Make Time: Parades, Churches, and Graffiti

Got up and jumped on the bicycle because I was trying to find a place to place a bet on the F1 race. Yes, I'm a degenerate when it comes to sports betting at times - what can I say? After seeing Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes dominate the track on Friday, and then hearing about him dominating again on Saturday, I was sure he was gonna win, so I got on Guillem's bike and went down to the casino I saw near the beach. I get there 15 minutes before the race starts but they tell me they don't have sports betting there. Oh well. Not a big deal. As I was riding my bike down to the casino I rode through a parade that was going on in the center of town. A bunch of old-school-dressed people and kids, all either riding horses or leading horses which were pulling carts of hay or wheat or beer. Seemed like a pretty traditional parade, but I didn't know what it was all about (obviously). So I rode my bike back to the parade after my failed gambling try, and sat and watched for a while. Very cool. Love the old outfits and the happy faces. It was a little hazy out so it wasn't too hot - perfect for riding the bike around. I got lost throughout the city - had some tapas - went into the Basilica of Santa Maria (built in the 14th century) - and then enjoyed some graffiti before heading back to Guillem's place just in time for his arrival back from skiing. He had a great trip but apparently one of his skis broke so he had to rent a pair. We hung out and talked over dinner and then did some video chatting with our mutual friend Justin Nyberg (JNY) - who we both knew in SF. Justin is finishing up law school and then moving from Albuquerque to Denver to work in corporate law. Definitely moving up in the world, JNY!! Good luck on your tests and on the bar. Passed out soon thereafter. Not a crazy day but nice and relaxing.

Today I'm moving to another AirBnB apartment here in Gracia. Here's what it looks like: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1407324. Should be good :) Me and Guillem are heading to Dalia's apartment tonight for a home cooked dinner, which will be great. Love my Barcelona family here - such good people. Today my other plan is to do another bike ride to the top of Tibidabo - the mountain in the back of the city that I almost climbed the first few days I was here. Will be MUCH more fun on the bike :) Pics to come.