3-20-93

What is it about me that attracts lecherous old men? Do I give off some aura of being incredibly loose? is it in my smile? I’m now on the train headed for Paris. Three, yes three, porters, no actually, one if a passport agent (I think) have decided to make moves on me – all at once.

I was in trouble because I didn’t fill out my Eurail pass correctly, and they were going to fine me $100. However, one of the porters came up with the brilliant idea that instead of the fine I had to let them buy me a beer – I was more than happy to oblige them. I was waiting for them here in my compartment, when they all showed-up bearing two beers apiece. So as not to offend them, I drank my three beers and am now feel very drowsy. One of them, I think his name is Alex, told me to go to sleep and he would awaken me at 7:30 with a kiss! Oh well, at least he’s the youngest and the best looking of the bunch.

My last day in Barcelona – I woke-up around 7:00, after numerous nightmares about loosing my luggage, passport, tickets, missing my flight, etc.

Maria took Maiol y I to a Spanish flea-market – just like the ones I went to when I was little, with Dad. There she bought me my very own all y oli pot! When we got home, I made all y oli – with Maria’s coaching. It turned out perfect, if I do say so myself. Notes on all y oli making: add oil very slowly – one or two teaspoons at a time. Always mix in the same direction, using fairly rapid strokes.

After lunch, I finished my pacing – God, my bags are heavy! Then Albert, Maria, Maiol, y I went to TiBiDaBo – a mountain overlooking all of Barcelona – at the top of the mountain is a beautiful Gothic Church, surrounded on three-sides by an amusement park – many of the rides swung out over the city – no thank you!

Then we came back down the mountain and went to the Barcelona-Sants train station about 7:30. I got in line to make my reservation for a sleeping berth, only to discover that this train had only beds and the reservation was 9000 pesetas ($90 American). Thank god Albert had his back card with him! I got back in line and made my reservation, only to them find out that the train was leaving from a different station – SHIT! Maria had gone to buy a present for her brother (one of the porters, the oldest one, just brought me an apple – then kissed me on the cheek and wished me "superb dreams")! Back to the train station – we finally found Maria , at 8:20 – I had to catch my train at 9:00! We tore out of there and rushed to the other station, arriving with only 7 minutes to spare! Albert has to be one of the craziest, best drivers that I’ve ever ridden with – I felt totally secure as we wove our way in and out of traffic, running yellow light, and screaching to a halt for the red ones. Anyway, I got to the train and said my good-byes, and am just now leaving I felt totally secure. This train is very posh – wash-cloths and soap, individual bottle of water – friendly, perhaps too friendly porters – my type of life. To say nothing of the fact that I don’t have to change trains until I get to Paris – Perfect!

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