5.20.2009

Almost perfect


Sometimes I think I ought to re-title my blog. Instead of Martinis for Two it would be called:

Living Almost Perfect
The search for good Mexican food in Europe


This is because with the exception a of a complete lack of spicy salsa and a decent bean burrito, my European experience has been nothing short of wonderful. I enjoyed my time (even though the vineyards of the Rhineland Pfalz were a little quiet) in Germany and found the people to be warm and friendly, which made up for the many cold and rainy days. And now that I live in the land of constant Mediterranean sun, I am basking in my new apartment, neighborhood, city, and life.

Now over one month into this first chapter, I still find no cause for complaint in Barcelona. Sure, there are issues. The governmental bureaucracy is maddening and utility service providers operate at a snail's pace (I do not have Internet access yet, por ejemplo ), but these minor annoyances do not take away from my good impressions of this marvelous city.

I love it here. And if it weren't for family and friends back in the United States, I would tell Max it was time put down permanent roots and make Barcelona home.

Part of my joy comes from my preference for city living. I like that Max and I can walk to our favorite cafes and bars on date night and that everything I would ever need for daily existence (with the exception of a good Mexican cantina) can be found within a 6-block radius of my flat. But it's more than just conveniences. I like the vibe here. It speaks to me. Now if only I could speak back.

10 comments:

Charlotte said...

Of course you can speak back!

So glad you are so happy ...

kenju said...

You will learn it, I promise. You learned some German, and Spanish is easier, I think.

My brother-in-law used to travel to Barcelona often on business and he loved it. He took his whole family there for the Olympics (and my daughter, too) because he wanted them to see that city. I just knew you'd like it there!

headbang8 said...

To Diane's readers:

Independent confirmation of Diane's post, if any is needed!

I can confirm how delightful Diane's neighbourhood, city and general vibe is. I had lunch with her in a cafe not unlike the one where the picture was taken, and it was a delight. The city clearly energises and and inspires Diane, and she thrives on it.

(Wait till she tells you about their plans for an open-air home cinema!)

Oh, and she speaks better Spanish than she lets on.

HB8

To Diane: never properly thanked you for lunch---a splendid afternoon!

MsTypo said...

The lack of good mexican food outside of North America is def one of the downsides of expat living. Good mexican food aside, Barcelona sounds like heaven! :)

jaded said...

Speaking spanish poorly, earns more assistance when needed than speaking spanish well.

Girl in Carolina said...

Love the picture!!! Glad you are enjoying your time there :)

Anonymous said...

I would recommend La Coronela in el Born for some amazing (but not cheap) Mexican food in Barcelona. Address: C/Consulat del Mar 23, close to the post office at the end of Laietana. Hope that helps :)

oreneta said...

I once, long ago, heard of a good Mexican place (by Catalan standards) in BCN, and there are so many South Americans, I bet you can find it...indeed, there is a Hispanoamerican bookstore. OK. How to tell you where it is....

http://maps.google.com/maps?g=Pla%C3%A7a+de+Catalunya,+08002,+Barcelona,+Barcelona,+Catalonia,+Spain&ie=UTF8&ll=41.386678,2.165015&spn=0.003848,0.006909&z=17

OK, Google maps is only kind of helping me out here, but on that map I put a link to, assuming the link works, On the Gran Via de les Cortes Catalans, right about under that 592 in the middle of the map, across the street from the Universitat de Barcelona, is the hispanoamerican book store, they might be able to give you a lead on good S American food. If you find it, let me know. It may not be up market though as most of the S Americans are not in the wealthiest groups.....

Have you found cheaper wine?

Simple Answer said...

So glad you are happy!

I think the more time I spend here, the better the Mexican food tastes. I guess cuz I can't quite remember what it should taste like.

Connie said...

I definitely go into severe texmex withdrawals ... the lack of good tortillas is a sad state of affairs.