Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain was very different from all of my other travels. The city seemed extremely busy, more modern, and has a wild nightlife compared to most places I have visited. Upon arrival, it was really cold in Prague but perfect weather in Barcelona with sunshine and heat. I could walk around during the day with just a t -shirt and maybe jacket for night, but not a lot of layers that are needed in Prague. I went to Spain not really knowing what I was getting myself into and not really expecting anything, which worked out for the better and worse. After constantly traveling, I have been drained and each trip seems to get more and more relaxing by not doing as many things, which could be good and bad at the same time. The first day was dedicated to adventuring throughout the city with no destination in mind but to wander. Our hostel was located directly in the center of the city, in this awesome courtyard that was walking distance to the beach. The hostel definitely set a good mood for the weekend and being one of my favorites that I have stayed at, being voted one of the best in Europe. The hostel provided breakfast and dinner, free walking tours, and free entrance to the hottest clubs in the city and we took advantage of all of those. The first day we found the famous market, St. Josep Boqueria that housed the best fruit smoothie drinks that we stocked up on a daily basis or even more than once a day. The market had delicious display of fruit, drinks, candy, chocolate, fresh fish, and fresh prepared food. Some of the fish were so fresh that they were still alive when placed on the ice and the legs were in motion! The next day we took a free guided tour of Gaundi’s work that included the famous Sagrada Familia and buildings throughout the city. I fell in love with some of Gaudi’s work and want a house that is designed similar to some of his works. His buildings vary so much in themes and looks but you somehow know it’s Gaudi’s work. Early that day we were told of the FC Barcelona game and managed to get tickets to one of the biggest games of the season. We didn’t have the best seats but that didn’t really matter because we were watching a FC Barca vs Vila Real game at Camp Nou. Once we got through the gates we were running like mad men that was fueled from excitement. Barca end up winning the game and it was time to celebrate by going to one of the most popular clubs in Barca. Now in Spain, everything is done later because they take time out of their day to relax and take the day slowly. Dinner is usually eaten later, maybe 8ish and then the game started at 10 pm and leaving for the club occurred at 2 am. Everything stays open late and opens late, which is very different than Prague. Park Guell was on the agenda for the next day and it was beautiful. Gaudi designed a park with Guell’s funding that was intended for people to buy plots, but failed and turned into a historical site. Gaudi’s work is seen throughout the huge park, with the famous lizard statue and gingerbread looking houses. Gaudi was a crazy man but he was way ahead of his time and is seen as a founder of modernism.
Besides sight seeing, a lot of yummy food was consumed that weekend such as paella and sangria. The local dish is paella that is served with tapas, but I was not a huge fan of the tapas. I ate lots of veggie paella that was peas, carrots, and sometimes mushrooms and peppers served on a layer of ‘Spanish rice.’ Tapas are usually served with it and they are basically appetizers, but I didn’t seem to like them much. To go along with the meal, we drank sangria that was served by the liter. It was delicious and served with lots of fresh fruit. For dessert, our options consisted of gelato or crepes that popped up all over the city, almost of every corner. It was a food filled weekend.
Spain was one of my favorite trips but I regret seeing more sights and making time to relax on the beach. I plan on visiting the country in the future and spending more time in each of the main cities, because 2 ½ days in Barcelona was not enough to get through the huge city.
Adios! Gotta say it with the Spanish lisp.

















Sagrada Familia which is now a basilica







Barcelona vs Vila Real




Park Guell






Sagrada Familia






Gingerbread house