Walking, Walking

Peering through the gates of a charming international school...

Spent our first full day in Barcelona walking through several neighborhoods... Gracia, Galvany, Parc Turo and Sarria.  Beautiful!  The sun was shining and as always, it felt very safe.  We walked the entire day and there was not one moment when I didn't feel completely at ease walking through the city - even late at night.

Highlights - we saw what we believe may be our children's school for the first time!  We fell in love instantly with the location and the campus, even though it doesn't have incredible fields or facilities.  We get a good vibe from this school - both from the place itself and also due to the many kind words and recommendations of other American families who we have contacted.  It feels to be a good place for our kids, small and welcoming.

My terrible Spanish is improving.  I learned the word for comb (peine) and people are very patient with me when they realize that I am a foreigner trying to speak the language.  The children have surprised us by remembering some of their Spanish from last year, and by understanding some of the things we say.  This is a good surprise.

We made plans to meet with Mr. C, a former soccer player turned personal assistant here in Barcelona who makes his living helping American families get set up with housing, residence visas and schools.  He will even set up your IKEA furniture for you, and pick you up at the airport.  What a great niche he has found.

Lastly we ended our day with sushi.  It was delicious.