after only a couple nights in valencia, we boarded a train and were northbound for barcelona. "barcelona is a beach city that seems much more awake than the lazy days of valencia. the culture here is bright and exciting- it has much of the same feel as los angeles, which is something i wanted to avoid; however, the memories in the U.S. are incomparable to those i am making in spain. here i am forced to appreciate the beauty in everything, which is much easier because i don't have the materialistic pollutants of home, as well as being engulfed in a culture that is filled with history, tradition, unworldly architecture and such.
"the beaches are crowded and lively. since the ocean is calm and shallow, you can look out to see many couples making love in the water. all women are topless, ranging from the young and beautiful to elderly women with saggy breasts and asses that hardly fit into their barely-there bottoms. i feel much more comfortable exposing my body here, it almost feels that i'd stand out more if i were clothed. i have continued to put my top on while walking to the water, but rip it off as soon as i get far enough out that i feel that i am the only one alive. it's a freeing feeling that i can hardly explain- i am nude without being exposed, it's a satisfaction that i never knew i craved. it's a pity that many will never feel water glide over their bare breasts. it makes me feel more feminine than ever.
"our new home is another hostel, again many flights up from the entrance. we figure that we have been averaging at least 12 miles everyday as well as 40 flights of stairs, with the occasional bike ride. we have refused the services of taxis, buses and asking for directions. we feel this is our journey and it will only be truly accomplished with our own skills and feet.
"i can feel my body becoming increasingly toned every morning. i have never felt more healthy; my days are filled with exercise, sunshine, saltwater and fresh fruits and vegetables. this is the life i have always dreamed of.
"we were sharing a room with 6 others, jewish children in fact (which is quite a change). one day rick and i thought we had some time before the roomies returned from there chaperoned tour of the town; rick crawled into my lower bunk and we began kissing. we heard the door open, saw a 12 year old walk in, glance at us and runback out. we kind of giggled and began kissing again. moments later the chaperon entered the room and began screaming at us in his foreign tongue. we came to quickly realize (with the help of a translator) that he was ashamed of our existence and was disgusted by our lust. rick and i couldn't help but take it pretty lightly and didn't see why it was such a big deal. after arguing [through the translator] for some time, it was decided that rick and i needed to switch rooms (duh). we were "exiled" to our own room that included a bathroom all our own-- we were elated, having shared a room with at least 6 other people and a bathroom with countless travelers for the past few weeks. ha. 
"there is much to see in barcelona, so much so that we feel we are missing out on places we don't even know exist. we are still sure to visit as many cathedrals as possible, it's become much of our passion. as well as eat, eat, eat!! i will desperately miss espana, but there is no doubt that i will return one day."
