Sometimes You’re Sad – Even On the Trip Of a Lifetime

I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, I just did. I woke up late (even though I had nowhere to be) and felt I missed the morning… so I scrambled to the bathroom to wash my face and get ready for the day. After about 45 minutes of attempting to get my contacts in- I succeeded with only the left contact and decided it was time to give up. Yeah, one contact- that’s how I roll.

Then I remembered it was my friend’s birthday back home, so I hopped online to send a happy birthday email… and was hit with a wave of homesickness so strong I started crying- which is rare for me. I wanted nothing more than to be back home drinking beers with my buddy, staring at the Pacific…  I thought about curling up in my hostel bed and crying myself back to sleep and having a pity party- it was really tempting… Then I said “suck it up!” and slathered myself with sunscreen head to toe prepared to brave the Barcelona sun.

I headed for the door and as soon as I got outside, I was blasted in the face with rain. Really? I decided I wasn’t going to let it deter me, and damn it, I was going to have a great day. So I grabbed my jacket and ran for the metro- bought my ticket for La Rioja ( yes!) and decided to hit the market before heading to Park Guell.

looks good enough to eat
Park Guell, Barcelona

At the market I bought some bananas and oranges, and went next door to buy a baguette. I love that about Europe. You buy your meat from one store, your cheese from another, bread from the bakery, and fruits and veggies from their own place.  Everyone has a specialty and generally the quality is far superior from any market you can find. (okay, I still love Trader Joe’s). Of course, at the time I didn’t love it because my bananas got smashed in the door on my way out and I tripped on the curb due to my depth perception problem- courtesy of my one contact.

With the makings for a great lunch and a bad mood in tow (cost 1.75 euro) I headed for the metro towards Parc Guell… a little greenery and funky buildings should be enough to cure my mood. I started the long climb up the hill from the metro stop and still couldn’t shake the homesick blues. I didn’t want to take my camera out and capture what I was seeing, I didn’t want to do anything but mope around in my own mind about how much I missed home.

Well, it was time for my emergency drug- music and coffee. A few upbeat songs, cafe con leche and the world was starting to look up, even if the rain was coming down. I’m a crazy person, and there is something that absolutely invigorates me about being in the pouring rain with thunder and lightning. I stripped off my jacket, put it over my purse to protect the camera inside, and walked around the park in the buckets of rain.

The more soaking wet I got, the happier I became. Freezing cold rain and thunder that was echoing through my whole body- I started to feel alive again, and live in just this moment. I was in Barcelona, Spain- a city I dreamed of- who was I to waste it by being a little bit reminiscent? I proceeded to make my way through the gorgeous 15 hectare park and realized my willingness to be in the rain was my advantage. Everyone was hiding out, and I could finally capture photos without people!

As I was walking towards the museum, about 20 East Indian men were running towards me carrying backpacks and bundles-

laughing and shouting while frantically running in all directions. I started laughing as well, and followed them to their hideout. I knew they had gotten popped for selling things illegally- but- everyone’s gotta make a living. We had a few laughs about how they run from the law enforcement, and then they showed me a back entrance to the park where I was certain to be alone. Sometimes it pays to be a little friendly, even when you’re uncertain of the circumstances. One of the men gave me a gorgeous blue scarf and said “it costs nothing to be nice- thank you”. I don’t know what I did for him, but his gesture and smile warmed me to the core.

simple things

Starting off with a smile and a spring in my step, I made it to the back entrance and started snagging shots of this fantastic place. The colors, the vibrant feeling of life… the whimsical aspect to the whole thing made me very happy. After about 30 minutes the rain stopped and I looked down to see a gorgeous girl making bubbles near the entrance. Children were chasing the bubbles, she was playing upbeat music, and it brought even more life to the place.

As I was watching her make bubbles and dance with the small children, I couldn’t stop myself from smiling ear to ear. Something so simple brought me such joy, I couldn’t comprehend it. I put my camera down and chased the bubbles too- kids be damned! What a fantastic way to a lovely afternoon in the park. I walked back towards La Boqueria (check out the pics- not for the weak stomached) to end my day, and couldn’t stop myself from saying a little prayer of thanks to the travel gods.

When I most needed it, I found happiness in the smallest place, and in the most unexpected way… even if I only had one contact and was soaked to the bone- I was happy. I am happy… and I am in Spain!