Casual Sunday

The past few days have been a whirlwind. I feel like so much has happened, but nothing at all. A few quick stories:

On Tuesday, I arrived at the police station to apply for my NIE (Residency Card). This was my second attempt, and although I got there at 7:30am (1.5 hours before they opened), I found myself somewhere around number 150 in line. Great. I humored myself, got in the second line, and crossed my fingers I would be seen before my 11am meeting at the hospital. Unknowingly, I sat next to a fellow American student who was studying Spanish at the University. She was number 1 in our line. I was number 77. Great. We talked a little about our experiences in the city thus far and what exactly brought us here. This was her second go-round in BCN and she was accustomed to the pace. Unfortunately, she was missing an important form (the Empadronamiento mentioned earlier) that was required for the NIE. I knew my meeting at the hospital was much more important that obtaining my residency (I've been waiting 2 weeks to meet with Maria, the Economist/Administrative Head of the ED), but I was so close. My American friend saw my unrest and out of nowhere, traded numbers with me. Not two minutes later, they called my (her) number and I was off. I thanked her immensely but never got her name. Phantom American friend...if we ever meet again, I owe you a cafe amb llet! When the lady in the office looked through my papers, she gave me a little trouble for not having any documentation from the hospital. I actually have this, just forgot to print it out (oops). I pleaded with her, showed my dimple/half smile, and 10 minutes later, received my NIE (errr certificate...I have to go pick the actual card up in 30 days at some office on the other side of town).

That day at the hospital, I had a very fruitful meeting with Maria. It was more of a job interview. We talked through my resume and my experiences in healthcare. I had 0 question time, but she asked me to give the Medical Director of the ED a presentation on some of the work I have done. In English. Sweet...time to prove my worth. Later, I was invited to a meeting with the Chairman and CEO of the hospital. They both looked at me funny, but acknowledged my presence as we talked about flu vaccines.

I stayed with my friends Ted and Isabella for one last night as a couch surfer. As I cooked dinner for all my previous hosts, I decided to grill up a feast for the three of us. Grilled chicken, asparagus, bell peppers, and onions, along with real mashed potatoes, chocolate cake and ice cream. Not very Spanish of me, but it made us all nostalgic for home and the glories for fall football and tailgates.

I (finally, after 15 long days of surfing around) moved into my flat with Jose, Christina, and Elena. They are great roommates and I'll post pics soon. I'm living in the very center of town which has its pluses and minuses. Pluses: I can always find food, there's always something to do, I live a short 15 minute walk from everywhere. Minuses: I can always find food, it stays pretty loud until late, and the shops and their metal shutters open early. Also, I'm right next to the cathedral, with a bell that chimes every 15 minutes. Haven't decided if that's a plus or a minus...

I went to a Spanish rendition of Khalil Gibran's "The Prophet" with a friend from the hospital. I'm trying to take advantage of every opportunity I can to improve my comprehension, including watching Spanish TV. The play was very well done, and I understood about 75% of what was going on. I'm adding the poem on my list of books to read...

The other night a group of us got together to attend the Festival de Les Corts, one of the barrios in Barcelona. Ted and Isabella's friends from San Francisco were performing swing music with the Barcelona Big Blues Band. Barcelonians, both young and old, have an immense love for music. All types of music. My roommates play everything from Jack Johnson to Eagle Eye Cherry (not just "Save Tonight") to Frank Sinatra in the house. I'm starting to think I picked the right city..

Today was Sunday Funday. As part of our tradition, we went out in search for Paella. Izzy worked her bargaining magic (somos estudiantes pobres) and got us bread, salad, paella, drinks, dessert, and cafe all for 10Euros. The sign on the door said 17Euros...
 

2010 Barcelona Air Show

After our lunch, we made our way to the beach for the annual air show. I've never seen so many amazing flyovers in my life. There had to be over 100 planes, jets and 747s included, flying over the Mediterranean. We joined another group of immigrant students in an epic game of beach volleyball, and watched the sun begin to set on our weekend.

This week's goal is to try and form some sort of routine. This will prove difficult, as the next 3 weeks are anything but routine.

Talk soon