The Adventure Continues

We spent our last four days in Barcelona. We knew we would return to catch our flight to the states. But more importantly, returning to Barcelona felt like closing the loop. So much of this trip has been uncertain, unplanned and unfamiliar, but when we returned to Barcelona everything suddenly became easier. We knew where to catch the train from the airport, how to get to our hostel, where to find food. Hell, I even basically speak the language! It felt good to be in a familiar place, somewhere easy.

We spent our last days in Europe relaxed. Waking up late, eating delicious breakfasts and drinking our coffee slowly. Taking the train outside of the city to go to the beach. Walking down the narrow, winding streets.

Sipping mojitos in El Raval, we remember the trip's highlights and low points.

After two days of this, we were both ready for some adventure. We very nearly went kitesurfing and then almost went on a kayaking and cave snorkeling trip, but in the end settled for renting some bikes and riding around the city. As the sun set on our final day in Europe, we parked our bikes next to the Barceloneta beaches and went for one final Mediterranean swim. It was the perfect way to say goodbye to Barcelona, and to Europe.

We celebrated our last night by having dinner at Juicy Jones in the Gothic Quarter. Juicy Jones is a super funky little juice bar and vegan restaurant. It has a little storefront on a side street off La Rambla with a diner style bar and a narrow kitchen. There are a few tables down some stairs in the back.

Marya and I got the menu del dia. Starting with an insalata mista and a hummus plate, we then demolished a delicious seitan filet with patatas bravas and homemade red wine gravy and an Indian thali plate with basmati rice, three curries and some delicious little pakoras. We even got a small glass of white wine and two weird but delicious vegan desserts. It's the kind of restaurant we would frequent at home. Comfort food in a comfortable environment.

Yeah, it was that good.

The next morning we rose early to start the journey home. After six weeks, nine cities and fourteen bedrooms; trains, planes, buses, boats and automobiles; performing our show in English, Spanish, Italian, Polish and German; eating the finest vegetarian delicacies and the foulest most desperate falafel sandwiches, we were ready. So we said goodbye to Barcelona at sunrise and chased the sun for nearly twenty four hours back to San Francisco.

The next morning I went to Circus Bella rehearsal, getting ready for a weekend gig up in the wine country. Of course I was sore from 24 hours of traveling and a little jet-lagged, but it was great to see everyone and to jump back into the show. After rehearsal, driving across the Bay Bridge I was struck by a strange feeling. I am so lucky to be visiting this beautiful city. And I am excited to go up to the wine country tomorrow! Wait a minute, I am still on vacation! The adventure continues.