Finally getting around to "blogging" about my trip to Spain, this past July/August!
I'll begin with the logistics.
I signed up for this trip online (around September), through this company called EF College Break - and I had no idea what to expect. I started monthly payments in October until July (the month we were leaving.) (About $200 and a super convenient process!)
Check out their prices and payment plans on their website: here.
As the date of departure crept closer, we were all invited to a Facebook group page where strangers became distant acquaintances. On this page we met the 30+ "travelers" (between the ages of 18-27?) that would include
We were also introduced to our Tour Director for the trip - Elena! - a local who organized and planned our group activities, made sure we were all together (and alive), and always had the best recommendations for places to go, food to eat, and other "thingies".
A few of the girls from the Los Angeles/Orange County area.. (where I'm from), wanted to meet together before the trip so we could get to know each other, and get that upper hand of having a familiar face at the airport.
So Abbigail (Abby), Marysabel, Jen, and I.. had a lovely date at Boiling Crab a few weeks before we left for spain.
[Perk #1 of EFCB (EF College Break): They booked all our flights FOR us. (Stress-free traveling? yes please!) & all of us from LA had the same flights booked, so most of us sat next to each other.]
I also enjoyed the theme and decorations all over; it was a doodle-type, fun house! (see pictures below)
This was also my first encounter with:
a) an overhead shower head with..
b) a push button! Water spouts out for 10ish seconds and then turns off until you push it again. (Annoying to some... but quite earth-friendly.. and I liked it. PETITION TO IMPLEMENT THIS IN CALIFORNIA: SIGN.. HERE.)
Later that night, (before sunset) Elena takes us all to an optional, but "CAN'T MISS!" rooftop view of Madrid. It was gorgeous... but unfortunately my iPhone could not get a decent picture of the view with sunset - but it was perfect. Mojitos in hand, rooftop sunset, talks about love and life with the girls...
We soon leave there and decide to go club/bar hopping. Crazy how much attention a group of American girls get when walking the streets, deciding where to go..
Free drinks here!
Free drinks here!
We settle on Club 1 - decided by this club promoter/haggler, who shows us this amazing magic card trick as we're walking around. Sold!
We're drinking a couple drinks, dancing in a circle with just us group of girls, as creepy guys contemplate how to infiltrate the stronghold (not happening). Oddly enough (and unfortunately), all the songs in the club are American Songs.
... and the DJ doesn't know who Usher is, when we ask...
Club 2: half of the girls in our group, head back to the hostel. So it's just me, Abby, Jacqui, Kristine, and Shereen (later joined by my hostel roomies.)
Notable events:
*guy at the club pulls me to the side and asks if I'm Chinese.
Me: No.... I'm filipino...
Guy (not chinese himself): Oh darn, I know how to speak Chinese.. so I thought I'd have a better chance with you!
Me: I'm sorry! But if it makes you feel better, I have a boyfriend - so you wouldn't have had a chance either way...
Taxi cab ride to the hostel.
"We want Spanish music! No anglais!"
I remember walking up to the upstairs lounge and balcony where 2 of the girls from my room were, and I remember apologizing because they were walking down the stairs and I woke up from my sleep and groggily asked: "what time is it?!" and I was scared that it came off as if I was irritated that they had woken me up.. (when that wasn't the case)
ended up sleeping at around 4am.
8am wake-up. Dragged all our luggages back on the bus for a 6 hour drive to Cordoba to see the Mosques!
3 hour bus ride to
I have overall mixed feelings about this excursion; & I have overall guilt about riding the camel...
lthough I watched them getting whipped with a tiny straw stick; having to bend down on it's knees.. pop back up.. walk around.. plop back down.. actually broke my heart. Their knees were worn down.. they looked tired; and I justified riding it along with everyone else, because I felt that riding a camel was part of an experience that you think of when you think "Morocco".. and I felt I'd regret it, if I saw everyone on the trip posting their pictures...
I loved the color in Morocco.
Some (most) of my favorite shots from my trip were taken there.
We walked through the bazaar (most were closed due to it being holy week..) getting products shoved in our faces.. all to walk into a presentations set up to sell to us even more. (see picture to the left, of carpet presentation. not shown: spices and remedies presentation) Don't get me wrong.. they were actually very entertaining, and educational. We realized in these shops that they were quite pushy (which was pre-warned as just part of the culture.) and that haggling was a normal and recommended course of action. We had a deliciously authentic Moroccan meal, complete with this yummy mint tea, that I later purchased at the wine and remedies presentation. (This was Argon oils... cooking spices.. headache remedies.. natural products. Who knows if the products all but cure cancer.. the man knew stuff, and he sold it well.)
We were also asked for this trip to not wear shorts or bare shoulders, as this is a predominantly Muslim region. I opted for my favorite maxi dress and jean jacket. (a mistake on two counts.. 1) having to constantly lift my dress up, as it kept dipping into water residue on the ground.. and 2) it was "hot as balls" as the young ones would say. I had to 86 the jean jacket, and pray for my sins later...) We also got henna on our hands, that had our names in Arabic... which led to strangers on the streets calling us in by name....
We forgot how they were able to know our names, and we blamed it on voodoo magic.. or at least I did. Unfortunately I didn't purchase any fruits... as I was busy taking a plethora of pictures of them instead..
We headed back by night fall... exhausted. The bus ride back to Costa del Sol was filled with snoring and attractively open mouths.. (mine mostly... probably.)
When we got back, we all mustered up some energy to eat out for our last night in Torremolinos. Abby, Bianca, and I joined the group of East Coasters. I had my first pina colada (in Spain. it was amaze-balls.) Then we had some traditional Tapas. (google if necessary.)
Abby introduced us to this fun game called "What are the odds?"
Where you ask a dare-type action to someone in the form of "What are the odds that you would ______"
For example, "What are the odds that you would do a crazy dance in front of that taxi?" - Abby
I, as the receiver of this question will choose the odds of which I'd do it.. It could be anything simple from "1 out of 5" (being more likely to do it it..) to "1 out of 2000000" (being least likely)
once you say that, you think of a number between the range that you said, and the person who challenged you, does the same.
On the count of 3 you both yell out the number you're thinking of... and if by chance something like this occurs:
"6!!!"
"6!!"
The person who made the odds HAS TO DO IT. (no matter what.)
and so I did that crazy dance, and we laughed on..
The next morning (8am wake-up), we ate breakfast and loaded our luggage into the bus, and proceeded to the Aquarium of Valencia.
Fish fish fish, whales, seals, penguins..
and then proceeded to load into the bus for a 4 hour bus ride to our final city. (womp, womp)
Before that, we stopped by this place that made authentic paella. MMMM. and got a boat tour of the river...
Since this was our last big trip out with this bus, I'll take this opportunity to talk about the bus rides and all that jazz; which granted, involved mostly sleeping. The seats were spacious, all the luggage went underneath the bus. Occasionally Javier played his spanish jams; and on one trip we watched "Love Actually". For most of the longer trips, there was often a break halfway - at a road-side plaza, that seemed built for travelers on the road. These often included restrooms, cafeteria, and *hallelujah chorus - wifi!
My final roomies were Abby, Bianca, and Marni from New York.
This hostel was filled to the brink with young travelers, (and by popular opinion: "Super cute guys" - mostly from New Zealand and Australia.)
All the hostels we've stayed at, have these floors (for this one, it was the 4th floor) that have a bunch of couches, computers, gaming tables (pool, foosball) - purposed for meeting all the different people staying there.
"When in Spain.. do what.. oh wait..."
Anyway, we made it back in time to join the people from our tour group, in this - 3 euro promotion that the hostel had- where you get a free shot, bus ride to clubs, and free admission to the club. Luckily we were there on a sunday night, which meant free access to the most popular one: Opium.We left the hostel at around 1-2am... it took forever to leave.
I had time to panic and change clothes and shoes a couple times. 1) because I wore my long sleeved/short length dress. I definitely don't recommend long sleeve AT ALL. regardless of length. I was sweating like crazy. *cue change to sleeveless dress. 2) Changed from my heels to black jewel sandals. (a risk I was willing to take, to not be Sasquatch..)
Usually I'm okay with my height... but for some reason I felt too tall this night..
Note: the dress-code was apparently super strict and they wouldn't let girls with just any kind of sandals in.. or guys with crappy tennis shoes..
A group of us got into the elevator, and it kept going up and down and up and down, and anywhere BUT the ground floor.. so obviously we all antsy, so when it finally started descending fluidly, we all began chanting a countdown. "7! 6! 5! 4! 3! 2! WOOOOOOOO" We were admittedly loud... at that time forgetting it was 2am and people were probably sleeping. One of the workers downstairs gave us all an earful about this... yikes.
I cannot stress enough how much of a Vegas vibe this club gave. High-end, multi levels. When I was on the dance floor, the lights flickered so intensely, I probably had the crazy eyes going on. Drinks were around 6 euros. Some random guy pulled my hair. Also the next morning my hair smelled so strongly of smoke, it was repulsive...
After clubbing, at around 6? A group of us walked on the beach (right outside of the clubs).. and then we all got taxis back to the hostel.
Last day of the trip; 8am wake-up, for a bus tour of Barcelona, to see the two sites above. Then we had some free time to roam around, until the 8:30pm farewell dinner. I felt like Barcelona was definitely rushed; I wish we could have spent more days there. There's definitely so much more that could've been done there. Dinner was... bittersweet; you realized this was the last time you'd ever get to see all these people in that room again..
We opted out for another wild night of clubbing, and stuck to conversations on the 4th floor..
A couple people went out for hookah.
Abby and I got locked out of our room.... it was a mess. We had to be awake at 8 for our flight back home.. we woke up late for that.... I practically ran to the bus, out of breath...
but we made it for our flight.
I signed up for this trip online (around September), through this company called EF College Break - and I had no idea what to expect. I started monthly payments in October until July (the month we were leaving.) (About $200 and a super convenient process!)
Check out their prices and payment plans on their website: here.
As the date of departure crept closer, we were all invited to a Facebook group page where strangers became distant acquaintances. On this page we met the 30+ "travelers" (between the ages of 18-27?) that would include
- the people you'd probably room with
- walk with on each tour through the cities
- and possibly carry back to the hostel - after a drunken fun night..
Through the page I learned that there would be people coming from New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Florida, Texas .. (and more).
A few of the girls from the Los Angeles/Orange County area.. (where I'm from), wanted to meet together before the trip so we could get to know each other, and get that upper hand of having a familiar face at the airport.
So Abbigail (Abby), Marysabel, Jen, and I.. had a lovely date at Boiling Crab a few weeks before we left for spain.
Highlights of the Flight and Landing
[Perk #1 of EFCB (EF College Break): They booked all our flights FOR us. (Stress-free traveling? yes please!) & all of us from LA had the same flights booked, so most of us sat next to each other.]
- It was a 12+ hour flight. 6am Departure from LA on Saturday. Stopover in Chicago. 7am arrival in Madrid on Sunday.
- Super nice airplane from Chicago to Madrid.
For some reason, the AC wasn't working while everyone was boarding, which meant perspiration was at it's peak. I remember sinking into my seat while I slowly melted away...
The plane finally kicked into gear, and it was smooth sailing ahead - AC in order. - We were also (probably) the only people on the flight speaking English at this point...
"Pollo? o Carne?"
Me: "Si..." - We also met Shirlee, Sharona, and Bianca (the lovely Kate Winslet doppelganger) on our flight, by random: "Why are you guys going to Madrid?"
- We finally landed, and were greeted by Customs and Elena!
A few money exchanges later and we met our tour bus and driver - Javier
(Yes, both. The bus was a BEAUTY. She was a deluxe AC, spacious beauty.) - We were left in the bus while Elena headed out to pick up the arrivals in another terminal..
But our group pretty much all claim the front bus seats.. and it stays pretty much the same the whole trip.
*note we were on this same bus from city to city; which was 4-7 hours on the road at times!
We played a little Heads Up while we waited for what we thought would be a couple of people joining us.
WRONG.
In comes a hoard of East Coast people (New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, New Jersey.. Florida). I kid you not, they came in the dozens... (okay.. like 2 dozen..)
MADRID
We made our way through cobbled streets with clattering luggage wheels, to our Hostel in Madrid - Room 007. I personally LOVED this hostel - and it was probably my favorite during this whole trip. My roomies and I got lucky with a two-level room; and because the 5 girls got the bunks upstairs.. I got the bed on the floor level. (My own personal sink, toilet, and two showers.)
Which was lonely at first.. but always see the positive! I also got separated from my Cali Girls, because since this was our first city - Elena didn't know who wanted to be roomed with who yet (and she was in charge of room assignments.)I also enjoyed the theme and decorations all over; it was a doodle-type, fun house! (see pictures below)
This was also my first encounter with:
a) an overhead shower head with..
b) a push button! Water spouts out for 10ish seconds and then turns off until you push it again. (Annoying to some... but quite earth-friendly.. and I liked it. PETITION TO IMPLEMENT THIS IN CALIFORNIA: SIGN.. HERE.)
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| Top view of my humble abode. |
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| Feast your eyes on this bad boy! |
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| Simple living. |
The rest of that afternoon/evening was spent roaming around Madrid for our free time before the Welcome Mixer later at night.
We all went with a group to the "farmers market" (which was really just an outdoor market)..
Abby and I got separated from the group due to impromptu #jumpinginimportantplaces photoshoot in a random alley.
This became a trend throughout the trip - Abby and I being unofficial personal photogs for each other.
At this market, I purchased 2 fanny packs as a souvenir for my sister and I (5 euros each), and Abby purchased this super cute wood-carved purse (13 euros).
During this little adventure we found ourselves craving a fruit smoothie, and were blessed with a boba shop! (after a bit of struggle trying to figure out how to say smoothie.. "frutta con leche? pero.. mixare?"
We stopped by the Royal Plaza, Brandy Melville Madrid, and street after street looking for our hostel... until my feet felt like they were bleeding.
We all went with a group to the "farmers market" (which was really just an outdoor market)..
Abby and I got separated from the group due to impromptu #jumpinginimportantplaces photoshoot in a random alley.
This became a trend throughout the trip - Abby and I being unofficial personal photogs for each other.
At this market, I purchased 2 fanny packs as a souvenir for my sister and I (5 euros each), and Abby purchased this super cute wood-carved purse (13 euros).
During this little adventure we found ourselves craving a fruit smoothie, and were blessed with a boba shop! (after a bit of struggle trying to figure out how to say smoothie.. "frutta con leche? pero.. mixare?"
We stopped by the Royal Plaza, Brandy Melville Madrid, and street after street looking for our hostel... until my feet felt like they were bleeding.
We returned to the hostel and to our separate rooms.. where I KO'd like I had been hit with a killer uppercut jab in the 10th round.
I woke up to the sound of my room-mates rushing out of the door.
"shoot. I'm late to the Welcome Mixer!!!"
I rushed downstairs to the restaurant where the mixer seems to have been in full swing... empty glasses, empty appetizer platters - people standing around chatting; but luckily I made it in time for the intro-game!
Say your name and 2 truths and 1 lie about yourself, and everyone has to guess the lie.
While I thought this game was informative and entertaining.. I couldn't help but feel that my focus was not on the people speaking, but counting down the people before me, and panicking trying to think of 2 truths and a lie.
My lie was: "I was Pocahontas at Disneyland."(*shrug) I don't even remember my truths... or anyone's for that matter... now that I think about it..
After the mixer we were all invited for a group outing to a traditional Churro dipped in chocolate. (Paid for by Elena - which was super sweet... like the chocolate we dipped our churros in.)
Then we all parted ways for the rest of the night, and a couple of us decided to just sit down at an outdoor bar and drink; apparently a typical night for a Spaniard - drink, (smoke), and chitchat.
I had an Amstel, and a Tinto de Verano (recommended by Elena; "a popular refreshing drink" - not typically at night... but we were curious.)
I woke up to the sound of my room-mates rushing out of the door.
"shoot. I'm late to the Welcome Mixer!!!"
I rushed downstairs to the restaurant where the mixer seems to have been in full swing... empty glasses, empty appetizer platters - people standing around chatting; but luckily I made it in time for the intro-game!
Say your name and 2 truths and 1 lie about yourself, and everyone has to guess the lie.
While I thought this game was informative and entertaining.. I couldn't help but feel that my focus was not on the people speaking, but counting down the people before me, and panicking trying to think of 2 truths and a lie.
My lie was: "I was Pocahontas at Disneyland."(*shrug) I don't even remember my truths... or anyone's for that matter... now that I think about it..
After the mixer we were all invited for a group outing to a traditional Churro dipped in chocolate. (Paid for by Elena - which was super sweet... like the chocolate we dipped our churros in.)
Then we all parted ways for the rest of the night, and a couple of us decided to just sit down at an outdoor bar and drink; apparently a typical night for a Spaniard - drink, (smoke), and chitchat.
I had an Amstel, and a Tinto de Verano (recommended by Elena; "a popular refreshing drink" - not typically at night... but we were curious.)
Day 2 in Madrid
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| Marketplace in Madrid. Different small food items to choose. (1-3 euros.) |
9am wake-up for a bus tour of Madrid. A few stops at some monuments and pyramids; then a walking tour of the rooms in the Royal Palace. It's a hot day in Madrid. We got to check out the marketplace.. and stopped by the park.
Later that night, (before sunset) Elena takes us all to an optional, but "CAN'T MISS!" rooftop view of Madrid. It was gorgeous... but unfortunately my iPhone could not get a decent picture of the view with sunset - but it was perfect. Mojitos in hand, rooftop sunset, talks about love and life with the girls...
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| This was taken by the sweetest girl who was studying abroad in Barcelona, and gave us a couple of recommendations of where to go when we got there! |
We soon leave there and decide to go club/bar hopping. Crazy how much attention a group of American girls get when walking the streets, deciding where to go..
Free drinks here!
Free drinks here!
We settle on Club 1 - decided by this club promoter/haggler, who shows us this amazing magic card trick as we're walking around. Sold!
We're drinking a couple drinks, dancing in a circle with just us group of girls, as creepy guys contemplate how to infiltrate the stronghold (not happening). Oddly enough (and unfortunately), all the songs in the club are American Songs.
... and the DJ doesn't know who Usher is, when we ask...
Club 2: half of the girls in our group, head back to the hostel. So it's just me, Abby, Jacqui, Kristine, and Shereen (later joined by my hostel roomies.)
Notable events:
*guy at the club pulls me to the side and asks if I'm Chinese.
Me: No.... I'm filipino...
Guy (not chinese himself): Oh darn, I know how to speak Chinese.. so I thought I'd have a better chance with you!
Me: I'm sorry! But if it makes you feel better, I have a boyfriend - so you wouldn't have had a chance either way...
Taxi cab ride to the hostel.
"We want Spanish music! No anglais!"
I remember walking up to the upstairs lounge and balcony where 2 of the girls from my room were, and I remember apologizing because they were walking down the stairs and I woke up from my sleep and groggily asked: "what time is it?!" and I was scared that it came off as if I was irritated that they had woken me up.. (when that wasn't the case)
ended up sleeping at around 4am.
8am wake-up. Dragged all our luggages back on the bus for a 6 hour drive to Cordoba to see the Mosques!
CORDOBA
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| Beautiful Mosque turned Catholic Church.. these were preserved from the Muslims.. |
Sevilla
Bus ride from Cordoba (1 hour). Hotel Murillo. Most centrally located hotel on our trip. My roomies are Abby and Bianca. (and the trio forms.) Quick lunch with Marysabel and Jen. The group was offered an optional activity of a (technically booze cruise - but not) scenic boat ride over the river with choices of Sangria and Wine. I opted out (to save 30 euros) which meant I had to head back to the hotel by myself... as it began to turn dark.
I also never recommend this to anyone, ever. Perhaps I psyched myself out to the fullest degree - but my heart didn't stop racing as I ran from large group to large group, trying to avoid being in any area of land by myself.
I survived. You'll probably survive too... but it's better to travel in two.
(bam. unintentional rhyming PSA)
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| Star Wars - Planet Naboo |
I will say though, that Sevilla was hands down one of the prettiest cities we stopped by; and I would definitely recommend it as a place to drop by and stay. We got a city tour by bus and then the Cathedral and Royal Alcazar (went up 41 fleets and ramps to get to the top of the bell tower for an AMAZING view)(below), and then an optional tour of the Bullring of Seville.
3 hour bus ride to
Torremolinos - Costa del Sol
(Insert beach photos here)
Our hotel here was only a couple blocks away from the beach, which was awesome! (Also the best wi-fi connection thus far. I cannot stress/bold/italicize how much of a struggle it was to get wi-fi on this trip.. from the slow overcrowded hotel internet.. to the blessing of city Starbucks.) As soon as we shoved our luggages into our room, we were out that door, with a beachin' mission.
The Mediterranean Sea water was surprisingly cold.. (it felt like California beach water). This beach had nets cast out in the far distance below the water, which we assumed was to keep out sharks from coming near the surface... genius or terrifying? you decide..
We met up with the same girls we went clubbing with in Madrid, and that group split up as we looked for place to eat. We found an Italian place overlooking the water, and had talks about our jobs and the stories of the two girls in the group who are teachers. It was great hearing all these stories from girls who were genuinely passionate in their career. After dinner, we go "fish pedicures".. dipped our feet into a tub of tiny fishes that nibbled on all the dead skin on our feet. Sounds painful, but if anything, it tickled. (see video below of the ruckus we caused. Americans..) We headed back to the hotel to change, but went straight back out after a brilliant idea. (11pm.).. and Abby, Bianca, and I had an interesting night. ;)
Our hotel here was only a couple blocks away from the beach, which was awesome! (Also the best wi-fi connection thus far. I cannot stress/bold/italicize how much of a struggle it was to get wi-fi on this trip.. from the slow overcrowded hotel internet.. to the blessing of city Starbucks.) As soon as we shoved our luggages into our room, we were out that door, with a beachin' mission.
The Mediterranean Sea water was surprisingly cold.. (it felt like California beach water). This beach had nets cast out in the far distance below the water, which we assumed was to keep out sharks from coming near the surface... genius or terrifying? you decide..
We met up with the same girls we went clubbing with in Madrid, and that group split up as we looked for place to eat. We found an Italian place overlooking the water, and had talks about our jobs and the stories of the two girls in the group who are teachers. It was great hearing all these stories from girls who were genuinely passionate in their career. After dinner, we go "fish pedicures".. dipped our feet into a tub of tiny fishes that nibbled on all the dead skin on our feet. Sounds painful, but if anything, it tickled. (see video below of the ruckus we caused. Americans..) We headed back to the hotel to change, but went straight back out after a brilliant idea. (11pm.).. and Abby, Bianca, and I had an interesting night. ;)
6 am wake up call (tired eyes all in the lobby) for our optional excursion
(added while you were booking the trip.)
Bus to
Algeciras (1.30 hours)
Ferry to Ceuta
(got semi-sea sick.)
Bus to:
Tetouan - Morocco
(added while you were booking the trip.)
Bus to
Algeciras (1.30 hours)
Ferry to Ceuta
(got semi-sea sick.)
Bus to:
Tetouan - Morocco
I have overall mixed feelings about this excursion; & I have overall guilt about riding the camel...lthough I watched them getting whipped with a tiny straw stick; having to bend down on it's knees.. pop back up.. walk around.. plop back down.. actually broke my heart. Their knees were worn down.. they looked tired; and I justified riding it along with everyone else, because I felt that riding a camel was part of an experience that you think of when you think "Morocco".. and I felt I'd regret it, if I saw everyone on the trip posting their pictures...
I loved the color in Morocco.
Some (most) of my favorite shots from my trip were taken there.
We walked through the bazaar (most were closed due to it being holy week..) getting products shoved in our faces.. all to walk into a presentations set up to sell to us even more. (see picture to the left, of carpet presentation. not shown: spices and remedies presentation) Don't get me wrong.. they were actually very entertaining, and educational. We realized in these shops that they were quite pushy (which was pre-warned as just part of the culture.) and that haggling was a normal and recommended course of action. We had a deliciously authentic Moroccan meal, complete with this yummy mint tea, that I later purchased at the wine and remedies presentation. (This was Argon oils... cooking spices.. headache remedies.. natural products. Who knows if the products all but cure cancer.. the man knew stuff, and he sold it well.)
We were also asked for this trip to not wear shorts or bare shoulders, as this is a predominantly Muslim region. I opted for my favorite maxi dress and jean jacket. (a mistake on two counts.. 1) having to constantly lift my dress up, as it kept dipping into water residue on the ground.. and 2) it was "hot as balls" as the young ones would say. I had to 86 the jean jacket, and pray for my sins later...) We also got henna on our hands, that had our names in Arabic... which led to strangers on the streets calling us in by name....
We forgot how they were able to know our names, and we blamed it on voodoo magic.. or at least I did. Unfortunately I didn't purchase any fruits... as I was busy taking a plethora of pictures of them instead..
We headed back by night fall... exhausted. The bus ride back to Costa del Sol was filled with snoring and attractively open mouths.. (mine mostly... probably.)
When we got back, we all mustered up some energy to eat out for our last night in Torremolinos. Abby, Bianca, and I joined the group of East Coasters. I had my first pina colada (in Spain. it was amaze-balls.) Then we had some traditional Tapas. (google if necessary.)
8am wake-up.
1 hour bus ride to
1 hour bus ride to
Granada
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Story Time!
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7am wake-up
bus from Granada, to
Perhaps I'm biased by the small boutique I found, where I purchased this super cute midi-white skirt; but this was definitely one of my favorite cities! We were in rooms of 2 in this hotel (NH Las Artes) and I was roomies with Bianca. In this city, Elena bought a bunch of us, her favorite drink, popular here (tasted almost like a sweeter thicker version of horchata.) After that, we went back to the hotel, changed, and headed out.. and found that a big group was headed to the summer fair that was going on. We rode the Ferris Wheel.. people watched.. and headed out to get drinks at an outdoor seating bar. Drank some beer with some good conversation.. and headed toward the hotel.bus from Granada, to
Valencia
Abby introduced us to this fun game called "What are the odds?"
Where you ask a dare-type action to someone in the form of "What are the odds that you would ______"
For example, "What are the odds that you would do a crazy dance in front of that taxi?" - Abby
I, as the receiver of this question will choose the odds of which I'd do it.. It could be anything simple from "1 out of 5" (being more likely to do it it..) to "1 out of 2000000" (being least likely)
once you say that, you think of a number between the range that you said, and the person who challenged you, does the same.
On the count of 3 you both yell out the number you're thinking of... and if by chance something like this occurs:
"6!!!"
"6!!"
The person who made the odds HAS TO DO IT. (no matter what.)
and so I did that crazy dance, and we laughed on..
The next morning (8am wake-up), we ate breakfast and loaded our luggage into the bus, and proceeded to the Aquarium of Valencia.
Fish fish fish, whales, seals, penguins..
and then proceeded to load into the bus for a 4 hour bus ride to our final city. (womp, womp)
Before that, we stopped by this place that made authentic paella. MMMM. and got a boat tour of the river...
Barcelona!
Pronounced: bar-theh-lona by the locals... and pretentious tourists. Our Hostel was Urbany.. SUPER cramped room (as shown below), with a lovely view of the giant dildo.. their words.. not mine.My final roomies were Abby, Bianca, and Marni from New York.
This hostel was filled to the brink with young travelers, (and by popular opinion: "Super cute guys" - mostly from New Zealand and Australia.)
All the hostels we've stayed at, have these floors (for this one, it was the 4th floor) that have a bunch of couches, computers, gaming tables (pool, foosball) - purposed for meeting all the different people staying there.
We all took a walking tour of central Barcelona, via underground metro train. Elena provided us all with 2-day metro passes. (again, sweet!) Perhaps it was the metro that gave me that New York vibe, but Barcelona was definitely a New York to me; maybe it was the mix of people.. maybe the city vibe...
Abby and I decided to go off and eat at this restaurant that a girl we met in Madrid, recommended to us, Rosa Negra. Got my fix of delicious tacos, margaritas, and pina colada."When in Spain.. do what.. oh wait..."
Anyway, we made it back in time to join the people from our tour group, in this - 3 euro promotion that the hostel had- where you get a free shot, bus ride to clubs, and free admission to the club. Luckily we were there on a sunday night, which meant free access to the most popular one: Opium.We left the hostel at around 1-2am... it took forever to leave.
I had time to panic and change clothes and shoes a couple times. 1) because I wore my long sleeved/short length dress. I definitely don't recommend long sleeve AT ALL. regardless of length. I was sweating like crazy. *cue change to sleeveless dress. 2) Changed from my heels to black jewel sandals. (a risk I was willing to take, to not be Sasquatch..)
Usually I'm okay with my height... but for some reason I felt too tall this night..
Note: the dress-code was apparently super strict and they wouldn't let girls with just any kind of sandals in.. or guys with crappy tennis shoes..
A group of us got into the elevator, and it kept going up and down and up and down, and anywhere BUT the ground floor.. so obviously we all antsy, so when it finally started descending fluidly, we all began chanting a countdown. "7! 6! 5! 4! 3! 2! WOOOOOOOO" We were admittedly loud... at that time forgetting it was 2am and people were probably sleeping. One of the workers downstairs gave us all an earful about this... yikes.
I cannot stress enough how much of a Vegas vibe this club gave. High-end, multi levels. When I was on the dance floor, the lights flickered so intensely, I probably had the crazy eyes going on. Drinks were around 6 euros. Some random guy pulled my hair. Also the next morning my hair smelled so strongly of smoke, it was repulsive...
After clubbing, at around 6? A group of us walked on the beach (right outside of the clubs).. and then we all got taxis back to the hostel.
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| Park Guell with my roomie loves. |
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| The beautiful unfinished Sagrada Familia |
Last day of the trip; 8am wake-up, for a bus tour of Barcelona, to see the two sites above. Then we had some free time to roam around, until the 8:30pm farewell dinner. I felt like Barcelona was definitely rushed; I wish we could have spent more days there. There's definitely so much more that could've been done there. Dinner was... bittersweet; you realized this was the last time you'd ever get to see all these people in that room again..
We opted out for another wild night of clubbing, and stuck to conversations on the 4th floor..
A couple people went out for hookah.
Abby and I got locked out of our room.... it was a mess. We had to be awake at 8 for our flight back home.. we woke up late for that.... I practically ran to the bus, out of breath...
but we made it for our flight.
My tips for future travelers (possibly of EF College Break):
- Do choose EF College Break. Beyond the ease of all the planning done for you; from flights to and from Spain, transportation from city to city, really nice hotels and hostels booked for us, breakfast, tours and learning the history of each city... there's really something different about being able to get so close to a group of people that pretty much become your family.
- While bigger cities like Madrid and Barcelona were able to take credit card purchases, a lot of places did not... So don't make the mistake of using that final paycheck to clear space in your travel credit card (hoping to rack up bonus points) .... bring cash. save save save.
- The conversion will kill ya! I got 70 euros from my 100$..
All in all, I spent around 500$ for food, souvenirs, and activities.. as well as tips for the tour director and bus driver. - If you didn't already learn from the anecdote way above... pickpocketing is no joke!
- Mingle! Even though it seems like I was only hanging out with Abby and Bianca, I assure you all I was able to hang out with a vast majority of the people on the trip; which in life if I find, is a must. It's not so much about not wanting to be with the same people, but more of getting to know different people!
- Pack less chewy bars. I hardly ate any... they were way to sugar-y and not at all filling. I did however devour my sour gummy candies, and extra cheesy goldfish from home.
- Have faith in the airport system, and check-in luggage.. :) or do what I did and pack it all in a carry-on suitcase, with all regulation sized bottles in tow, and take it if you must, or check it in at the terminal.
- Pack an empty water bottle. preferably with a self-filter, as well.
- COMFORTABLE SHOES. which ironically the shoes I wore religiously on this trip, would by no means, by others standard be looked at as comfortable.. but they were to me..
Overall I'd say this trip was pretty unforgettable.
The people I met, the places that I was able to see. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it!
I feel like this is just the beginning of a life full of travels. It's trips like these that remind you that this is worth it. Meeting people, seeing places different from the one you've always known. It's a fresh perspective, and something I'd never be able to say that I'd ever regret.
The people I met, the places that I was able to see. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it!
I feel like this is just the beginning of a life full of travels. It's trips like these that remind you that this is worth it. Meeting people, seeing places different from the one you've always known. It's a fresh perspective, and something I'd never be able to say that I'd ever regret.
xo Camille
