5.21.2009

Like a Blister on the Bun...

Today I made it my mission to find a free and working, open wireless connection in Barcelona. You would think this not to have been a difficult task. After all, plenty of coffee shops and cafes throughout the city prominently display WIFI signs on their premises. But after ordering a cafe cortado at no fewer than three of these (including one called "iCafe") before establishing a connection, I was buzzing from too much caffeine and no Internet.

Note to self: Don't make yourself at home at a restaurant and order until you know the "open wireless" actually exists and is functioning.

I spent the day walking and searching -- down Rambla Catalunya, up Paseo de Gracia, across Gran Via and Mallorca--while making the vain mistake of continue along the several kilometers without the benefit of proper footwear. Sure, those cherry pumps looked cute with my floral-patterned Ann Taylor skirt, but by the end of the afternoon I had a berry-sized blister to match them. Believe it or not, at the ripe-old age of nearly 42, I am beginning to understand the flaws in my fashion-over-comfort mantra.

Maybe it was all the caffeine, but as I trudged along Barcelona's many sidewalks, a tune from Oleta Adams popped into mind serving as both the anthem and ear worm d'jour.

There are hills and mountains between us
Always something to get over
If I had my way, then surely you would be closer
I need you closer

Yes, I have issues. But an expat without Internet is worse than a floral-patterned Ann Taylor skirt without pumps.

And I have the blister to prove it.

12 comments:

Global Librarian said...

I couldn't survive as an Expat without Internet!

Tanya said...

We pay through the nose for our dodgy, slow, intermittent connection but its definately a must have for all of us esp the teenager! The sad thing is we left NZ before the advent of affordable broadband so if a page takes less time than it does to boil an egg I think Im sppeding!!

J said...

"those cherry pumps looked cute with my floral-patterned Ann Taylor skirt"

For some odd reason, this really made me laugh (in a good way).

I had the same problem when I was there last year, but finally found a pub that had it. I wonder why it's so rare there.

MsTypo said...

I've lived through sketchy internet, slow internet, dodgy internet, and even it'll do internet. But to live with no internet?! *eek* *faints*

kenju said...

At 42, my shoes were always chosen for their appearance, not for comfort. Over the next few decades, you will learn that comfort is so much more desirable!

Unknown said...

I've often wondered what my expat-life would be like if it weren't for the internet. Here's cheers to internet, & I hope you find the best hot-spots without any further tough effort or fashion compromise ;-)

Tiffany Fairbanks said...

you are so funny! I hope you have better luck in the future. I'm sure you looked amazing while in pursuit of the internet though!

Rositta said...

I'm past the age of wearing cute shoes, sadly. When I hunt out free Wifi zones in the suburbs around Athens I now wear my hiking shoes. Better for my feet all around. Overall though your experiences are positive and that's a good thing...ciao

Jemma said...

I used to live in BCN, there are plenty in Gracia- try up there! Good luck!-)

Connie said...

I hate no internet! It is wrong. It's not natural!

ah... and there's a benefit to being a "LL Bean" type... comfy feets. (sorry about the blisters though :( !)

Josie said...

Very odd that there isn't more available Wifi.

But the image of those cherry pumps and floral skirt are making me want to see a picture:)

Good luck on the hunt.

Simple Answer said...

I'm keeping my fingers crossed you'll find a place soon! No Wiif is tough.