superbien

Collique, France. Didn't know I was having my picture taken..

Greetings from your long lost blogger! Many apologies for the infrequency of posting. There is just so much to do here that I never seem to find a spare moment. I'm trying to soak it all up, every day fearing that I'll wake up and realize it's all been a dream. I guess that wouldn't be all bad- a dream of adventure, new friendships, deconstructing language barriers, chocolate croissants, the Mediterranean Sea and tortilla española!

I don't think I could recap everything that's happened since I last talked to you, but I'll try to hit some highlights. Two weekends ago, I travelled to Sitges and Terragona, two islands off the coast of Spain, which are known for their picturesque beaches and ancient ruins. I have to bring up the topic of topless/nude beaches because it's been a really interesting, definitely foreign experience for me. I have not gone topless, I really don't have the balls. Perdon, my colloquialism. But, it's not even just at the beaches, I've joined a gym here and women undress and dress in the locker room in the most casual, unabashed manner. At first this all caught me extremely off guard, I'm used to covering up with a towel and avoiding flashing anybody at all costs. I've established some crazy methods for taking bras off under shirts and simultaneously holding a towel around my waist while shimmying into underwear. However, after some thought- I think it's a really admirable quality. I have seen an extremely (sometimes unfortunately) wide array of body types. But, Spanish women seem to embrace their own uniqueness- their perfections AND their flaws. I think that it might do us all some good to really be comfortable in our own skin because we're stuck with this one. You might as well embrace yourself, right?

Anyway, that's my little soapbox message for the day. On to more fun things! Terragona and Sitges were absolutely stunning as promised. The water is this beautiful turquoise shade with soft ripples and swells in the water. It's really strange to me that there aren't waves. I've been going to the Outer Banks with my family since I was a wee one. But, the easiness of the sea is a lovely change of pace. Then this past weekend was the festival de la Mercé which is the celebration of Barcelona's patron saint. Basically this equates to general madness and partying. I've decided that the Spanish have an obsession with fire- their were amazing displays of fireworks every night, flame throwers and most unbelievable, the Correfoc which literally translates to "fire run." This event is meant to represent the opening of hell's gates with devils and fire pouring out and they did a pretty damn good job of it too. People are packed into the streets; I literally couldn't move more than an inch or two. We're all crammed in their like sardines with no corridor for the performers to pass through. These performers are carrying pitchforks with explosives galore and when they go off, embers are flung across the entire crowd. People were wearing chem goggles, scarves, long sleeves, etc. However, we didn't realize it was going to be so intense and I got a few burns on my back and a few corresponding holes in my shirt. Nevertheless, it was an amazing experience- probably won't ever want to go through it again, but still it really is something. There were free concerts all over the city as well and I caught the very end of The Morning Benders' set. LOVE :]

This coming weekend, well tomorrow- I fly out of Barcelona to go to Menorca which is one of the Balearic Islands. It is supposed to be stunning with beautiful landscapes. I will bring back pictures to show you! Pinky promise!

Ok so I'm going to shut up now and show some photos.

Empuries, Spain

Colliqoure, France

Barcelona, Spain-- Outfit details: Tank, Pull & Bear// Bandeau top, Bershka// Jeans, Gap// Shoes, Keds// Cross-body bag, DSW

Terragona, Spain-- Shades, RayBan's// Top, Paul & Joe for Target

Hopefully more to come very, very soon! Have an absolutely wonderful weekend everyone.

xx.

don't ever look back

Hi hi! I'm sorry I've been being a really bad blogger, it is so hard to find time- I for sure don't have time for outfit shoots as of now. But, hopefully I'll get in a few in the next few months. I've been all over Barcelona and this weekend we travelled to two islands off the coast, Tarragona and Sitges. They are both gorgeous with breathtaking blue skies and sea, white-washed buildings, Roman ruins, and beautiful churches. Unfortunately, my camera died on this trip. I was kicking myself, literally felt slightly naked for the rest of the trip.

But, here is a sort of conglomerate of photos from the past week or so. I'm throwing in one where you can see my outfit, this is pretty typical of the kind of thing I wear everyday here. You have to have comfortable walking shoes as we walk everywhere here. Light layers because the Mediterranean climate has some fierce heat and a cross-body purse is probably the number one thing you absolutely need. It's going to be strange when I go back to the states and don't have to guard my purse with my life.

Tank & Necklace: J.Crew oulet, Skirt & Sandals: UO, Bag: Vintage D&B via eBay

They have these everywhere, I guess it's sort of the European (or at least Spanish) version of a water fountain just a whole lot prettier. Although I really don't understand why the spout isn't at mouth level but I guess maybe so that kids can reach it? haha I have no idea. I did see a man lift his dog up today to get a drink, it was kind of cute.

These next photos are from our sunset cruise on the Mediterranean around Spain. It was absolutely gorgeous and it was fun to the city from a different angle. The wind was mad crazy and the boat was a-rockin' so in the majority of these my hair's a little nuts.

Jacket: Ann Taylor Loft, Graphic tee, Skirt & Sandals: UO, Belt: Nordstrom

I was more worried about falling in for the safety of my camera than for my own safety haha I know how to swim unlike my camera..

Hasta luego amigas! :)

by the sea

I just have a short post today. It makes me really sad that I haven't been able to do outfit posts here- it's such a hard concept to explain to people without sounding like a huge narcissist you know? Anywho, I would just set up my tripod and get to it, but somebody would snatch it up in a matter of minutes or maybe even seconds. Barcelona is a really wonderful, beautiful city but petty crime is fairly high here. I've always got my spidey senses going! Anywho, these pictures are from our day at the beach! La Playa Barcelonita on the Mediterranean. It is so beautiful! The water is this light blue-green color and the temperature is perfect- cool enough to be refreshing, but warm enough to be enjoyable. The weird thing about it is that the bottom is covered in rocks, mostly these really large smooth stones but it's such a strange change from sand.

bathing suit: Victoria's Secret

sunglasses: Ray Ban's

Wow, that makes me feel like a label whore VS & RayBans? But for some reason I have a weird shaped face or something and the majority of all sunglasses look really weird on me- I can't do the big bug eyed ones or aviators really. The ones I have aren't wayfarers, they're- shoot I can't remember what they're called- but they're a remake of a style from the 50's or 60's I think. Anywho they look alot like wayfarers but a little more curved and slightly more retro looking?

I apologize for the brevity of this post. I'm sort of struggling with blogging over here. It's so hard to work it in and I miss being able to do it independently. I miss my familiar backwoods! haha well, I'll figure something out. How are you all?

xo. A

Al llegado

I am officially in Barcelona! How crazy is that? I'm literally halfway around the world, it seemed so surreal the first day. I am also intensely tired- the days are really long here because I have class at 9 AM and then dinner isn't until 9 PM, so by the time you finish dinner you usually don't go to bed until midnight. Plus, if I decide to go out then I probably won't get back until 4 AM!! That's what people said is the normal or even an early night. How crazy is this? I am definitely an 8 hour of sleep a night girl.

But anyway, I have so much to tell you! I don't even know where to start. The city is beautiful, I've already fallen in love with it. The narrow cobblestone roads, gothic architecture, the cool refreshing breeze, los cafes with outdoor sitting and umbrellas. There is just so much history here, for example- the apartment building I live in is over 100 years old and esto es muy común (common)! I have a thousand more things to say about the cultural differences, living with my wonderful host family, my new roommate and new friends, but my brain is not functioning optimally ahora (now). Promise to write more later, but for now- here are a few pictures. Sorry they aren't the best, but it's really hard because I don't have a tripod or a designated photographer. I also never really though about it, but I like setting up my own photos because I can control the composition, the lighting etc. etc.

Enough babbling.

Shirt: Gap// Skirt: Urban Outfitters// Purse: Dooney & Bourke vintage, via eBay// shoes: Keds

Look, I found my twin! In creepy, male version!

A beautiful building facade!

Hasta luego bonitas amigas!