A Quick Stop in Barcelona, Spain

After Menorca, I was ready to head towards Eastern Europe, but with most of the flights going through Barcelona I decided I should stop for a few days and see what it was all about. I have to say, it was not my favorite city, but when I arrived I was also feeling a bit run down and not quite myself. I ended up with a room with no windows, wanting to keep my costs down, but still be in the center. The room was very small and was painted light and dark blue, resembling a Smurf home. I almost got stuck in the doorway with my backpack, but at least my yoga mat kind of fit…Haha.

I began my walk from my hotel in the gothic quarter. The architecture is beautiful! In the center below is the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and St. Eulalia, also know as the Cathedral of Barcelona, which was built between the 13th – 15th centuries with a very non-descript façade. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that the neo-Gothic façade was constructed over the original façade.

The next morning I signed up for a walking tour of the Gaudi/Modernist area. I set out a bit early to get a first look at some of the buildings before the masses of people flooded the area. I’m sorry my pics are a bit of a let down, everything was so big and overwhelming!

The tour guide was very knowledgeable, and I also met really great guy, Anthony, from Auckland, New Zealand. We had a good connection and decided to take the guide’s recommendation and walk to a local restaurant after the tour to try the special of the day. It was funny, our special came with a free wine or coffee, but we had already ordered beer, so the waiter said we could have the drink afterwards. Anthony ordered a coffee and I got the wine, not realizing how much I would get. The waiter then said I was supposed to drink it from the funny carafe instead of my glass….I gave it a try!

The next day I wanted to go inside at least one of the Gaudi buildings and since La Sagrada Familia was sold out, I opted for Casa Batlló which was highly recommended by our guide. I was interested in seeing it for its nautical theme and wooden banisters, etc., carved to fit your hands perfectly. A true work of art!

After Casa Batlló I had a bit of time and decided to check out Plaça de la Universitat, where Marga went to school. This was definitely one of my highlights as it is a beautiful building with great courtyards and a huge garden for relaxing! I couldn’t help but imagine her studying on one of the benches listening to the birds singing in the background. It is a real oasis in this busy city!

Next, after a quick snack, I headed on a long walk across town to visit Park Guell, built for Eusebi Guell between 1900 – 1914. Gaudi was chosen to design and direct the construction of the park, originally planned as a private community for 60 special single-family residences. Unfortunately, the plan failed, but now it’s a public park that showcases some of Gaudi’s most fun and playful work.

And here are just a few fun pics around town from my walks…the more real Barcelona.

For the last night, Anthony and I met for a really spectacular paella dinner on the beach at another restaurant recommended by our guide. It was a beautiful way to end my time in Barcelona and gear up for the next adventures as I headed east!

Cheers, love and hugs until next time! Michelle