7

La Mercè!

Here's a video of the fireworks in Plaça d'Espanya. I shortly realized that my camera was sideways... and that in general it's kind of hard to watch a sideways video. As you'll probably discover, I'm really no good with a camera. Pretty much everyone who lives in Barcelona was there (maybe a bit exaggerated, but it seemed like it to me), so I'm kind of off to the side and the fireworks are a little bit behind the tower. Seriously though, so many people. There was no way I could get an awesome view from the middle. 

6

My Apartment Life:

• Obnoxious music from the people below me, who seemingly cook (and make noise) nonstop all day.
  
• Freezing cold showers (due to the fact that our gas bill wasn't paid? Apparently I should be showering in warmth soon.)
• Eating cookies, cereal, yogurt and bocadillos because I don't know how to cook.

But I guess 3 downers aren't so bad. My roommates are all really nice, all three are from Mexico. Yesterday was the Mexican Independence Day, so we went to this festival in El Poble Espanyol. It was really fun and there was delicious food. The tacos were awesome. I didn't bring a camera along because I never think of it. Picture this with tents of food, a mariachi band, and whole lot of Mexicans.

I also started classes this week, but so far I've only gone to the core classes, which are the classes from my program. So I've just taken classes with the California/Illinois kids. I think I'm really going to enjoy my Spanish Cinema class, we watch movies and the teacher seems cool. I think we're taking a class trip to see Vicky Cristina Barcelona in the theater... what class could be cooler than that? Anyways. I'll put up some pictures of my apartment/room. Oh and here's my address if you ever feel like mailing me something.

Kristen Dunning

Carrer de Biscaia 356 Piso 6K

08027, Barcelona

Spain

If it's a package write Efectos personales and Sin Valor Comercial to clear customs

5

Expo 2008: Zaragoza

On Saturday, a few friends and I took a trip to Zaragoza to go to the Expo. We woke up at the crack of dawn to catch a 7:00am bus and got in a little after 10:00am. It was a really busy day with tons of long lines, but I'd say it was definitely worth it to go. There were a lot of countries represented there, all with their own take on the theme of this years Expo, water and sustainable development. There was a parade by  Cirque du Soleil, tons of exhibits and pavillions, and a few shows. Overall, I had a good time and learned a few things about water in the process.

Cirque du Soleil Parade

Extreme Water Pavillion

Aragón Pavillion