Life seems but a quick succession of busy nothings. - Jane Austen.

Wow, it has been a hideously long time since I posted anything at all, much less anything worthwhile or interesting.  I would apologise but I fear that an apology would give unnecessary importance to my ramblings and their place in the blogosphere.  And anyway, such an extended absence does not come without good reason - the past few weeks have passed in an mad whirlwind of activity, excitement and general insanity; I suppose that's what you get for complaining about January-induced boredom?!

Three countries, five cities, several flights and a whole handful of road-trips: I partied far too hard and have the (physical and mental) scars to prove it, all the while trying to plan, co-ordinate and pack for yet another move abroad.  It's only now that I'm sat in my new bedroom, in this city that I will call home for the next few months, that I finally have time to stop, catch my breath and consider what my next move may be - my first night in Barcelona, what to do with it?  Part of me wants to do something crazy - go on an exciting adventure, drink and dance the night away and meet wonderful new people - but after a day like today (and the frantic few weeks I've just had) I mostly just want to drink lots of tea, unpack my suitcase, and crawl into bed for some much needed rest before things really kick off here and I end up sleep-deprived all over again!

I have been here less than six hours so far, but I'm already falling in love with the place and have no doubt that the next five months here will be utterly amazing - I just cannot wait to get started!  I'm off exploring tomorrow with Viv, a friend from Canterbury, and will undoubtedly return with stories and exciting new photographs to share, but in the meantime, I leave you with some from the last time I was in Barcelona and the promise to be a better blogger in future, regardless of the exciting and dramatic events that may well fill the coming weeks.