For relaxing times, make it Suntory times...
Went with 2 friends last night to see Lost In Translation projected on the side of the Castle of Montuïc, which was incredible. 3,000 people gathered in the moat of this old castle, drinking, eating, and relaxing, while a great movie was playing. I forgot how much I loved that movie, and definitely need to buy it when I get home.
On our way back, feeling the effects of a bottle of cava each (and some gin, and some beer), we stumbled into a random street party. During the summer the various barrios of Barcelona throw their own parties, so there is almost always something going on. Anyhow, after buying cheap and delicious mojitos, we wandered over to the stage with good live music, and danced and people watched. At one point the keyboard player took out his trumpet, which was just awesome. Nothing showy, but a nice fat spanish/cuban sound, which perfectly complemented the mojitos. D.T., please work on your cuban technique. I´ll make the mojitos.
Pepita cooked my special farewell lunch today (her not knowing exactly when I am leaving, which I still don´t...), which consisted of a massive plate of perfectly cooked and spiced muscles, an incredible garlic seafood pasta alfredo, and more cava sangria, which she showed me how to make. The food just gets better and better. A gastronomical elysium.
Yesterday we had our excursion to Figueres to see the Dalí museum, which he designed himself in the twilight of his life. Accordingly, the museum itself is a work of art. It was, however, the most insanely crowded museum I´ve ever been in, to the point where it was difficult to appreciate much, what with cutthroat German tourists jockeying for better viewing positions. I was elbowed several times by elderly ladies, who are generally stronger than they appear.
And tonight, four of us (the three people in the group I talk to) are going on a Spanish bar/pub crawl. 15 euro for 3 bars and 1 club, with a drink and shot at each. Good chance to see some bars that I otherwise wouldn´t see.
¡Que vaya bien!