May Day

I am in Cannes, France today, but stuck on the ship with in port manning duties. I have to say I’ve been a bit perturbed by my work schedule since arriving in Europe. I had a tour all lined up in Lisbon, Portugal, but had to cancel because of a rehearsal. The rehearsal was scheduled for noon and we were only in port until 1:30 – why not wait until we’re at sea with nothing to do?!!! Anyway, I guess I should try to remember that I am here working and not on vacation.

Yesterday I spent the day in Barcelona. I went around with Sergio and J again and didn’t find the city as amazing as everybody says it is. Maybe it was hyped up too much or maybe it was because it was a holiday and most of the stores were closed. We went to La Rambla which is a major pedestrian street with street performers and shops – reminded me of a super-sized version of Pearl Street Mall in Boulder. We also went to La Segrada Familia which is the cathedral started by Gaudi back in 1882 and still remains unfinished. It has to be the most eccentric and unique design for a cathedral that I have ever seen. Gaudi borrowed many elements from nature and it almost looks like a mud-drip sand castle. After this we had paella at a restaurant on La Rambla. I had a paella mixta which had vegetables, mussels, clams, shrimp, squid, and chicken. It was very good, but I still can’t seem to get over the texture of squid and octopus – maybe someday my taste buds will adapt! Sergio also ordered another expensive bottle of wine – I really need to stop dining with him as I’ve easily been spending over $50 for my meals – completely goes against my frugal nature! I also had a nice helado, but it left me pining for gelato. Alas, the wait is not long, as tomorrow I’ll be in Roma stuffing my face with all the gelato that I can handle!