I'm here

Well, guess who FINALLY made it to Spain. You’re right, that would be me. Let me tell you, this was a long-ass trip. I had a five hour flight to Washington DC, followed by an 8 ½ hour flight to Copenhagen, Denmark, and then a 2 ½ hour flight to Barcelona. I would be lying if I failed to tell you that when I got off the plane into the Barcelona airport I had the biggest “WT-FUCK DID I GET MYSELF INTO NOW?” moment. All of a sudden a culmination of exhaustion, frustration, and nervousness collided. Just in time for me to call my mom and check in. Yay! (note the sarcasm here) The fact is that as I was talking to my mom, I realized I had absolutely no clue what I was going to do once I got my luggage from baggage claim. I knew I had to get to Barcelona Sants Train Station but I had no idea how/when that would happen. Sorry mom, as if having me leave to go live in a foreign country for 5 months isn’t difficult enough for you, having me burst into tears the first time I talk to you, probably didn’t help. I think that once I get some sleep and get settled everything will be ok. I was able to find a system ( much like the Max in Portland, the bart in San Fran, and the light rail in Seattle) that brought me to the train station. However, once I got there to buy my ticket they informed me that only first class was available. Of course I had to buy it anyway, because I really didn’t have a choice…. First Class is always nice, but not usually in the budget of a traveling college student. Whatevs, you do what you have to do , right? Only problem? I was at the train station at noon. My train didn’t leave until 4:45! Ugh- more waiting, just what I wanted. I did what any smart person would do with an extra4 hours, I wrapped my arms and legs every which way through my luggage, and I took a nap. Haha Train then boarded and I took a four and a half hour train ride to Pamplona.
Anyway, that’s pretty much most of my traveling info. Boring I’m sure, but here are some helpful hints for anyone planning to do some long- distance traveling in the future:

1. Be sure to bring a toothbrush and face wash with you. -- I’m not kidding. It’s amazing how something as small as locking myself in the Copenhagen airport restroom and washing my face/brushing my teeth made me feel 100 times more refreshed!
2. Bring a change of clothes on your carry on! -- When I got to Barcelona, I was dying in my jeans and sweatshirt because it was blistering hot. The smartest thing I did was pack a pair of shorts and a t-shirt to change into.
3. Keep your head up. -- It’s physically/mentally/emotionally exhausting. When all I wanted to do was turn around and board a plane back home, constantly reminding myself that everything would be fine was extremely helpful. Also! Sorry grandma for the emotional phone call that you also received. As I said before, exhaustion and Yvonne are NOT a good mix. I mean, I’m already cranky when I’m tired and I know what the hell I’m doing. Now we know that exhaustion and me in an unknown place = uncontrollable tears L I’m gonna have to be sure to get my beauty sleep over here. Can’t have these Spaniards calling me “La mujer que llora” (the woman who cries) LOL I miss you all! I miss the dreary seattle weather, you fun, quirky friends of mine, and of course I absolutely miss my family! You guys really mean a lot to me and it’s gonna be hard without you. But we’ll make it. That I know J I’ll close with some random pics. Be forewarned…. These were DURING/AFTER traveling, so don’t judge me ;)
Complimentary wine.. always a plus

Plane food = not so good

More to come in the next post.. I'm to tired to finish.. lol