Fiesta-time in Barcelona!

Hi folks!

Firstly, I would like to introduce myself: I am Genta and last year I took a Spanish course in Barcelona. I love this wonderful city! It has everything! The sun, the beach, the narrow and romantic streets, the bars and clubs, good food, festivals, the best football… You never get bored!

I was lucky enough to be there during September and La Mercè. This is a local holiday throughout Catalonia and Barcelona celebrates every year with the festival of festivals, ‘La fiesta Mayor’!

Last year, Barcelona celebrated its patron saint, the Virgin of La Mercè (the Virgin Mary) with live concerts, traditional music, dance, theatre, cinemas, street shows, circus and all kinds of different sports. I really enjoyed seeing the traditional Catalan dances, particularly the Gironese Sardana, and the castellers (human castles) were amazing!

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Lederhosen and dirndl – Oktoberfest I am coming!

Last year I did a German language course in Munich – it was really amazing! In my second week on the course, me and a few people I met whilst sightseeing went to the Theresienwiese, to see the tapping of the first barrel at Oktoberfest. It was unbelievable, with so many crazy people from all over the world. Over 6 million people, dancing, laughing, eating and DRINKING! I love the German beer and it’s so huge. They serve it in a jar (“Maß”), 1 litre per person.

Amongst the many attractions, the beer is probably the most important thing. The food is also great though. I ate different Oxen specialties, real German Bratwurst with “Kartoffelsalat” (potato salad), massive Bavarian Pretzels and the Oktoberfest special of “Händl” (grilled chicken).

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