two for today

In my previous blog entry, I said that I was going to my favorite cafe, and here I am! So why not blog about it?

It’s called Cometa, and I absolutely love it. It’s only a 5 minute walk from my apartment, which makes is so convenient. Maybe it’s a bad thing that I live so close. Yikes! I’m sure I come here at least three times a week, probably more. They play really good music, and oh my, the food is delish as well: sandwiches, hummus, carrot cake, chai tea latte, etc. If you go here, promise me you’ll get the chai tea latte or the carrot cake. You won’t be disappointed.

What a lovely day I had here. It’s usually busy, but today it was strangely quiet, which I enjoyed a lot. Dreaming of opening up my own cafe, similar to this one, in the future.

*iPhone photos

here in barcelona

I have a tendency to get ahead of myself. Really ahead. Sometimes I have to remind myself to breathe. Today I am reminded to enjoy the moment.

Right now, at this moment, I am in Barcelona, and therefore, I will enjoy Barcelona. Off I go to my favorite cafe to grab a cup of coffee and an avocado sandwich with a pen and notebook in hand. Hope you are enjoying the moment as well!

dreaming

After weeks of thinking and making lists of pros and cons, I’ve decided to forgo my decision to become a lawyer. The uncertainty of the future lingers before me, and I’m frightened for the day after graduation. But I’m hopefully, and I’m dreaming of all the other possibilities there are for me. Dreaming, dreaming, dreaming. Because we aren’t only meant to do one thing in life.

15th of april

Is the month already halfway done? It seemed like Easter was just this past Sunday, no? I mentioned this in an earlier post, but I’m really trying to take advantage of the time left in Barcelona. And before I continue, I will shamelessly advertise my instagram: kristenyang. Follow me!

So far in April, I…
+ ate 1 euro pretzels and played cards on a rainy Friday
+ went on a tour of La Sagrada Familia
+ visited MNAC (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya)
+ had two picnics at Parc de la Ciutadella
+ went on a tapas tour
+ went tanning in the beautiful weather
+ and visited new cafes and restaurants: Himali, Quimet y Quimet, Lilipep, Las Empas, Spice Cafe, & Picnic

Things I’m looking forward to the rest of April..
+ St. Jordi (kind of like Valentine’s Day, but a holiday recognized by the government)
+ Awaken Spring Retreat
+ two more Sunday brunches
+ bike-riding along the beach
+ hiking through Montserrat
+ and going to the Picasso Museum

Until tomorrow, or even maybe next week. Adios!

sunday brunch at picnic

I have a list of places I want to eat at, and today, I went to Picnic to have brunch. I’m very happy I crossed off yet another restaurant on my never-ending list of places to eat at. The food was definitely good, and the outdoor seating is very comfortable. If weather permits, definitely sit outside!! Brunches are definitely meals that always leave me happy. I’ve had Sunday brunches 4 weeks in a row now! That’s a first. Can’t wait until next Sunday’s brunch. Yum!

*iPhone photos

food markets

It’s started. I’m counting down the days I have left in Europe. As I think about this past year, and the adventures I’ve had here, I’m so thankful for the opportunity. It has been, probably, one of the most important years of my life. I’ve definitely learned a lot more in the past eight months than I have in the past… three years of college. To make me appreciate the things here more, I started a list of things I’ll miss about Europe. First one on the list: fresh fruits and vegetables. Love these open-air food markets!

notes to my little brother

I came across this list of 10 things this editor (forgot who) wants to teach her son so that he becomes a man. I think it’s a very solid list. I’m praying that my little brother learns these things as he grows up. If I were to add one thing, it would be that my brother learns to fear and love the Lord.

1. Open the door for people. This is your chance to offer what will, for some people, be the only kindness they experience all day.
2. Stand up to bullies. You’ll be surprised that the majority of them will immediately back down.
3. Never stop reading. When you stop reading, you stop learning.
4. When you think nice thoughts about people, let them know.
5. Handle failure with graciousness on the outside, and kindness on the inside. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and try again.
6. Be generous with your time and money. Both, even in small increments, are worth more to other people than they are to you.
7. Talk kindly to yourself. Don’t be harder on yourself than your parents or spouse would be.
8. Be curious, not furious. Instead of being frustrated or angry or annoyed as to why someone did something, try to figure out why they did it.
9. Decide which hill you want to die on. Most battles, whether with family, friends, employers, employees, or strangers, are not worth fighting.
10. Love hard.

On that note, it was Sibling Day on the 10th. I am so incredibly thankful for both my brothers. I wish we could spend more time together. Love you both.