Welcome to Part One of a series of odd facts, observations and just random thoughts that I’ve experienced while here!

1. Barcelona is a part of Catalunya, not Spain. Yes, it’s legally in Spain and yes, it doesn’t make much sense to people who don’t live here but just go with it. You’ll be a lot better off.
2. Barceloneans generally do things one-handed, due to the fact that the other is almost always holding a cigarette. Sure, there are plenty that don’t smoke, but don’t be surprised if you walk out of the gym with someone and within five seconds they have a cancer stick already lit and are a couple puffs deep. If you don’t enjoy second-hand smoke, you’re kind of SOL, sorry to say.
3. This city is absolutely gorgeous, there will be a hundred places to watch the sunset, countless plazas that will amaze you and architecture that will drop your jaw and confuse you. Get lost. Enjoy it.
4. The Coffee Game: You don’t walk around with a paper cup, it’ll be a dead giveaway that you’re a tourist. Starbucks is a no-no too. Why the rush? Drinking your coffee should be relaxing, coffee is meant to be enjoyed while sitting down. Plus how are you supposed to balance a cigarette and a cup of coffee while walking around?
5. People generally don’t drink to get drunk here. Most usually drink everyday, but it’s maybe a beer or two, glass of wine with dinner, etc. Even when you go out, you won’t find AS much alcohol abuse as the States with college kids. There is no Spanish word for “beer bong” or “keg stand”. For the most part, it’s in bad taste and quite embarrassing to be super wasted. Or to be THAT guy who yakks on the Metro.

6. The neon green crosses aren't Medical Marijuana dispensaries, they’re actually just Pharmacies and you’ll see them all over the city. Go there if you’re sick first, they may be able to treat you there instead of a hospital, or at least offer up some European strength OTC drugs. Though there are weed shops here too, located in random spots all over the city—don’t worry, hippie.

7. The worst thing you can do it be in a hurry. First off, you’ll be the only one. Spaniards are usually late for most things; class doesn’t even start until 10-15 minutes after it’s supposed to. Lines are usually slow, cause people are chatting. Cafes will serve you eventually, but they will have no rush to get you out of there. People walk slowly down the street, and generally don’t run to catch a bus or a train—why would they? There will be another one. Don’t fight it, it will drive you insane.

8. McDonald’s Serves Beer! For a Euro! I have yet to try the Mickey D’s here yet, but if you want to you can get McHammered.

9. Students go on strike here—like actually go on strike. I actually don’t have class tomorrow because students are striking over raised school fees. Even if I tried to get into the building, there will be protesters blocking the entrances. And the Spaniards love a good protest.

10. An open mind is important here. Everyone doesn’t think like you. Everyone has different opinions, very different opinions. It’s okay to have your own, as long as you respect others. You’ll enjoy this wonderful place so much more when you’re not here to judge or compare.