Barcelona

Got back from Barcelona last night, went there on business, had to attend some ghey 2-day conference, so spent a couple of nights in the city.

I absolutely fell in love with the city, the only downside was that I went on my own, and so felt pretty lonely the whole time and had nobody to share the experience with. The story of my life in recent years I guess. I think this is a reason why I no longer even dream about becoming a pro poker player like most people, I just couldn't sit at home alone grinding, I'd become a recluse IMO. I hate not having anybody to talk to.

I got to do some sightseeing, as I arrived on Weds night and then spent Thursday (9-6pm), and Friday (9-1pm) in a conference, before flying back at 10pm Friday, so I had Thursday evening and Friday to check our Barcelona.

Went to see La Sagrada Familia, and was left speechless. To see about 8 coach loads of American and German tourists simultaneously snapping photos was jaw dropping indeed.

In all seriousness, it looked lovely, but I didn't enter. It was 11 euros to go in, and there was a queue of about 30 tourists, so I couldn't be bothered. Anyway, I much preferred Parc Montjuic, which includes The Palau Nacional (which is used as a museum for catalan art), The Estadi Lluis Companys (used by Espanyol the past few seasons), and other touristy spots. It all culminated in what seemed like 6 or 700 people surrounding the Font Magica (magic fountain) whilst it put on a pretty cool display, with music and the fountain bursting 20 feet into the air etc.

In addition, the metro system was great (regular and air conditioned), the food and drink was amazing, and the people very welcoming.

Now, the important thing: the girls. My god. I am not kidding when I say that I'd bang 8 out 10 girls within my target age range (18-40 lol). All of them tanned beauties, wearing tiny shorts and exuding elegance and class. I've never been left so completely bedazzled by the talent on display, seriously. Definitely have to go back with some mates, and enjoy the city properly ;-)

Lately I've been feeling quite detached from things, and a bit lost. And to be honest this trip amplified it. The whole city reminds you constantly of the battle the Catalans had under Franco, and leaves you feeling that you have to find it within yourself to fight against anything that oppresses you. When watching the font magica display, I actually almost became tearful (tough to admit lol), it really made me feel worthless. It was a display of bravado from the city, with the catalan music, the setting, and stuff. And here I am, not knowing what to do with my life, working for the capitalist machine that has replaced the imperialists, when all I care about is the arts and football. I think I've decided that I want to become a freelance journalist or something, maybe in my free time (I've done it before, and it gets tiresome, but I want to try again), and start to make some decisions about what to do.

I also realised that if I ever get the chance, I have to move to a city like Barcelona or somewhere in the Iberian Peninsula (where I speak the languages), or failing that, try to live in France or Italy etc. The culture and climate is a million miles away from London. Just the weather and sea breeze leave you feeling much happier.

Of course these cities have their problems, and with the recession it isn't likely to be able to find work anywhere these days. But, it's worth dreaming. That's the worst thing about a recession for me, the feeling I'm trapped. I get very claustrophobic, and in a normal market I can tell myself I have the option of changing career or setting etc., but in a recession I know its not possible, and amplifies the defeatist and downbeat feelings I often get.

The thing that really worries me though, is that I know deep down if I ever did change city, even if I got rich, or famous, I know that I'd still feel the same. I'd still lack a sense of purpose, and just feel generally unhappy. I think it's something with the way I was brought up. That's what any psychologist would get me thinking, but I also hate the people who blame their parents for everything.

Anyway, I don't even know what my point is. There is none. Barcelona is lovely, if you can, then visit, you won't regret.