Hi friends!

I started my Monday morning off really slow and let myself get some good sleep before setting out on an adventure. I ended up staying up later than expected the night before, so I wanted to get some rest after a busy weekend.

I searched for a new coffee shop to get some caffeine, a snack, and get some homework done. Jessie told me about one they went to the day before and it was close to our apartment so I decided to check it out! It was located in a cute alley that was filled with small, local businesses. Unfortunately, the shop didn’t have internet so I wasn’t able to do homework, but I never leave without a book so I was able to sit and read for a bit.

After I finished my coffee and banana bread, I ventured through the streets and made my way back home. I took my time and was taking in everything around me until I realized I left without my keys! I started messaging my roommates to see if anyone was home, and thankfully the girls next door just so happened to be leaving so they were able to let me in. I got a hold of my roommates as well and they came back to get me in. After that excitement, I did a little bit of shopping and got caught up on homework.

We headed to the tapas cooking class and we were welcomed by our amazing instructor and a beautiful kitchen! He taught us about the history of tapas and how they became so popular in Spain. Eating tapas is a very social event and oftentimes is a casual dining experience (think finger foods).

We were split into groups of three or four because we were making seven different tapas. Our group was assigned a tomato gazpacho. It was surprisingly easy to make and full of a bunch of fresh vegetables. I had a lot of fun putting our potion of the meal together with the group. In the end, we had gazpacho, fried calamari, pan con tomate, fuerte (Spanish cured ham) and Spanish cheese, tortilla de potato, stuffed eggs, and stuffed red peppers. I think my favorite was the stuffed peppers!

After enjoying our home-cooked tapas we headed home and decided we needed something sweet after all those delicious savory snacks. A small group of the girls headed to Placa Catalunya to try a gelato place that we have been eyeing since we got here. They scoop the gelato to look like a flower. It was so delicious and I was stuffed so we ended up turning in for the night.