May 1, 2010 Day 10

written day after in hostel

We woke up brutally late. I got up at 12:30 and David got up at 1:30. It was only after much effort on my part that this happened. It's labor day in Spain therefore all the stores and shops are closed. Restaurants are the only things open. As there isn't much to do we decide to cook for lunch. As things are cooking we decide to watch Lord of War. After the movie and lunch it's too late to do anything as Gary and Kelli arrive today between 4 and 5:30.

It's exciting to see them. Nice to have friends to party with you. We decide to all walk to to the shore for some dinner. At the cathedral a very large group of Socialist have gathered. They want more labor rights. The unemployment rate in Spain is around 20% compared to about 10% for the US.

We end up finding our way to Pizza Del Born again after searching for La Champarepo. Great food again. As we're heading back down the street protesters have spray painted the walls. Sickles and hammers as well as crossed out Euro symbols line the streets in red ink. I've never been in the midst of a political protest before. It seemed well controlled when we walked by on our way to eat; though there are rumors that it could get violent. With the rampant graffiti I wouldn't be surprised.

At night we head to a club called Opium. Another club on thebeack. The doorman doesn't like my sweet Grade A rain pants. I get kicked out of the line we have been waiting almost 10 minutes in. It then ominously begins to rain on us. My pants are dry, +1 rain pants. We head to the backdoor of the club along the beach and sneak in under darkness and poor lighting. Rain pants are now ready to rage. After a couple of drinks we head outside and talk to Aimee and Naomi two girls from Barcelona. It's hilarious to see Kelli spastically trying to communicate in broken Spanish. The girls stay with us the rest of the night. We get our dance on 'til 5 am and head home.