March 2013 (I returned a few months later)
Barcelona is arguably hands down the most beautiful city I’ve come across in Europe. Riddled across the entire city is the work of Antoni Gaudi. I flew out to visit my Catalonian friend that I met in Berlin. She took me all over her breath-taking city on her scooter. I would say that it was one of the most convenient and best ways to travel. From the Sagrada Familia to Park Güell to the promenade, seemingly unusual but brilliant art is everywhere. I really felt like I had a sense of Gaudi and who he was as I walked through the city and see his life’s work. The food is beyond amazing, and the people laid back. If I had a chance to live in a city, it would definitely be Barcelona. I loved spending time and just watching people skate and walk around La Rambla (shopping street and the promenade). Being that this was 6 years ago, I’m having trouble finding photographs of the paella and churros I had, but I’ve been dreaming about the paella since then.
Must-haves: Mojito gelato, seafood paella, and churros con chocolate
Flying by RyanAir from Berlin
Riding in the back of the scooter
The beautiful Ingrid!
Park Güell
Beautiful mosaic pieces put together to decorate this bench
Ingrid and I
Sagrada Familia – This is the most beautiful piece of unfinished work I’ve ever seen in my life. I could stare at this cathedral all day. It looks so odd, and yet so fascinating.
Casa Milà
Casa Batlló
Even the floor is beautiful
Paella and tapas
Statue of Christopher Columbus
Barcelona’s old Customs building at Port Vell in the background
Port Vell
W Barcelona (hotel)
Catalonians have dinner around 10-11pm. For me, it was quite late, since I am so used to having dinner around 6pm. It seems like much of Europe is used to a 2 hour lunch break, and having heavy and “warm” lunches, and having a “cold” and light dinner.
One single calamari in this
Mojito gelato. I can probably eat a whole gallon of this. This is so refreshing and delicious.
Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya (palace)
Inside the Santa Maria del Mar church
Poor image overlooking the streets of Barcelona. It’s so neat, with the Sagrada Familia at the center of the image.
