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Published: March 7th 2007
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Well, I certainly can't complain, as I lay here on a cushioned beach chair by the hotel pool. Barcelona is beautiful!
We landed this morning, and I watched the landscape creep up, straining my already sore neck to look out the tiny plane window. I was surprised to see the difference in the terrain to the US - the clusters of houses and buildings that dotted the hills and mountains set a stark contrast to the congestion I just left. I watched the huge waves pound the coastline as we came into the airport, which was surrounded by farmland. Barcelona itself is surrounded by mountains, which restrict the access to the city. We disembarked and entered an almost silent international terminal. The excitement started early as two of our fellow passengers were arrested and handcuffed at customs - for what, I can only imagine. Were they terrorists, smugglers, or just accidentally breaking Spanish law? I'll never know.
Then, we caught a taxi to the hotel and I was fascinated by the passing terrain. My dad pointed out mausoleums built into the mountain walls. So the Spanish bury their dead in the side of the mountain, I thought to myself.
It was fascinating, morbid, and strange all at the same time.
We finally arrived at the
Hotel Arts - mere words cannot describe how plush and fancy the hotel is. Yet, it's understated at the same time - it's just the strict attention to the fine details that makes it an amazing experience. Our bags were taken downstairs as we arrived and we were fortunate to be able to check in immediately - which was great because the jet lag suddenly threatened to overwhelm me. We were directed towards the elevator, which silently took me to the eighth floor and my room.
The soft, thick carpet under my feet gave my tired legs the break they needed and I wearily dropped my carry-on onto the bed closest to the door. My dad showed me the room amenities, but it was the bathroom that held my attention. It was the most beautiful bathroom I had ever seen - a pink/peach Spanish marble tile covered every surface and I took in the mirror that spanned the entire wall behind the two sinks. To my right was a huge bathtub, recessed in the wall for privacy. To my left were two fogged
glass doors - one leading to the toilet and bide, and the other to a shower you could hold a party in. I finally figured out how to use it and following my nap, hugely enjoyed the three hot streams of water on my tired body. There is even a seat in there, which I'll make sure to relax in later.
Before my nap, my bags arrived, brought by a very accommodating steward. I unpacked my clothes for this week, and was tickled to find that my closet lit up when the doors opened.
Then it was time to test out the bed. I pulled down the bedspread and pulled back the covers. When I laid down, I felt as though the bed was hugging me. It was absolutely incredible - and not just because I'd been sitting in a cramped airline seat for seven hours! I took a long nap and awoke at two to shower and meet my dad for lunch. I waited in the hotel lobby while he finalized some details with the conference concierge. The couch I sat on was soft and deep and almost swallowed me. As I waited, one of the hotel
staff came by to offer me a glass of water - as I said, the attention to detail is just incredible. When my dad was finished, he showed me the locations for some of the conference events and we had lunch at one of the hotel's outdoor restaurants, where I enjoyed a Cobb salad. I finished my meal with a strong cappuccino and a brownie, topped with vanilla ice cream that had hints of citrus. It was delicious!
Following lunch, we strolled around the streets surrounding the hotel, seeing the vast array of people in Barcelona. We walked along by the beach, looking at the restaurants and clubs and then wandered over towards the
Port Olimpic. Past there were more beaches, where women were not shy about sunbathing topless and nobody seemed to be modest about showing skin, regardless of their body type. We relaxed on a stone bench for a while, enjoying the strong breeze and watching the kids run and laugh along the cobbled street. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.
Then it was off to the pool, where we listened to the American music spun by a Spanish dj down by the NBA-sponsored basketball event on
the beach. And I was able to take a dip in the fantastic pool - You cannot beat swimming in a beautifully cool pool with a backdrop of the Mediterranean and the giant metal fish erected for the Olympics. I can't even believe I am here in this beautiful place! How lucky am I?
Then, it was back to my room, having made the mistake of sitting down on my cozy bed after drawing a warm bath. I could crawl into bed right now and sleep for hours. But I want to enjoy as much of this experience as possible.
My room is silent, with only the air blowing through the vent for background noise. My great picture window is in front of me as I wrap myself up in the soft terrycloth hotel robe. I sit peacefully in the chair by the window, breathing deeply the citrus scents of the bubble bath on my skin. I have the perfect view - to the left, the great city of Barcelona, edged by mountains, to the right, the beautiful blue Mediterranean where I can still see the waves rolling into the shore, and in front of me, a huge
glass building which reflects the setting sun. I decide that I am in love with this place, and the calm it brings me, even in the middle of a city.
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