5 O'Clock World

5 PM.  My feet had succumb to the binding instruments otherwise known as high heels.  I had switched to my Rainbows underneath my desk hoping no one would notice.  Nursing my 3rd Americano of the afternoon, I was attempting to retard the jet lag from setting in further.  Consequently, it was a struggle to hold a pen straight.  All concentration had gone out the window due to the enormous hole in my stomach called Hunger.  The small bowl of gazpacho I had for lunch hadn’t done much to sustain me through the afternoon.  An hour and 15 til freedom.

Not that I’m trying to complain about work…because really there is nothing at all to complain about.  I couldn’t imagine a more hospitable and welcoming environment to be thrown into; my coworkers are already regarding me and the other interns as part of the family, treating us to a lovely lunch on our first day.  This morning during the cab ride to the office, nerves practically oozed out of my pores, but as soon as I walked onto the 9^th floor I was treated with nothing but kindness and friendly smiles.

My favorite part of the day was my 2 hour discussion with one of the marketing directors of the company.  He was so welcoming to any and every question I had, and wasn’t hesitant to share any detail of his creative plans for the company.  We even realized we shared a common interest in street art.  Needless to say, I walked away from the conversation with a smile on my face and inspiration pulsing through my veins.

After work, I made my way to the middle of town to take a quick sweep through the well-known department store, Corte Inglés.  This place was like Macy’s on speed and steroids.  Their beauty department alone was like Ulta, Sephora, and every department store make-up counter rolled into one chaotic mess with foundation and mascara flying in every direction.  Pushed and shoved this way and that, I still managed to get what I needed and get the hell out of there.  Man, these Spaniards take this whole “Rebaixos” (sale) thing seriously!

I also had my first experience getting lost in Barcelona today!  But I am very proud to report that I managed to find my way back to my apartment without having to ask for help or jumping in a cab…thank goodness for iPhone maps!  I hopped out of my work clothes and into something more street saavy and immediately began my hunt for dinner.

I can tell the early evenings in Barcelona are going to be my favorite part of the day.  Meandering the streets and taking in the people as well as the storefronts in the warm summer night air is pure magic.  And I love being on my own schedule and no one else’s.  If I feel like lollygagging, I lollygag.  If I’m in a rush to eat up and get back to go to sleep, I do so.  But that hasn’t happened yet.  Every corner I turn, there’s something new to explore and absorb.  I can’t get enough.

Tonight, I ate at a swanky little self-serve tapas place, where I feasted on artichoke, tomato, and mozzerella skewers with a dollop of olive tapenade, goat cheese and tomato baguette, and Spanish ham on a mini croissant.  It was superb.  I’m really digging this whole tapa idea; it allows you to order several different things on the menu without overeating, and if you’re still hungry, you can try something else!

  

And for dessert, I just couldn't resist the adorable little cookie/truffle shop down the street from my apartment.  I went in and asked the shopkeeper in my best Spanish to select her favorite goody in the store and that's what I would have.  Giggling with delight as a little kid would in such a store, she selected the dark chocolate orange truffle.  I couldn't have done better myself.

Even the bag is adorable!

But alas!  Stupid me with the butterfingers dropped the whole thing in the street trying to get it out of the bag!  I was too embarrassed to go back and face my shopkeeper friends disappointment that her favorite dessert lay slain in the middle of Camino Princesa!  Guess I'll just have to wait until tomorrow night!