1) I'll be more prone to update this blog if I get more comments, or else I just feel like i'm talking to myself via internet.
2) Today, some bad decision making on exploring happened today. I hadn't been to Parc Guell yet (the park dedicated to all things Gaudi) and really wanted to do some free exploring. So Linda and I met John at Placa Cataluyna and made our way there. Did i mention it was really windy? Not just "man this wind is messing up my hair" windy but "dear god, if i had an umbrella i'd probably fly away Mary Poppins style" windy. Also, did i mention Parc Guell is on top of a massive hill? Yea, we climb up several million miles of stairs (note: exaggeration) and the park's entrance has been attempted to be roped off, but you know the sign next to it has fallen on top of the rope, making it quite easy to jump over the sign and be on our way. We pass a couple of uprooted trees and explore Parc Guell (we weren't the only ones) and it was amazing! We couldn't go on top of the highest part b/c Linda and John said it wasn't safe. whatever. Long story short, or long story long, we get home and see an email sent to us via IES which states this:
Queridos Estudiantes,
As you may have noticed, yesterday and today it has been very windy in Barcelona. Some of the winds are in excess of 100mph. There have been 5 deaths in the city, one on the collapse of a wall next to a construction site and the other 4 upon the collapse of the ceiling of a gym facility on the outskirts of Barcelona.
The city Government has made every effort to secure loose urban objects as to minimize risk of injury, but It has also issued an advisory for all citizens to stay away from the shore since it is the zone of the city where the winds will be at its fullest strength.
You are advised to stay away from the shore and coastal areas. This would also include the recreational areas of Port Olimpic and Port Vell. Please make sure that windows are closed in your apartments and residences.
I'm really bad at making decisions. I'm alive!
Catherine,
ReplyDeleteLauren and I read your blog religiously. Its funny actually, the other day our roommate Caitlin was like, "Im glad we arent in Barcelona right now, they are having hurricane like winds." Lauren and I crack up thinking of you, and then have another laugh as we read this entry.... Only you would get stuck in 100 mph winds =) We miss you terribly and dont worry, we will visit you!!!!!!!!!!!
oh my gosh, catherine, that is so scary! i'm glad you are okay!
ReplyDeleteps, i'll comment multiple times if it'll make you keep posting...i know a lot of people read this, and it always makes me sad when study abroad people start a blog...and then stop. it's so much fun to read! even the seemingly mundance (like...today we went to blah blah and i had blah for dinner) is so interesting when it's in another country!