the first day

So here it is - my hostel! It's really clean and the staff is pretty friendly. They gave me a map and directions on how to get around...which sort of worked for me. It's located pretty close to the Barcelona Sants train station, which makes it easy to get to and from here.

My first meal in Spain: a salad. I know - whoa! Honestly it was still a food adventure though since I don't like black olives and I'm in love with ranch dressing. I ate some olives - not too terrible actually! And I tried both of the dressings they gave me - extra virgin olive oil (technically just olive oil, not a dressing) was nice, the wine vinegar was not. Yuck yuck yuck!

Here is a picture of the street my hostel is on....look how cute it is with all of the old buildings and trees. I especially love how some of the buildings have incredible detail. The mini balconies are great too. And on my walk home down that tree-lined street I walked past an open mechanic's shop and saw this....
America is present in Barcelona too! Mostly through McDonalds and Coca-Cola, but an old Ford shows up here and there too I guess.

Today was most an explore-the-neighborhood kind of day. Lots of shops and cafes around my hostel. Tomorrow I'm planning to explore the gothic area and seek out some of Gaudi's work (amaaaazing architect). Pretty sure I'm up the the local public transit system now :)

PS. Thanks for all of the warm wishes everyone!