As we drove through the Spanish countryside I was able to see the real differences in American and European industrialization. Barcelona was built and inhabited long before America had its inauguration. You see the old buildings in the center of town, the age old festivals and it seems that everything is just being updated with technology. This Saturday was my first opportunity to get outside of the city and and immediate suburbs. The land here in Catalonia is very similar to San Diego with low brush and sprawling settlements. The largest differences are the management of human waste. Beyond the bright lights of the wharf and ramblas the outlying areas are strew with debris in the shadows of large factories and waste piles. We passed Montserrat, with its jagged rocks it looks like a lot of teeth pointing into the sky, this is were Ignatius Loyola founded the Jesuits and at the top of the mountain there is “the rose of April, the dark one of the mountain”, a statue of the Virgin Mary who is black from age and candle soot. Driving farther beyond we came to our destination Igadalla, A small community overlooking agricultural land that is parched from the lack of rain in the region. These small towns are not designed for cars, with little streets and central town squares. We pulled up to the field and at first glance it was a pleasant setting. Right next to the town plaza they had a dj and a little festival going on with many people dancing. My first steps onto the field told me that it was going to be a long afternoon. The field was a green carpet with a few centimetres of sand directly on top of pavement. I had finally overcome jet lag and was ready to make my presence known. I played every snap if the game and lost a lot of skin for it. I almost scored my first touchdown but the play was called back on a penalty. Lots of people in town stopped by to watch in between shopping, which made the experience fun. We won the game and drove back to barbera. We all sat around at our local bar and eating and joking(I speak with my hands) and celebrated the win. I had my first experience with Spanish ham which is a delicacy. It is not imported to the United States because of the way the it is cured but it is delicious and anyone travelling to Spain has to try it. I could not make it to the disco this Saturday because I was too tired but I aim to make my presence felt there soon. Until next time.


*****cultural note******
I finally found out how Europeans smell so great. For those that thought that they do not shower you are gravely mistaken. At the gym that I go to there are vats of cologne located every ten feet in the mens locker room. These cauldrons are equipped with industrialize sprayers much like a pressure hose. Now to properly bathe one must take a shower and I am assuming use soap and shampoo(I do not watch this part), you must then go to one of the sprayers for a quick body spray. Upon application of your clothes you must then provide a conditioner size bottle of your preferred designer cologne. The key is to spray your hand 4-5 times and then apply to head, again spray 4-5 times apply to upper torso, then repeat for the lower extremities. This may sounds excessive but it is crucial that every square inch of your body is covered. One more spray for good luck and you are ready for the day.