As usual I hit the ground running after I arrived in Barcelona (I am also working…not a 9-5 schedule, but something like that).
I didn’t get as settled in this week as I’d hoped. Ended up staying in 3 different hotels in 5 days, by choice. The first one, near La Sagrada Familia was WAY TOO touristy for me. I like to stay in places where there is no KFC, Taco Bell, or Burger King, all of which were across the street from The Basilica La Sagrada Familia. I get that it’s appealing to tourists (and not just American tourists). But kind of disappointing to see those while seeing one of the most amazing landmarks in the world. And I don’t mind the American presence. But why the American presence of junk food?
When I lived in Cairo, Egypt, there was a KFC on the main street leading into the Giza Pyramids. I do however like to visit Starbucks in other countries, but the difference is it’s coffee. Not processed junk food that is not healthy to eat, unless you get the sugary drinks or donuts. Side note, I also go to many local coffee shops. Starbucks is a good place to work and a familiar spot for me. I guess that’s why American tourists like to eat at these fast food places when they travel abroad. Familiarity. And you might think they’re cheaper than other local options, but not always. I read an article several years ago that talked about why people go to these places and not eat local food. They go because the food is familiar and going there once in awhile while traveling abroad is ok. Just don’t eat there for every meal. I tend to agree with that. When I was in China I went to McDonalds one time during the two weeks I was there. I needed a break from the local food which is nothing like the Chinese food in America. I also went to Pizza Hut the first time I went to London. I don’t know why. The pizza we ordered had corn and baby shrimps on it. I ate it.
Back to Barcelona. This is more my speed, off the beaten path.
The last two hotels I stayed in were much better, no KFC, Taco Bell, or Burger King in sight. Only Starbucks. And not too many tourists. Aside from that hiccup, Barcelona is amazing. I love it here.
Pending plans, finalizing today:
On Sunday will take a train to Huelva (past Sevilla) and from there on Tuesday take the two-day ferry to Canary Islands for about a week.
