Saturday Afternoon in January

Let's bring it back. To last Saturday. The 16th of January. It was Deco's first trip of 2016 and there were no nights out to be had. #1 rule of the weekend. The last time he was here we stayed out until 6am which resulted in a monster of a hangover. This is unacceptable practise when you're only in a city for 72 hours. What a great rule this was - we got so much done; a walk around the Arc de Triomf and Ciutadella Park, a tram ride/hike up Tibidabo, early morning brunch on a Sunday and a Barcelona game. I think that football match was one of my favourites to watch, on par with watching El Clásico back in November. Barcelona are just great as a team, you just know they're going to score the most goals. Never thought I'd have faith in a football team - does this mean I'm a real Barcelonian now? 

Above are some pictures I took from our walk up Tibidabo. We attempted to go visit the old amusement park there but after taking the Tram Blau (which is very cute and reminded me of SF) both the ferrocarril (train/railway to the top of the mountain) and the park itself were closed. Annoyed as I was about this, I couldn't be for too long as the views from the mountain were amazing. The weather was on top form too. Before we headed back down the mountain we had a beer and some crisps. Sitting there in the warm sun, being typically me and feeling light headed after one beer, it was the first time in a long time I wished I was on a boat party. The sun does mad things to your head on a Saturday afternoon in January. 

Hope you're all well and your 2016 resolutions are going strong! 

Ciara 

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2016

A very Happy New Year everyone! I hope you've all had a wonderful Christmas and NYE. Mine was jam packed and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm a big fan of new beginnings and starting afresh so I always welcome a new year with open arms. There are a few things that I'm keen to get around to doing this year. I thought that writing them down here would be a kind of nice Chapter One to 2016. 

Firstly, I'm keen to hone down on what exactly it is that I would like to do for the long term career wise. It's a tricky one, but I think facing it and being positive about it is better than repeating ''I don't know what to do for the rest of my life'' whenever I find myself feeling negative and down about it. 

Secondly, travel! I'm always up for travelling and plan on hopping from country to country for the next few years. This year I'm keen to get to Turin, The Alps, London and either Santorini or a trip back to my dear San Francisco. If there's anything else I can fit in, it would only be a plus! 

 Thirdly, explore Barcelona. I love the city that I'm currently living in but settling in took up most of my time since moving there in September. Once I get back on the 10th of January all the adventures will be had including hitting up all the Gaudí spots, camping, hiking and doing all the local things. 

Lastly, yoga! I've done some here and there between different classes and some videos on YouTube. I'd like for it to be part of my daily routine so I've started the 30 Day Yoga Camp with Yoga with Adriene. With Day One behind me, I'm excited for the next 29 days. Maybe I'll go on a yoga retreat this year too!

 Here's to a sweet 2016,

 Ciara X

November Favourites

1. My first favourite of the past month has to be the visitors I've had. Aoife was first to arrive followed by, ma man, Deco. I still feel quite fresh here in the city of Barcelona so I'm not greatly versed in the little local nooks and crannies. But! I'm getting there. Despite this, Aoife and I attended the greatest market ever (more on that later) and Deco and I watched El Clásico which was SO GOOD. I think it might have been the first football match I've ever enjoyed watching. The buckets full of bottles of Heineken might have helped.

2. As I'm writing this, I'm slightly distracted by THE voice that is Adele. On Thursday, Declan and I got tickets to her concert here in Barcelona and I'm insanely excited! She has been on repeat throughout the month of November, loud and proud. I think my roommates might have a word any day now. Can't stop, won't stop. Below is one of my favourites:

3. About that market I mentioned before. Palo Alto Market. It takes place over a Saturday and Sunday once a month. So, if you're planning a weekend trip to Barcelona I highly recommend checking the dates in conjunction with your trip. Aoife and I went on a Saturday night in November. We were met by quite a long line to get in. It's €3 to enter but if you download the Zapper app and zap a barcode from their website where you pay online beforehand you get to skip the queue and a discount on drinks once inside. The things that I loved most about this market in particular were the music, the delicious pastrami sandwich and the range of local goods on sale. I plan on attending and writing about the December market this weekend so a full blog on this to come!

4. I've heard so much about Korean skincare on different blogs and YouTube channels over the past few months. I was keen to grab a few face masks in particular. They just seem like a nice treat, yano? I was willing to have some shipped to my humble abode but decided to use my best mate, Google Maps, to see if I could grab any somewhere in the city. What did I find? MiiN Korean Cosmetics! Maeve and I strolled down one day to pop in and see what was on offer. The store itself is so cute and the lady there at the time was so helpful. I purchased a few masks, have used them and love them. I plan on picking up a few more for myself and for Christmas presents for friends at home so I'll mention some of my favourite ones in my December Favourites post. If you fancy a few face masks for yourself, visit their website as they ship internationally and prices are listed in €. Also a little FYI, they have directions on how to use all of their products on their website if, like me, you're not fluent in Korean!

5. Shout out to IKEA. Only there would you find a fantastic full length mirror for €20. Love.it. Even if I did get stared down various times on the metro home. 

Happy December,

Ciara

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Happy Sunday!

Today, I had lunch at Maka Maka with my Spanish amiga, Laura, and her amigo, Daniel. If you're ever in Barcelona I highly recommend a trip to this place! The burgers are insanely tasty, it's just by the beach and there's a great atmosphere as the restaurant is packed most of the time. Oh! and it was featured in this here music video.

I met Laura whilst I was on ERASMUS in Malaga and have loved her little free spirit ever since! We spent the afternoon catching up and reminiscing as we normally do. After saying goodbye, I decided to walk a bit of the way home as the metro was extra stuffy today. I walked down along the port, through the gothic (where I found a street performer with some impressive bubbles) and got the metro from Catalunya home. Safe to say, my new boots are worn in.

Hope you all have a great week! I'm getting so excited about Christmas :)

Ciara

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