Women’s basketball team soaks up sun in Spain

August 17, 2015 | Athletics, Events, News
By Brian DeBenedictis



The Toledo women’s basketball team soaked up some more rays on Sunday in Barcelona, Spain.

The Rockets went on a catamaran tour of the Barcelona Port for almost three hours yesterday morning during their only team activity of the day.

In the afternoon, the squad split up into groups; some went shopping, while others hung out at the pool. Others in the travel party went on a tour of the Temple of the Sagrada Familia. The 75-minute tour included an audio guide explaining the facades and interior of the basilica, as well as the museum and school buildings designed by world-renowned architect Antoni Gaudi.

Mikaela Boyd had the chance to steer the catamaran Sunday off the coast of Barcelona.

Mikaela Boyd had the chance to steer the catamaran Sunday in the Barcelona Port.

Toledo then wrapped up the day with a tasty dinner at the restaurant Happy Rock.

Below, sophomore Michaela Rasmussen recaps Sunday’s events and explains her gratitude to all the people who made this trip possible:

Today was a beautiful day in Barcelona. We began with a boat tour of Barcelona Port and could not have asked for better weather for the occasion. Most enjoyed snoozing on the nets just above the water and taking in the warm sun. A couple of stops were made for those who wished to do a little swimming. However, the first stop was cut short due to some jellyfish making an appearance (no worries; no one got stung). The catamaran was a relaxing way to begin our second day in Barcelona.

After returning to the hotel, free time was given to explore the city. Groups split up to do as they pleased. A few went shopping at the mall next to the hotel, and others explored new sights. I myself went to the Picasso Museum located near the Gothic District of Old Town. The first Sunday of every month, the museum is free the entire day. The remaining Sundays have free admission from 3 to 7 p.m. Luckily, we got the opportunity to view this spectacular museum free of charge. It has the largest collection of Picasso’s work. While many of the paintings were of his earlier work, it was very interesting to see his development as an artist and transition into the style of painting he is known for. On the way back to the Metro station, we enjoyed some amazing European ice cream.

A group that included the players then met up after exploring the city to eat dinner together, and we had some amazing dishes. We then had some more free time. I returned to Old Town with my mom, Ana Capotosto, Ana’s mom and her friend. We went to a restaurant and enjoyed some pinchos. A pincho is defined as a small snack typically eaten in bars that are traditional in northern Spain. All have a toothpick in the center, and one pays at the end according to how many toothpicks are on their plate. On the return to the hotel, we made another stop at a chocolate shop, where we enjoyed ice cream, traditional pastries and churros.

I personally want to thank everyone who made this trip possible. This is truly a trip to remember, and I have already made so many wonderful memories. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow will bring!”

Monday will be the Rockets’ last full day in Europe before heading home early on Tuesday.

Click to access the login or register cheese