Spain. And, as usual, we had a great time! Each year I reminded of how nice it is to have a friend who I know from home, which means we can share memories of particular places and people in Colorado, who I've traveled all over the world with, and who is living a similar life to mine at the moment. It's so nice to be able to share experiences with her!

We had a great time all week, especially with Amy and other friends visiting from Switzerland - great food, tons of laughs, and lots of fun. However, it was this past Friday night with Emily that was my favorite. After dinner with Amy, we went to a favorite neighborhood bar where we had drinks with new English friends, then went to one of my favorite clubs. Lots of flirting, dancing, and fun later, we were walking home around 6:30 in the morning when we stopped for food at a cafe and happened upon a French bachelor party! Fabulous French accents, breakfast beers, and entertaining conversation ended with us coming home at 7:30 -- crazy!

It was such a fun night and so unexpected (always the best nights in my opinion). I'm glad to know that even though we're at ages that are now "off the calendar," we still have it in us to have adventure-filled nights. I look forward to more of them in our future! :)