Barcelona has these vibrant markets, busy and full of common people shopping for the best produce, meat, and other foodstuffs. And the seafood! Oh, I shall have my fill here. The care and attention they take in preparing these wonderful tapas, clearly marks them as masterful chefs like the ones in Japan. I must also take back with me some of this chocolate, brought to Spain from some far off land in the West. We have nothing like this at home, and I’m sure the Imperial household will enjoy its rich flavor. Once again, I am introduced to new libations, cava and these rich, full-bodied Spanish wines. I learned this wonderful philosophy in Barcelona: “If you drink, you eat.” These Spanish must be an advanced civilization indeed to have such an enlightened perspective on the pleasures of life.

Strolling along the beach I see many young people out enjoying themselves into the early morning hours. Their energy and lust for life lifts my spirits and I venture into one of their “night clubs.” The music is quite foreign to me. It seems chaotic at first, many instruments and beats all vying to be heard. But as I listen more I sense a rhythm and begin to follow the melody. It is difficult not to resist moving to this music. Sadly, all of the dancing arts I had learned seem out of place in this time. I will have to observe and practice more of these modern dances.

This has been a quite lively visit to Barcelona. I am told greater adventures await me in the Spanish islands to the south, but I must save those for another time. I am already preparing for my next journey. An intriguing land called, the Ukraine.