Semana Sistah'

If you ask me to name some of my favourite things in life, my little sister would be pretty high on that list. So would Barcelona, travel, live music, and beer. Interesting rock formations might make it on there, too, as well as Picasso, meeting new people, and catching up with old friends.

This past week (my Semana Santa vacation) included all of the above -- how could it not approach greatness?

Live music: The week started with an odyssey out to the town of Salt for the Rude Cat music festival. The bands were mostly reggae and ska (fortunately more ska than reggae), and our main goal was to see The Slackers, a NYC ska band that Laura really likes. And boy, did they put on a show! The place was jumping, and we were right up front, takin' it all in.

New people: Laura's new job is at a hostel near Ave. Parallel, and it seems pretty sweet. The place is nice, and the staff were cool people. They've accepted Laura into the fold -- no surprise there, that girl can make friends anywhere! I've always liked the hostel vibe (I'm good with transient people, I suppose), and had some fiction-worthy moments in the evenings we spent there.

Old friends: Over the course of the week, I got a chance to catch up with Luca, Carmen, Patricia, and Gaspar. The general consensus was that I need to come back to Barcelona. I second that. We also got a chance to hang out with Laura's uncle and cousin, who were in town for a few days.

Rock formations: A day trip to Montserrat satisfied a certain touristic need. The mountain is beautiful and peaceful, and has a monastery at the base, where we heard an all-boys choir sing their little hearts out.

Picasso: We spent an overcast afternoon wandering through the Picasso museum. I could truly spend a lifetime admiring his work.

Barcelona: Yes, I still love the city. I saw new parts of it, walked new streets, and learned new things. My love affair has not ended.

And most importantly, Laura: I am so lucky to have this girl as a sister. She understands me like no one else, supports me when I need it, and calls me on my shit when she has to. I hope I manage to give her even a fraction of the good she gives me. Laura, I love you to bits.

The memories: Wanna' see photos? They're here.