Leisure Activity

Sitges 

I do now know if it would be appropriate to call traveling to Sitges as a leisure activity but it was a very relaxing and cool place. After hearing it only cost around seven euros to get there and back by train, I knew I could not turn down the opportunity. I was very glad I did not. When we arrived in Sitges, we walked around the skinny winding streets. Above all these streets, hung the white and red flag of Sitges.  I never was able to find out the exact reason why all the flags were there. We made our way to the beach and decided to to eat at one of the restaurants that sat right on the sand. We had a filling meal of beer and paella that was very tasty. Finally, we did what I enjoyed most from the trip, relax on the beach. The sun was hot and the it was not very crowed, so it was the perfect day to be at the beach. The beach was huge with golden sand. When I got into the water, I was surprised that I was able to walk really far out into the sea while still touching the ground. While sitting on the beach it was just enjoyable to look around and take Sitges in. I had the blue water in front of me, a beautiful church to my left, and the bar to my right. It was perfect. After the beach, we walked around the city some more and got crepes at a really good restaurant. The day trip made me love Sitges and want to come back again. We did come back for the movie festival but it was raining and all the movies were sold out so we did not stay very long. I hope to make it back to Sitges again because it is a very laid back atmosphere and everybody seems very genuine.

Cultural Activity

National Day of Catalonia 

When I first came to Barcelona, I heard about this celebration that took place on September 11th. From an American perspective, it was strange to hear that there was a festival on that day. In the the United States, whenever that date is brought up, it brings back haunting memories. Because I was here, I wanted to gain more knowledge about this festival. The first basic fact I learned was that it was the day of defeat of the Catalan troops. I knew I needed to gain more knowledge of this day because it seemed odd for people to have a celebration for a day of defeat. I learned that it was the day of defeat during the  War of Spanish Succession. The day is a celebration to honor those fallen soldiers and to celebrate the fighting spirit of the people, the never give up attitude. Also, is is a day to show your approval of Catalan independence. During September 11th, I chose to go around the Arc de Triomf to witness the festival. It was a pretty exhilarating experience. There were waves of numerous people and many of them had the Catalan Independence Flag draped on their back or waving it in the air. There was even a giant flag hanging from the Arc de Triomf. People were singing and chanting. There was also a big concert taking place. Many stands were set up selling Catalan Independence posters and clothing. People seemed very proud to be from Catalonia and were marching for independence. The day was a celebration of the Catalan' never back down spirit and a declaration of independence. It was very cool experience and reminded me of the Fourth of July in the United States because of the sense of pride everybody had. I was very glad I got the opportunity to experience something that is very important to a number of people in Catalonia.