I Got an Apartment!

Yay! Today I locked in on the perfect apartment and I will for sure be living there for the next 9 months! It is two blocks from the University, on a street called Carrer de Disputacio. The neighborhood is busy and exciting and packed full of really cute bakeries, tapas bars, outdoor cafes, and markets. My roommate's names are Aranxta and Teresa. They are both mid-to-late 20's and work around Barcelona. I think Arantxa is from a town close to Portugal, and Teresa is from Valencia. They are both a lot of fun and really goofy, but super clean, organized and have a really cute apartment. Today I went to another really nice apartment on the other side of town on Carrer de Tarragona, and checked out an awesome apartment. The lady was early 40's and from Portugal. Also living there was her boyfriend, and a male French exchange student my age who wasn't there when I visited. At first glance I thought it was perfect. The room looked like a showroom from IKEA's, and it was on the 12th floor, with a balcony and the view from my room window was better than the views from Montjiuc (from earlier pictures). But, she was very business-like and told me that I had to pay her in cash within the next hour if I wanted the room. Also, her boyfriend didn't smile once, and although the apartment was adorable, I didn't really feel comfortable there, and it didn't feel like a home. It reminded me of one of those perfectly decorated showroom beds at Macy's, that look so welcoming and comfortable, but when you go to lay down it is actually a hard piece of wood that is just dressed up.
Well, I came home because I had forgotten my wallet, and was impulsively ready to pay the lady. When I got back though I called my Dad to ask for advice, and it made me realize I should stick with my gut feeling, and go to where I would really feel welcome, and where it feels like a real, homey, environment, not just a well-decorated room. So, I went back to the place today to see Aranxta and meet Teresa. This is there apartment that I described as "bohemian-like". We sat around the table and joked and learned about one another for a while, and then showed me around again, before deciding, YES! This is where I for sure want to be! So it is settled and I am really excited. It is close walking distance to both UB campuses that I will be attending, and with everything within a 5 block radius that I could possibly need all year! There are lots of nice hotels and restaurants around the block, but cute mom and pop stores too. It will be great for when Em and Victor visit, and again when Mom and Dad come, because there are so many great places to stay within a 5 minute walk. Also, when friends come to stay, they have a place to stay with me, and it won't be any problem at all! Well, between ILP classes, getting ready for the actual semester to start, and still learning about the city, it is nice to have my apartment organized and at a place that I will really look forward to. I miss you and love you all!!!