Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona. Capital city of the autonomous community; Catalonia. Second largest city in Spain.

Contrary to the constant travel advise we received about Spain, in particular Barcelona, we never experienced anything sketchy. ‘Watch your bags, watch your surroundings’ Yes these things can happen in any country but we had to be extra careful in Spain especially on public transport, mainly due to Gypsies. Much like the warnings we received before we visited Paris, and once again to no prevail. Maybe we were lucky. With all of these travel warnings it actually made me believe that Spain would be a dodgy place full of dodgy people in dodgy streets. Spain is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever visited. I always travel with my belongings with caution, ensuring zips are closed and close to by body. Thankfully we didn’t have to experience the negatives of travelling abroad….

Arriving into Barcelona by midday, we caught a bus from the airport to the city centre. Navigating with maps, we searched on feet for our hostel which was located one street off the famous shopping strip La Ramblas.

We made our way to La Sagrada Familia, passing Casa Batlló and Casa Milà along the way. Unfortunately we could only view La Sagrada Familia from the outside as the line to get in was wrapping around the church, twice I’m sure! Hopefully one day we can return to marvel at the inside and I hope it’s just as amazing as the outside.

We took a bus and walked the many steps up to Park Güell. Free entry took us into the park with views over the city stretching out to the beaches designed by Gaudi himself. We spent most of our day walking around staring at the amazing architecture. It was kind of entertaining watching the illegal street sellers running while hiding their souvenirs and fake jewellery as the police came around. The beach looked all too tempting so we spent the afternoon baking in the sun.

We walked around La Boqueria markets, gobsmacked at the mountains of fresh fruit and vegetable produce at the cheapest of prices including fresh fruit smoothies for €1. There are amazing restaurants all throughout Barcelona. We ate many Paellas made with seafood and drank plenty more Sangria’s – seems so simple but so delicious!