7.4.06

The World Cup Previews

I am very excited about this year’s world cup final in Germany. Unfortunately, we missed many games as our final examinations at Newcastle took place at the same time. In addition it turned out to be very disappointing and boring as a half of teams, which normally play an exciting football, defeated unexpectedly in the first group stage.
Anyway, this year World Cup is held in Germany, one of the nations that won the final. It can be most attended and watched games in the world cup history. Here, I am going to make a personal review on games:

Group A: Germany, Costa Rica, Poland and Ecuador
A1(the first place in Group A)- Germany
A2 (the second place in Group B)- Poland
Undoubtedly, I select Germany as the team that goes to the final tournament by getting 7 to 9 points. Germany is very luck to have such weak opponents. Ecuador played the most wonderful football in home games at the altitude over 1000 meters during the qualification run by beating Brazil and Argentine comfortably. They have great midfielders like Luis Valencia. However, they have never proved in away games. It is very much dependent on a Colombian coach who should concentrate on mental training and let players adapt meteorological conditions well in advance. Poland is a boring opponent but I think they will play well to get the second place.

Group B
B1- England
B2- Sweden
England will be qualified to the second stage before the last match against Sweden. There would be little chance that they are disqualified in this stage though it can be interesting if it occurs. England will maintain a boring tradition of 4-4-2 formation using direct and long passes.
Viewing recent friendly matches, Sweden seems to have a big problem when they cannot score. Sweden may be placed in a difficult position to win against England in the last match to be qualifying to the next stage if they lose some points in the first two games.

Group C
C1 – Argentine
C2- Netherlands
Although I choose above two countries to be qualified, it can turn out to be the other two opponents who are qualified for the second stage. Both Argentine and Netherlands do not have a strong defense. Serbia plays an unattractive football in deed. But it can steal a victory with 1-0 score against both teams. 3 teams in this group have world-class strikers such as Lionel Messi, Van Nisterloy and Drocba. The most goals can be scored in this group. There is no boring games in this group.

Group D
D1 – Portugal
D2 – Mexico
The starting lineup of Das Quinas will be: Ricardo, Ricardo Carvalho, Marco Caneira, Miguel, Nuno Valente, Maniche, Costinha, Luis Figo, Cristiano Ronaldo, Deco and Pauleta. If I were Scolari, I will definitely bring Quaresma and Moutinho. Viana is missed out because he did not prove himself in his club as well as the national team.
There is no doubt about winners of this group. Portugal and Mexico. Portugal beats Angola with 5-0 and Iran with 3-0. Probably, Mexico will not lose points before facing Portugal.
Tactically, Portugal can lose the last match in order to avoid Brazil till the final. However, I believe that Felipe Scorali will not use this tactics.


Group E
E1- Italy
E2 – USA
Even if Totti does not recover early enough to play in world cup, Italy will go through the first stage. Czech Republic is beaten by USA and has to say good-bye to Germany in the early stage like Portugal in 2002. It can be everyone’s surprise. Observing a friendly match, Japan vs. USA, I became confident that all the US players physically strong and trained well as a team. It is not easy to beat them when they enter the competition in a good physical condition.

Group F
F1 – Brazil
F2 – Australia
No one probably opposes that Brazil goes through this stage as the top of Group F. Some Japanese media says that other three teams have an equal chance to qualify to the next stage. Optimistic one says that Japan will beat both Croatia and Australia. But I am very realistic. The chance is narrow. Australian players are not only physically strong but almost all of them play in major leagues in Europe. We have some strikers who play in Europe but none of them play in games constantly. The Japanese football federation chose some weaker Western countries to play friendly matches for preparation. Yet they were beaten by Latvia and USA. Drew against Bosnia and Ukraine. A single victory against Norway does not prove anything much. The last game against Ecuador was so poor. The Colombian coach did not bring great midfielders: Valencia, Lala, Franklin Salas, Delgado did not come. The secondary team traveled to Japan and spent more than 2 days to arrive. Yet we got a narrow victory in the end of second half. Anyway, if we win against Australia in the first match, we may do good games and be qualified to the next stage.

Group G
G1- France
G2- Korea
France is still dependent very much on Zidane. If he goes to Germany in a good physical condition, no tiredness and injury, France will go to the next stage. The second place will be taken by South Korea.

Group H
H1- Spain
H2- Can be any team
After a continuous terrible performance game after game at their qualifying campaign, Spain has got a great luck. There is almost no threat at all to be sent home in this stage.

The second stage
Germany (A1) vs. Sweden (B2): 2-2
A chance of winning is even. Definitely, Sweden has superior firepower; Ibrahimovic and Henrik Lasson. German key players are Bullack and Shweinshteiger. Having home crowd and great support, Germany will win after the penalty shoot-out. German fans enjoy a lot of beers and sausages this night.

Argentine (C1) vs. Mexico (D2): 3-2
The game starts with furious attack from the Argentine side and Mexico defends well. The first goal scene is created by Lionel Messi, cutting in from the right side and makes final pass to Crespo. 1-0.
Mexico bounds back with Jorgetti’s header. The game becomes very exciting. In the end, Argentine’s firepower overcomes Mexico’s defense. Argentine goes to the next stage.

Italy (E1) vs. Australia (F2) : 1-0
Italy tries to show their mode of new attacking football but Australia defends superbly and scores is 0-0 in the end of in the first half. Italy changed tactics to traditional catenacio. In reverse, Australia creates many changes. However, a small mistake gave a chance for Gattuzo to intercept the ball. He passes to Pirlo. Pirlo makes a long direct pass to Totti. Totti and Giraldino make short passes to remove markers. A quick shot on goal. Italy steals a victory in one chance.

France (G1) vs. Ukraine (H2) : 3-1
The old Le Blu system with Zidane works perfectly in the game. They scores three goals in the first half. Shevchenco scores a goal in the end of the second half to avoid a shameful defeat. Although France beats Ukraine comfortably, the players get tired in the second half.

Poland (A2) vs. England (B1) : 0-2
Rooney and Owen creat one goal each to eliminate Poland. On the stadium English fans are happy. After the match 30 English hooligans are arrested by German police at night.
In the next day, the English Football Federation receives a severe warning from FIFA.

Portugal (D1) vs. Netherlands (C2) : 2-0
The same card is drawn again in this tournament as well. Cristiano Ronaldo and Figo change their side from right to left and vice versa to create chances. Pauleta find a net on the right corner by putting Figo’s cross ball Cristiano Ronaldo has created four goals in the first stage but there is no luck in this game. Scorali put Gipsy, Ricardo Quaresma on the pitch. It is a gamble for Scolali because Dutch gradually create some chances to score. Scolari’s miracle happened again. Quaresma passes two defenders with sharp dribble and made a shot into the Dutch goal. Dutch hope has disappeared.

USA (E2) vs. Brazil (F1): 1-3
A Brazilian coach, Pereira puts Ronaldo, Robinho, Ronaldilho and Kaka for an attack. Ronaldilho and Kaka creates a lot of chances but unlike the group stage, Ronaldo misses every opportunity to score a goal. With everyone’s surprise, USA score the first goal after 30 minutes. The champion is now under threat. Pereira substitutes Adriano and Ronaldo is out of pitch without a goal. Brazil attacks furiously but American defense is very tough. After 20 minutes Brazil levels with Adriano’s header. USA lost their concentration and concedes two more goals. The game is over.

Korea (G2) vs. Spain (H1): 0-1
Spain has made nine goals in the group stage. Many Spanish regarded Aragones, a Spanish coach as “Mono”, a stupid monkey in their qualification run with a severe lack of goals. Now, people admire him for a great success in the group stage. But monkey is monkey. In this game, they suffer from goal-less ninety minutes. The players who save a team is not a beloved Raul Gonzales but new generation players. Torres, Reyes and Fabregas.


Quarter Finals
Germany vs. Argentine: 1-3
Germany tries hard to win this game taking 1-0 lead. However, German young and inexperienced defense can not hold Argentin's firepower. Pequerman, finally put Lionel Messi, who has recovered injury. Quickly they turn over the game to 2-1 and before the final whistle, he assisted the third goal.

Italy vs. France: 2-1
France takes their lead with Zidan's header. French fans chanted and remined the final of 98. However, the most aged team gradually lose their possession. Most of Frenchmen is out of gas just after the whistle of the second half. They allowed two goals.

England vs. Portugal: 1-2
An uncomfortable start for Portuguese. They concede a goal in the first ten minutes. However, they gradually increase their ball possession to 60% of the game. Deco takes a corner and Ronaldo's header finds the net before the second half.
The second half continues the same. Rooney is not fully recovered. That was very much crucial to the game. Figo makes a brilliant shot just outside the penality area. England's hope has vanished. Again Sven Golan Ericksson can not overtake great Felipe Scolari. Another drama takes place on the street of a German city. A number of English fooligans have arrested by German police.

Brazil vs. Spain: 2-0
Spain creates a number of chances to take a lead in the first half. Some shots squad over the goal and anothers hit the goal post. Again Spanish show indecisive performance which were indicated in the preliminary matches. One strike by Adriano. Another by Ronaldinho. Brazil looks unstopable.

Semifinal
Argentine vs. Italy
Argentine hold a 60 percent of ball possesion but Italian defense is strong. The first half result is 0-0.
In the middle of the second half, an Italian defender steal a ball and pass it to Pirlo who quickly pass it to Totti. He advances with a dribble and before Argentine defense react, he kicks a ball over the defender drawing a slow loop and Luca Toni hit it hard. 1-0!

Brazil vs. Portugal
The most exciting match of the tournament comes. Scolari and Deco face their home country against. Technic versus Technic. After the kick-off, Brazil quickly advances and go pass Maniche and Costinha easily. The last pass made to Adriano but Ricardo Carvalho close him down before he gets it. Portuguese defense is very tight in the penalty area. However, having Ronaldinho and Kaka in the center, Brasil is deadly enough. Emersson dispossess Deco in the center of the midfield. Brazilian fans chants. Deco quickly recover the ball. Brazilans on the stand boos! Exciting moment!
Maniche loses a ball and Kaka advances with a great speed. No one catches up with him. Before Portuguese defense close him down, He shoots it hard. Ricardo can not reach out! A great goal! 1-0! Portuguese defense gets nervous. Ferreira puts down Ronaldinho in the penalty area. A match official indicates a penalty spot. 2-0!
Scolari makes no hesitation but pull out his first card. The first substitute: Ricardo Quaresma in the right wing. Costinha is out. C.Ronaldo and Pauleta are two top. Scolari increases front men to pressure Brazil defense. Figo and Quaresma beats Brasilian sidebacks and makes a lot of services to the center forwards. Pauleta kick it in. But still 2-1. The games procedes to the final 15 minutes. No progress.
Scolari finallly pull out the joker: the last card. "Felipe Scolari announced next substitute. The number 10, Manuel Rui Costa. The man comes back from 2 year silence. Can he get his last glory in Germany before ending his career or quietly finish it at Benfica stadium! Now the great number ten step into the pitch to face his clubmate, Kaka."
Rui Costa touches the first ball and pass it to Deco. Combination is not bad. Again he gets it and dribble to the right. He swing his right foot and an accurate cross finds Pauleta and he headed in! 2-2! Portugal continues to attack and gets a corner kick. Figo takes it and hurriedly kick it into the penalty area. Pauleta can not finds the net and tumbled down with Brasilian defenders. C.Ronaldo is blocked. Quaresma stays far side and can not reach. One player with Portuguese shirt rush into the ball and crowded area. He made a dive and the ball passes the line! A goal! The number 10 falls down on the pitch. "Rui Costa! A great comeback! He takes his nation to the Worldcup final! First time in history! A lot of Portuguese supporters are crying!"

The Final: Portugal vs. Italy
"The Worldcup final in 2006 is going to be played with two European nations. Portugal and Italy. Portugal has never beaten Italy in their history. Today is the day for them to change the history or Italy will celebrate their 4th victory. We are here to witness this great moment. According to Italian media, the coach Marcello Lippi will absence this important match for unknown reason. An urgent meeting was held between FIFA and Italian Football Federation. The Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi took in charge the matter. In a few minutes the players will step into the stadium. Nobody still knows who will lead Italy. Oh ladies and gentlemen, Italian team has arrived. The first person appeared on the stadium is, oh, can you believe it: It is Roberto Baggio. He leads Azzuri in the final of Worldcup 2006! It is said that he may join the directing board of Inter. Now he is here to get the trophy as the Italian coarch!"
The starting lineup of Italy and Portugal are no surprise. Portugal has Figo, Ronaldo and Deco behind the one top, Pauleta. Italy has Giraldino and Totti to attack. The whistle is blown. The game starts. Totti passes Pirlo. Portuguese advance and chase the ball. The first half has played even. Portuguese hold the great share of ball possession and Italians make several counterattack. Great game! The score is 0-0.
10 minutes after the second half begin, Scolati makes a move. Put Rui Costa and Quaresma into the pitch to increase their attacks. Four midfielders; Figo, Quaresma, Deco and Rui Costa supply a lot of balls to Pauleta and Ronaldo but no goal. Italian defense is strong.
"Cannavaro missed clearing and the ball stops in front of Ronaldo. Ronaldo kicks toward the goal. Bufon reaches out. The ball passed over his finger tip. Gooooal. Portugal leads!"
"Scolari experience as a coarch is well over Roberto Baggio. Now Baggio faces his second agony in the Worldcup final? Or does he have any plan to overcome this situation. The remaining time is just 20minutes. Oh, the official announced a substitution, Number 18, in the Italian side? Who is Number 18??? The Italian coarch gets mad? Oh, Baggio started to take off his tie and shirt. The number 18 appeared on his chest! Oh amazing. There is some rumor that Baggio has continued his training even after his retirement and the press speculated his possible comeback. Here he is in the Worldcup final!"
"Now, remaining time is 10 minutes! after careful warm-up, he steps into the pitch. Does he really change the situation. Portugueses players started to pressurize italian defense to make a decisive second goal! Figo's cross ball was well cleared by Cannavaro. Manich hit it toward the goal from the edge of the penalty area. Buffon punched off. Now, Deco takes a conner kick. Cleared by Nesta. Italians passed it forward. Pirlo kicked to Roberto Baggio. As Portuguese focused on attacks, there are only two remaining. Ricardo Carvalho seized to Baggio. Baggio trapped the ball high to go over the head of Carvalho. He swiftly passed him. Now, one on one situation against Ricardo. Baggio hit it hard. Wow, what a goal! It's a screamer! Ricardo can not move! 1-1"
"Now the situation is reverse. Italians makes short passes to attack. The remaining time is just 2 minutes. Oh, Ferreira pushed down Totti in the penalty area! The official pointed at the penalty spot. I believe Totti himself take the kick. Oh, Totti said no! He is giving a ball to Baggio. Baggio takes it and kick it, Gooooal! Roberto Baggio, now he finally buried his misery of 1998's worldcup final. He has made new history for Italy. Now it is the final whistle. Italy won the world cup. The MVP must be Baggio. Wonderful night in Berlin! The final score is 2-1! "

Gourmet Quest 1

Gourmet Quest 1
Today, I introduce you some gourmet food product that I found on a local and foreign market. I think finding and tasting delicious food is one of the aspects that we enjoy the most on trip.

In my case, cheese is the subject that I am currently interested in.
Tentation de Saint Felicien (France)
Milk : Cow milk
Type: Uncooked, unpressed and soft cheese with white mould
This creamy cheese is best suit with simple white bread.



Fiore Sardo (DOP)
Origin: Sardigna, Italy
Milk: sheep
Type: Uncooked, pressed, hard smoked cheese
It is said that this cheese dates from the Roman Time. It is hard like a stone and has no elasticity. It breaks down when cutting. It is strong cheese but not spicy or salty like Pecorino cheese.

Kyoto and Japanese tradition

Kyoto and Japanese tradition
It was in the end of November when Linda told me that her boyfriend and she had a plan to visit Japan for the Chinese New Year. In the beginning she chose Tokyo as their destination and asked me for some advice where to visit. My advice was not to visit Tokyo but to fly to Osaka to visit two past capital of Japan: Kyoto and Nara. There are a lot of temples and shrines in these towns and most foreigners love them. In the end they decided to visit Kyoto instead of Tokyo. So, it has become my obligation to guide them in Kyoto. Well, obligation may not be precise because I always wanted to guide some foreign friends in Japan. Usually, I am the one who travel to visit them. When they see me off in the end of my visit, they say, “You have to show me around Japan when I visit you”. I say ok but they often add “But you are always traveling. You’re never in Japan.” Or they greet me saying “Hi Yasu, it’s been a long time. You’re always traveling” Either way. So, this is my first time to be a guide for foreign friends.

Kyoto
Kyoto is regarded as the center of Japanese culture and history. It had been a capital for almost a thousand years in Japanese history since 794. Even after Shogun, the head of Samurai moved their government; the imperial government remained in Kyoto until 1867. During these eras, Kyoto culture flourished and influenced greatly in our life.
Kyoto is the city that I proudly recommend to foreign tourists.

I took the first flight to Osaka on Friday, the 3rd of February to meet Linda and her boyfriend at the lobby of Kyoto Miyako Hotel. After ten or fifteen minutes of my arrival, they came back to the hotel from a short walk. Linda introduced me to her boyfriend. It was more than three years since we last met.

When I asked her where she wanted to go first. She seemed to have studied her guidebook and said that she wanted to walk along the path called “Tetugakunomichi”, namely Philosopher’s path that leads us to Ginkaku-ji temple, a temple which is crowned the world heritage site.
I had no idea about this path why it is called in such a name.
“I know there are hundreds of Buddhist and Shinto monks in our history but a great philosopher?? We are not Greeks. Well, Japanese exaggerate such a story to bring more tourists. That ‘s what it is! That philosopher could be anyone. ” I made my own conclusion.
“I don’t know the story but we can check it out. It is on the way to Ginkaku-ji temple. That is the one you should not miss while you are in Kyoto” I said to her without revealing much of my ignorance.


Ginkaku-ji temple was built by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, 8th Shogun of Muromachi Bakufu government in the 15th century. The English name is Silver pavilion. It was meant be built to be painted with silver like Kinkaku-ji. However, in the end of Ashikaga Shogun era, the Samurai government was never able to finance this work and has finished without painting it. You may be disappointed with the size of the pavilion. But the garden and the view from the hillside are breathtaking.



Kinkaku-ji temple was built by the third Shogun, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1397, during the most flourished time of the period. The pavilion itself is rather small, too.






The other temple we visited is Kiyomizu Temple. You may be disappointed by visiting previous two temples if you expect to see some truly beautiful Japanese temple. If you feel so, I recommend you to visit Kiyomizu-dera temple. It is built on tall wooden base. In Japanese, there is an expression related to this temple. When we encourage someone to overcome fear or make his mind to set off for a big challenge, we say “Try it bravely like jumping off from the Kiyomizu terrace.” However, I believe that the expression is not really appropriate. Because if you jump off from there, you will definitely break every bone in the body and result in a terrible death!


By the way, there is a small shrine in the place of Kiyomizu Temple that is believed to achieve love. I took a photo of a new Taiwanese couple.


It was snowing in Kyoto. Linda told her boyfriend about her first day of snow in Newcastle, the story how we built a snowman at North terrace. We were four of us. Linda, Michael, Nuno and me. Michael retreated inside in the early stage. You know, people remember events in their past differently. I did not remember that I was the one who taught how to make a snowman till she told me the story again today.

In the second day, we went to Nijo Castle. Unlike other castles or forts, buildings in the castle are no more than two stories. It was because the castle was built for a residence for Tokugawa Shogun, the head of Samurai government to stay during his visit in Kyoto but not to protect themselves from battles. Actually the work was started in 1603 after Tokugawa government won a major war. Therefore, it was built like a palace rather than a castle.


The places where we visited in two days are the major tourist sites in Kyoto. However, Kyoto has a number of other places where you can experience Japanese culture. Tokugawa Shogun took major authority and power from the Imperial government and built a new capital in Tokyo in 1603. Since then, Tokyo has developed as political and economic center. However, Kyoto remained its position as a cultural center. It developed own culture. Nowadays tourists visit Kyoto to enjoy traditional theater, Kabuki, music, tea ceremony and food. Here we concentrate on dining out in Kyoto and its dishes.

Many Europeans whom I met considered the Japanese cuisine is among the healthiest food in the world. It is quite popular in Europe. For example, our beloved football King, Luis Figo is a great fan of Japanese food. Most popular dishes are Sushi, Sahimi (raw fish), Tenpura.

On the second day, we went to the river-side area to have some lunch. We walked along a traditional street and went inside a restaurant where they cook Unagi (grilled eel).
We, Japanese traditionally eat eels grilled with a sweet soy sauce. It is said to be good to regain some strength and energy in your body. An eel is a fresh water fish found in river. It is long and has a smooth skin like a snake. It used to be found in many clean rivers when I was a child. But nowadays, most of eels at supermarket are grown in fish farms same as many other fish. They are given chemicals and mostly tasteless compared to the ones caught in river. So, if you want to eat a good eel, you should go to an eel restaurant.

Here is some grilled eel with a bowl of rice (I do not know the name nor gender of the eel on my plate. It could be Taro or Hanako).


After lunch, we went shopping on the streets of Kyoto and lost our way back to the main street. On that evening, I took a flight back to Fukuoka, wishing for next interesting trip. I hope you gain some knowledge of Japan and became interested in visiting Kyoto.

Remaining story of Barcelona

DAY 13
Shopping in Barcelona
After Nuno’s departure, I realized that I had only three more days to spend my time in Barcelona. Yet I had so many things to do. Barcelona is the city that you probably wish to visit again and you would still find something new and interesting. It is said Catalan people are creative and are accustomed to adapt something from outside world in their culture. You can observe these characteristics in the buildings and arts. I am sure you will be never disappointed with visiting this city.
In addition, I found people on the streets of Barcelona are more fashionable than people in Madrid and in the rest of Spain. One of the reasons why I chose Barcelona is to enjoy shopping. In recent years, Spanish fashion business is becoming strong. I am sure you have heard Bota and Zara.
The label that I introduce here is called Tous.




Glasses and sunglasses (Tous, Grand Optical) Website: www.grandoptical.com


I went into a Zara shop to buy jeans and asked if I have their length adjusted. A shop assistant said that I could only collect them after weekend. I wanted buy them just because they are cheap. So, I gave it up and went out to look for another item, a pair of glasses. At Grand Optical, a optician shop, you can make your own glasses in a few hours (including eye examination). I always wanted to replace my old glasses and suffered from irritated eyes by putting contact lens for long hours. I found their service is quite professional. While you are waiting, you are served a glass of water and some chocolate. I was bit excited about testing my Spanish. Not all opticians speak English



Price: 320 Euros in total



Here are some other items that I bought in Barcelona.

Agenda and backpack (Piquadro, Pas Gracia 11 )



Price: Agenda (74 Euro), backpack (74 Euro)
Website: www.piquadro.com

I first came across this brand when I was staying Bologna in Italy three years ago. It was not so popular even in Italy and they probably did not have their own outlets. Now here they are in Barcelona, expanding their business to the Iberian peninsula. Shop assistants were Italians. English spoken



Day 14: Last class
It is my last day in Spanish class today. This class is unique. In fact, I always find very exciting and fun to learn a language in a multinational class. In Japan I was fed up with being criticized to be talkative and original. Here I can be myself and my classmates are generous.
Gaspar was flipping a pencap into his coke can and a teacher scolded him
“Eres como un ninho! ( You are like a child)!”
Our teacher is a strong Barcelonista, supporting her football club. All in class almost agreed that FC Barcelona is currently showing the best and most exciting football.
One of the girl in the class love Deco and all of them confirmed Ronaldlho is fantastic in football but muy feo (ugly).
“How cruel girls are!.” I thought. I remembered almost all the girls support Italy over Brasil in the last World Cup. One of girls in the class fancy Cristiano Ronaldo. Now, after David Beckham and his media campaigns, football is becoming a hot topic to girls in general.

I took some pictures of our class in the end of the lesson and gave a brief comment and said our classmate good luck with their study and left the room.

Day 15
At five o’clock in the morning, I woke up with a sharp noise of the alarm clock. I dragged myself out of bed before falling asleep again, headed for the bathroom to wash my face. I made a cup of espresso to revitalize my body system (Actually, I can hardly be myself without it).
I made the last check of my personal belongings before heading for the door and I heard somebody entering our apartment. It was Stephanie and Isabel, my flat mates
“You are leaving?” they asked me.
I answered yes and they started to ask about what happened last night. They went to discos.
“Stephanie finished a bottle of vodka and she is drunk! She never stopped laughing on the way home. She is crazy .” Isabel said.
Her face is red. “No no, you are crazy ” Stephanie protested. It was a fanny moment.
I said to them it was time for me to leave. We hugged each other and said good luck. And then they returned to the bedroom.
I took subway and a shuttle bus to the airport. On the way to the airport, I enjoyed the last view of Barcelona.
“I’ll come back here again and I have a lot of things left to see here.” I said to myself.



My vacation lasted only two weeks. It was too short to experience a life in Spain. When I got used to a Spanish life, it was almost time to leave. Time flies. There are a lot more to see. This will probably motivate me to visit this country again. I hope that my travel diary may be of some tips for you to visit Spain.