Paella,Gaudi, Flamenco..oh my!

Bienvenido!

Where to go and what to do in Barcelona. It is very large city with plenty to see and do. For a first time visit, I stuck to the places I had heard much about.

My hotel was located diagonal from La Rambla which is a main street in Barcelona. On one end of the street there is a city center which is where I picked up the hop on hop off bus. For some this is a great way to learn about the different sections of Barcelona which you might not otherwise get to and you can get off any where you want to explore and hop back on the bus when you're done. It is also air conditioned which is a bonus! 

Take in the colors and smells in St.Josep's Boqueria where you can get fresh fruit and vegetables along with meats. There was no shortage of yummy food there. When you meander you way down the street there will be plenty of souvenir shops if that is what you are into or small kiosks selling more local wares. Street performers there are a plenty along with outdoor cafes! Don't leave Spain without eating and drinking in one of the plenty cafes. 

La Sagrada Familia

St.Josep's Boqueria

My friends and I made sure to try every paella and sangria that we could find and it never disappointed! Just thinking about it makes me long for some paella with its saffron rice and steaming vegetables.

If you are into architecture there is much to see with Gaudi's different structures. Gaudi was a well known Catalan architect. Along with interesting architecture is the Sagrada Familia which seems like it will never be finished.

Be sure to check out the traditional Flamenco dancers. At the hotel I was staying at there was a special we were able to get and it was definitely a treat to see and not something I have ever seen in the states. 

                                                                              

I am always a sucker for being by the water so continue your walk down La Rambla and there are signs leading you down to different ports. Follow where ever your heart desires and you will be more food and craft stands along with beaches, and out doors bars. 

If you want to try a different type of bar go to ICE bar. It isn't a place to have a leisurely drink but more of an experience. You are bundled up in huge parka's and served at a legit ice bar. Go see it for yourself!

I hope you have as much fun in Barcelona as I did.

~Happy Travels! 

Barcelona

Welcome to Barcelona!

Sweating in the sweet summer sun that was Barcelona. We stepped off the plane and there we were in a whole new country. My first time completely over the Atlantic. I loved reading the spanish signs trying to see if my seven years of spanish did me any good, and I actually was pleasantly surprised to have remembered quite a few things. But so many things were new to me...

• Everything and I mean everything is pretty much closed on Sundays and holidays (we were lucky enough to be there on both a Sunday and a holiday.
• The euro has a lot of coins for whole dollars
• Barcelona had quite an array of different nationalities in their city (which was great!)
• Everyone is up late (I knew this but was strike by how many people were out in cafe's at 10pm on weeknight)

Our hotel was right next to Las Ramblas as seen in the picture above. I loved throwing open the shutters to see the people walking down below. Maybe it is because it seems in America the hotel windows never seem to be allowed to be open especially in the city. Maybe jet lag won't affect you but I was certainly feeling it. Many of my friends and I had a tough first afternoon after being up for almost 24 hours.