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I've visited 3 main museums--that is, there are three that I remember where I was paying attention and not thinking about my adventures in Becca land, chocolate, or food, boys, or sleep.
The first was the Museum of the History of Catalunya. That was amazing. After we got past the introductory random crap on the first floor and the complimentary movie, we could then experience the real thing. We--myself and the rest of the CIEE clams--took the elevator down into the depths of ancient Roman architecture. The museum is structured so that one walks in the ruins without actually touching them. Granted they were ruins, these weren't pieces of wall lying around, each with a label arrogating to it some made-up symbolic value. We were actually walking within the remains of a city. It was such a surreal experience. The top floor contained all the objects behind glass. I enjoyed this separation--it ruins the mood when they put eveything together.
I also visited the Museu Maritim with my house "brother," Mark. He has a sailing license and a wealth of knowledge on the history of Catalan. The museum was designed to describe and explain to the general public the structure and function of boats throughout history. Granted, I did see the original models of the three Pilgrim ships, I don't have much to say about this museum because boats interest me about as much as_____. I enjoyed the experience because Mark is so knowledgeable and could tell me everything about a subject I would never be in contact with otherwise.
The third museum was in the Catedral and contained all of the ancient Catholic objects and paintings. I loved everything, minus the Catholicism. This museum was almost what I wanted. Granted it's very traditional ancient Catholic, it wasn't a representation of ancient Spain--it was of ancient Catalunya which I just don't feel a strong connection with. Sorry, I know I'm living in Catalunya, but I want to know about Spain. This museum I also visited with Marc, who attended a Catholic school for 4 years of his life and knew everything about everything here as well.
It was a festival day here, a Sunday where many museums were free and there were touristy demonstrations everywhere--see pictures. Today marks the day the Romans arrived on Spanish territory.
After museums, I get in the mood to wander. Museums force me to have structure in my life for a whole hour at a time, and afterwards I have to go replentish myself in Becca land.
previous travel blog entry
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