Today has thus far been my favorite day in Spain. We began with a trip
up to the monestary Monserrat. It's quite the mountain in comparison
with Barcelona at sea level, and even had some lingering snow. The
grounds were beautiful, but nothing in comparison with the exquisite
cathedral, which we visited for a performance by their boy's choir. We
walked up the stairs afterwards to visit the famous Madonna and rub
the orb for good fortune. Although not Catholic myself, I could not
help but appreciate the magic of the faith and I felt humbled in such
a place of worship.
We enjoyed another three course lunch at a 500 year old house, and
sampled lentils, rabbit, sausage, and our favorite desserts - all
classic to Cataluyna. Not for the first time and certainly not for the
last, we left feeling stuffed and ready to siesta.
But there was no time for a siesta today - we had to hurry off to the
FC Barcelona match versus Stuttgart! We traveled via subway and met
with passionate fans - showing tattoos of their team's crest and
singing fight songs. The atmosphere was similar in a local restaurant
where we joined along in song with the rest of the crowd. We made
friends with some Stuttgart fans who had flown from all over the world
for the game, and felt quite popular as they insisted on getting
pictures with the cute Americans.
When we finally arrived at the stadium, it was PACKED! It looked
nothing like the empty stadium we had visited only the day before.
Their motto is Mes Que Un Club (more than a club) and boy was that
correct. They were gods and soccer was religion. The excitement was
infectious, and a buzz surrounded the entire stadium. We made friends
with some local Spanish teenagers who spoke little English, and did
our best to immitate their songs and gestures to not look quite so out
of place. The game ended 4-0 FCB, with two incredible goals by Messi.
Everytime he scored the crowd chanted his name and bowed to him. To
see him play was more than an honor. It was a nice reminder that my
beloved sport truly was an art, and he is definitely the Picasso of
his time.
After the game we met the tour guide replacing Yan, and he is much
more popular with the team to say the least. Very nice, very
accomadating, and very cute! We followed with a classic night in
Spain - late dinner and a pickpocketing adventure on the subway. As
Lance so appropriately put it, "pickpocketers are as good at what they
do as Messi is with a ball." We leave Barcelona tomorrow for a few
days to explore the coast and Southern France. Can't wait to get back
here Saturday.
Buenos noches,
Abby Loar ('12 Sophomore)
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