We've Arrived

Our overseas stay in Barcelona began this week - we arrived to our beautiful apartment overlooking Turo Parc on Tuesday night.  Before we left, lots of friends asked whether we would be keeping a blog - this is an experiment to see whether we collectively have the time and interest (and whether anyone else is interested...)

For now, three observations after less than a week:

1) It's hot!  As San Franciscans, we aren't mentally equipped for muggy tropical climates.  However, we've been enjoying the upside - we can sit outside!  at night!  on our balcony!  We probably sit outside SF less than five nights a year.  Here, we've had dinner and/or drinks on the balcony every night, and plan to continue as long as the weather allows.

Sunset from our balcony

2) It's amazing how a great subway shrinks a city.  I forget this in San Francisco, where most of the city isn't easily accessible by subway.  Getting around is so convenient,and there is much less need to drive.  When San Francisco limited BART to one corridor through the city, we gave up a lot.

3) The internet and iphone sure do change travel.  I know this isn't a particularly profound observation, but it has been evident to me this week.  The first order of business when we got into our apartment wasn't unpacking or buying food - it was finding adapters so we could plug our computers, phones, and tablets into the Spanish outlets.  

I love the convenience of the internet and Google maps.  It's made getting settled into our new city so easy - less time pouring over subway maps or wondering where to buy adapters; more time getting out and getting things done.  It's also made it much easier to stay in touch with friends at home. What's App and iMessage and email and an IP phone with a 415 area code make the world a small place.

I do sometimes regret that all this technology takes some of the adventure out of travel, and reduces the opportunity to learn self reliance and shut off the world.  There's nothing like arriving at Chungking Mansions in Hong Kong at 1 AM with no place to sleep to teach you how to cope.  In 1988 I spent four weeks in Tibet and six weeks in Kashmir with NO ability to make an international phone call or read a headline, and the sense of removal from the rest of the world was exhilarating.  I don't know if my kids will ever have that experience.