I wrote every day between the ages of 12 and 20. I stopped because I went to Barcelona, where life was too exciting to write. – Colm Tóibín
Arrival
Our trip is best described based on the quote above because it is indeed true! Our time in Barcelona, Spain was nothing short of adventurous and it all started the moment we landed in Barcelona. Because it was that day in on Monday, October 14th, that history was happening in Spain. The day we landed was the day that Catalonia’s were in a crisis. And so, thousands of protestors gathered at the Barcelona Airport to speak about their freedoms and exercise their rights. At times, things got out of control and riots started. We (myself, my husband, and his mom) were stuck at the airport. There was no way out, all metros and taxies were closed because the highways were shut down, and even most airlines were canceling incoming flights.
It was maybe an hour or two later, that we were able to cross over into the terminal, and walk the 5 lane highway a mile and some change just so we can get to a spot where we were able to get a cab. The timeline was based on us arriving in Barcelona at 4:30 and us not getting to our hotels until 8 pm? It was quite an adventure, and of course, Steven got out the big zoom lens and was able to capture some action! Once we got outside though, we did have to put it away, for it was starting to rain really hard. Imagine walking next to a highway, in the rain, with our suitcases, a good mile… what a great day to start (no but really, it was kind of interesting).
Once we arrived to our hotel, we met up with the others (Steph, Amanda, and Tim at a restaurant called Mr. Robinson’s (not too far from the harbor of Barcelona) that had truly amazing Nachos and Parmesan cheese fries. 10/10 would recommend to eat there if you ever go to Barcelona.
Barcelona, Spain
Even with what has been going on, the city is still full of happy tourists, warming smiles from the locals, and truly amazing food. I loved getting to try croissants, fresh tea, pizza, Piaya, and other local favorite dishes. There was no guilt in eating all the delicious food because we walked on average about 9 miles a day.
Steven had visited before, but he was excited to go back to the city and use my camera to take professional photos of the architects, cathedrals, and other cityscape views. I was excited to have a break from holding the camera and just enjoy the view (both the city and my husband having a good time were the best views I could ask for). Together, with his family, we explored Barcelona and all it had to offer: Markets, shops, gothic district, La Sagrada Familia, and Park Guell. Here are just some of the photos taken by Steven, and edited by me!
Park Guell
The La Sagrada Familia is probably the most memorable out of Barcelona. I was in “Awh” of one of the most beautiful temples I have ever seen. I had to just take a few moments to make sure I was breathing, because the colors, the walls (both updated and old) were truly extraordinary. To be honest, I wasn’t really even listening on the guide. I had known about this before, studied up on it, and even though I had the headphones on, I really wasn’t listening. Truly beautiful. See for yourself.
La Sagrada Familia
Barcelona, Spain
Now, traditionally, every tourist must go see Font Magica, where for a few blocks leading up to this fountain, you will see vendors on the street, beautiful buildings, and will get to explore the downtown experience with locals and tourists from all over the world. At night, starting at around 9 pm (depending on when you go), for 10 minutes, the fountain is in action and goes with the music that you hear. It’s beautiful, colorful, and worth the adventure over!
Favorite Moments
Barcelona is one that I will never forget. I loved the experience, the culture, the food, and the people. Getting to spend time with my husband in a city we both were excited to see, spending it with his family, and being able to relax and enjoy each other’s company was truly something we both needed (and wanted). Below, you will see links to things we recommend you see/do/eat at! Thanks for reading!
1/ Hotel we stayed at: Santa Marta. Next to metro, close to restaurants, and just a few blocks away from the zoo, and port Barcelona.
2/ Park Guell. Full of beautiful flowers, art, architecture, and gardens! A few hours to do, and be sure to get your tickets in advance!
3/ La Sagrada Familia. A temple so beautiful, words cannot describe it. Just go and see for yourself!
4/ Mr. Robinson’s Restaurant. Tapas and drinks. So. Dang. Good. Seriously, try those nachos and cheese fries. If you go for brunch, get the French Toast 🙂 Address: Pla de Palau, 16, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
5/ Restaurante Farga on Diagonal. Probably the most expensive meal we’ve had but, so delicious, fresh, and a great vibe! This is where you have to eat the sweat ham, and try the chicken and rice! Avinguda Diagonal, 391 Avinguda Diagonal, 391, 08008 Barcelona, Spain
Lastly (but not least), to read more about the information on the protests and why it was happening, here is a helpful page! https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29478415
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