KARNEVAL

Jana & I flew from Berlin to Bonn just in time for the start of Karneval - the annual week of festivities in Köln/Bonn to chase away Winter with bright costumes, German songs, happy spirits and a lot of Kölsch beer. Our costumes included princesses, peacocks, cats, Black Swan's and Little Red Riding Hood's, all with 10x more glitter than necessary.

After singing the same 10 songs for 5 days, I feel like I have prepared myself for studying in German. I also don't ever want to hear those songs again. Please.

Favourite Karneval drink: Klopfer. Little shots in different colours and flavours in tiny bottles.
1) Klopf two bottles together
2) Put the bottle cap on your nose
3) Shot

Viva Colonia!

BUDAPEST

The past week has been spent back at my hostel away from home - Carpe Noctem OG, in Budapest. I love this place more than I can describe, and I have been so happy to be back with my Carpe family. I've now visited in all 4 seasons, and each time the city has something different to offer. Highlight of my week would be the afternoon Jess & I spent in the 40ºC Szechenyi thermal baths - watching the steam wafting across and above the hot water's surface. Wow.

Otherwise, it has been a week full of: thermal baths, ruin bars, too many sculled drinks, strawpedos, glitter, leopard print tracksuits, breakfast beers, lunchtime wines, family dinners (100% detrimental to my arteries and general well-being), eating pancakes without hands (35 seconds), 2-for-1 Arriba margaritas and a general confusion of Hungarian currency.

No. of times bag lost: 2

No. of times bag found: 2 (phew)

No. of visits to McDonald's: lost count

~ You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave ~

MERCAT DE LA BOQUERIA

One of my favourite places we visited in Barcelona, right near where we stayed off La Rambla. A feast for both the eyes and stomach, these food markets are rich with colour - fruit & veg, lollies, chillies, herbs, spices and preserved fruit are everywhere you turn. After taste-testing Spanish sweets and cheeses, we sat and watched the hustle & bustle go by whilst enjoying fresh fruit salad and juices from the markets. 

Today marked the end of our stay in Barcelona - time to leave sunny Spain, but where to next? 

☀ ☀ ☀

GAUDI ♦/♦ BARCA

Gaudi and Barcelona are two things that go hand in hand. The 20th century architect has left his footprint all over the city - we encountered Gaudi everywhere from the Sagrada Familia, to Parc Güell and Casa Batllo. Beautiful.

We spent a sunny Valentine's Day enjoying a picnic with excessive amounts of delicious cheese and bread in the colourful grounds of Parc Güell. Still can't believe it's Winter time. Can't wait to visit this charming city in Summer...

Favourites from Gaudi: his mosaics. So choppy and colourful ~ /◄∆ \/∆ ▼|♦ ~► ∆ \▲ \ ♦\ ~

BARCELONA

Sangria, tapas, cerveza, siestas, vino, paella and sunshine. Wintertime in Spain = 19ºC. Beautiful old buildings reaching high above narrow alleyways. Catalonian flags draped over balconies. Groups of footballers zigzagging across the sand, bringing the beach to life, even in Winter. 

Jess & I spent a delicious afternoon with tapas - cheese, chorizo, cheese, roasted tomatoes and capsicums, cheese, chilli and some more cheese. YUM.

Oh, Barcelona! Your delicious food, deceptively alcoholic bevs and winter sunshine have warmed me to the core. Muchas gracias.