checking it twice

In less than two weeks I’m embarking on an adventure with my wonderful friend, Mona. I’ve known Mona since we were 11, and I even lived with her during those first two transition years out of college, where we both moved to a big bright new city and learned what life after school was like together. These days, she lives far far away, so I don’t ever see her, and even talking to her on the phone can be difficult. So that should make our trip together that much sweeter… that, and the fact that I’m vacationing in Spain! Ha ha, Lab! No sitting around here for me! For a while at least.

Anyway, we were emailing back and forth about what we want to do/see/experience, and I would like to share Mona’s list with you.

Mona’s to do:

Englishman!
Spaniard!
Hang out
Drink wine
Drink beer, when I am thirsty, in bar with old men
Cafe con leche
Stay up late
Sleep in interesting places
Eat
Eat in the morning -- bread and olive oil, donuts
Eat at lunchtime -- empanada, bocadillo
Eat a big meal
Eat tapas
Eat tourist food, eat when really hungry
Walk up hills
Walk down hills
People watch
Take pictures
Shop casually and visit Zara and Mango (though there's no way my hips will fit)
Things of beauty -- man-made and natural
Las Ramblas – Barcelona
Flamenco
Toledo (I really like art so I wouldn't mind El Greco, Miro, Dali, plus filmmakers.... I decided I don't need to go to Bilbao.)

Now, did you notice that 6 items in a row began with the word “eat”? Did I not tell you that my friends from jr high / high school were connected by our common love of food? (That and our brains and good looks.)
Doesn’t this make you wish you were coming with us? Yeah, it sounds great to me, too.