Day 1-2

I considered getting started on this last night, my first in Spain, as a way of keeping myself awake / giving myself the best chance to sync with a new time zone but was able to stave off fatigue until a reasonable hour by treating myself to a glass from a €2 bottle of local wine, listening to house music and responding to a few work emails. 

Between Thursday at 1pm EST and now (8:30 am, GMT) I have traveled approximately 4,500 miles, using 4 separate trains, a bus and an airplane. As I write this I am riding the Renfe R1 from Canet de Mar (where my lodging is) to Badalona where I will transfer to the Metro (purple line) which will take me to Passeig de Gracia where I will transfer back to the Renfe (R2) line which will take me to Castelldefels where I will be for the next few days playing in an international beach ultimate tournament with Black Bonzai, a team of French, Swedish, Danish, Russian and American (me) players. Major shout out to my friend and teammate Nico for getting me in touch with Nas, our team captain. 

This is my first adventure in Spain (other than navigating Barcelona’s complex transit system upon arrival yesterday) and I’m happy that it will involve burning zero gasoline. I’m  thankful that the Spanish government has waived train fees for metro + regional rail trips through the end of the year as a measure to reduce inflation. Not a bad idea! I’m also inspired by the level of mobility and access afforded by the train system here. An inspiring example of transit oriented development. 

Much needed double espresso after getting the airport bus to Barcelona.

Some sort of seafood dish (top) paired with seafood laden black rice (mussels, clams) (bottom)

Arc de triomf & plaza, short walk from espresso pic.

Sunrise next the Renfe this morning. The Renfe running up the costa brava goes along the ocean for most of the way. Lots of joggers along the path so I’ll have to check that out soon.