Fluorescent Palace

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Goodbye...for now

Barcelona finally came to an end on Saturday.  I am back in New York and cannot believe that Barcelona is over.  Ever since I was little, abroad was something that I have always wanted to do.  You think and plan for abroad for so long and then in the blink of an eye, it is over.  After four months, I am finally back in New York.  I visited London, Interlaken, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Rome, Paris, Dublin, Copenhagen, Israel, Madrid, and Lisbon -- 12 cities in four months and it is over.  It was an amazing experience and something that I will probably never get back.  I wanted to thank everyone and this is not the end of me...interning at PMK*BNC this summer and living in the city -- I will definitely keep you all updated with new spots!

xox

FC Barcelona

The one thing that I regret not doing while in Barcelona was go to an FC Barcelona match.  For those of you who know me, know that I am a huge sports fan -- anything from the Yankees, to college basketball, to tennis, and the Giants.  I know my stuff, and I am surprised at myself that I did not make it to a game. Sport, a Spanish daily newspaper in Barcelona, gives daily stories about FC Barcelona and its' matches so make sure to pick up a copy.  So, suggestion: make sure to get tickets ahead of time and plan it in the beginning, there is no need to wait until the last minute like I did! You can purchase tickets on fcbarcelona.es and who knows maybe you will get to see Messi or Valdes up close.

What is going on in Barcelona this summer?

For those of you who will be here this summer, Xavi, our teacher, told us about a music festival.  To me, it kind of sounded like a mix between Coachella and Sensation.  On June 14, 15, and 16th, performers from around the world will be going to the Raval neighborhood of Barcelona and be performing in the streets.  Sonar holds festivals in Tokyo, Cape Town, and Sao Paulo. You can get tickets on the website (www.sonar.es) and even if you are somewhere else in Europe, hop on a plane and come see it. Some of the people that will be performing are James Blake, Die Antwoord, New Order, Lana del Ray, The Roots, and more.  I wish I was here for this because it would definitely be something that I would enjoy!

Sights to See: Casa Mila

Casa Mila (La Pedrera).  Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera, is located on Passeig de Gracia.  Towards the top of the avenue, Casa Mila stands tall and definitely sticks out.  Its structure is much different than most buildings on the avenue.  When my mom and grandma came to visit, we went to Casa Mila and went to the roof and then took a tour of the floor that is opened to the public.  Of the two Gaudi buildings on Passeig de Gracia, Casa Batlo and Casa Mila, I enjoyed Casa Mila more before of the roof.  It is amazing that something built 100 years ago is so Modern and abstract.  I cannot even imagine what the public thought about both buildings when they both opened.  Here are some of the pictures that I took when I went up there. Enjoy!

Sights to See: Montjuic

Montjuic. In 1992, Barcelona hosted the Summer Olympics.  Montjuic is a hill located in Barcelona near Plaça Espanya.  It is located right near my apartment and sometimes I go for a run to Montjuic down Gran Via.  Montjuic is the home to many different buildings and events.  Palau Nacional is at the top, and today it is the Catalan Museum of Art (MNAC).  In 1929, Montjuic hosted the International Exposition (World´s Fair).  Then in 1992, the Olympics were held at Montjuic.  Today, you can visit the stadium and if you want a great view of the city then take a trip up to Montjuic.  Personally, I think it is a better view than Parc Guell.  Definitely see Parc Guell, but Montjuic is also beautiful on a nice day to sit out by the fountains.  At night, the fountains are lit up for a light show.  Something definitely worth seeing!

Shopping in Barcelona!

Shopping in Barcelona. When I think about Barcelona, I do not think about shopping, yet there are a few good places to go to.  While Barcelona is not a Paris, New York City, or Milan, there are a few good shopping streets.  Passeig de Gracia is like the 5th Avenue of Barcelona and is the home to all of the top designers.  There is also Bulevard Rosa, a Spanish version of a mini mall.  You can walk through and once inside there are different stores.  The street is beautiful, but what most tourists do not know about is Rambla Cataluyna.  While doing a project on my neighborhood, I discovered Rambla Cataluyna.  Rambla Cataluyna has many shops and stores from Spanish designers.  Rambla Cataluyna also has great architecture on the street. Located in the Eixample district, there are many famous buildings on this street. Some of the buildings to note are Casa Fargas (#47) by Enric Sagnier.  This building is an example of Catalan Modernisma architecture.  Another building on this street is Casa Serra (#126) by Josep Puig i Cadafalch and it is an example of neo-Romanesque style.