Today was my first day to make my way alone in Barcelona. I'm so proud of myself. I was able to take the bus, the train and the metro without getting lost. It's hard to remember which bus, train, and metro to take and which station to get off at. It's always a different one, so it gets confusing. There is something so liberating about making your way alone in a foreign country. I tried my best to find my way around with confidence. I think I did a good job. Yes, I almost missed the bus stop on the way home, but I still made it back home without any problems. It was an amazing feeling.

Alone at breakfast-time in Barcelona, I really surprised myself. I also was able to order my breakfast in Spanish from a bakery cafe. Granted, my Spanish is choppy and my pronunciation is poor, but I am still proud of the fact that I was able to do that. I wasn't even planning to do so. I was thirsty and hungry. So out of reaction, I stopped in a bakery and ordered breakfast and a drink in Spanish. It really surprised me. I had never realized that I knew any Spanish. I have never studied Spanish before. I think there is a similarity between Spanish and French (which I'm currently studying) and that must have helped me. Also, it helped that I picked up a little Spanish while living in Texas.

I met with my friend Helena in the next town in the late morning, after breakfast. We spent the morning eating pastries and walking around town. Later, after I arrived back home, Albert and I went out for granizat (iced lemon juice) in Barcelona. Dinner with Albert's family was outside in the garden, where we eat many nights. We had bread, meat, cheese and wine, a very typical dinner. I like the fact that dessert is always served after dinner. I love living in Spain so much. Even the simplest things seem so exciting here.

I'm writing to music. The neighbor plays the violin each night outside in the garden. She plays so beautifully. I love hearing it every night. I'm exhausted and I need to sleep. I'll write again soon.

Ashley