Día 1 · miércoles

Maps and Accents

I didn’t sleep great on the plane, but I’m powering through. While the airport was not as confusing as Charles DeGaulle, it is still an ordeal to get out of. Bus from T1 to T2. Long walk to the Renfe train. Finally on the commuter rail into Barcelona. We went about half a mile and are now stopped. I’m watching a black cat walk through a random farm next to me. Listening to Soundgarden’s Badmotorfinger. I forgot how amazing this album is.

1130 It’s too early to get into the high speed train waiting area before my ride. The only place open that I can get to is McDonalds. I’m eating deep fried camerbert and a pistachio bagel which is tasty and really weird a la vez. At least there’s coffee. Correction: this is a pistachio donut. Though the texture isn’t far from bagel.

Finally made it to Girona at 1330. Walked to my apartment on the river. This town is really old. No modern buildings can be seen from my place.

Took a taxi up to the venue. I can’t public transport right now. I’m exhausted. Not to fear though, the venue is enormous. Got at least 10k steps finding registration, rentals, and number pickup. The venue is not very viewer friendly. The lake gets wider throughout the course, and the boats get farther and farther from the shore. I didn’t even make it to see the finish line. Will find it tomorrow one way or another.

Can’t find a taxi in Banyoles. I wait with a large group of Japanese rowers at the bus stop. While waiting, I meet Mora who toes with the Tribesmen from Galway, Ireland. This is always my favorite part of travel: solve the worlds problems with folks from other places. Mora is 71 and has three races tomorrow: quad, double, 8+. Her team brought 36 people to Banyoles and already has a medal in 4+. Wild. Good luck, Mora!

I grab a sandwich and some groceries on the walk back to the apartment. It’s too early to sleep so I walk around the river area. There’s a man playing piano and a woman singing opera at the closest bridge. They have a whole stage set up with sound and lights.

The sun is setting and the Girona Cathedral looks amazing in the orange glow. I walk around in the warmth checking out the restaurants. Every place has 10-15 tables outside in the streets. This whole area is foot traffic only. I’m excited for Mike to get here tomorrow. I think he will really like this city. Fins aviat!

Step count: 22387