Last day in Barcelona

Day 3: April 20
Last day in Barcelona before an 8:30am train departure to Seville tomorrow:
Breakfast at Urban Grill, discovering La Sagrada Familia, a trip through an enchanted bar, mojitos and foot massages on the beach, early dinner at El Mercat de la Boqueria, and sleeeeep!

Barcelona, mi amor

Day 2: April 19
Delicious breakfast at a place called Urban Grill fueled us for our walk around the city. We had omelets (which are called tortillas here) and an arugula salad, with natural juice. By natural, I mean I was drinking an apple.

We walked around La Rambla, the popular shopping street, and H&M managed to lure me in with their conscious collection on display. But, of course, I bought something from their basic section (a cute cotton dress in coral). It was only €9.95, so there was really no reason not to! Bella and I wandered through the maze of side streets, drank sangria and enjoyed the sunshine along the way, and ended up at El Mercat de la Boqueria. Beautiful fresh fish, fruits, juices, vegetables, and tapas restaurants led us down every aisle of the market.

After a long, but amazing day of walking around, we went back to the hostel for a nap, but didn't wake up until 9pm! Luckily for us, Spain is a lively country at night, and we were able to get an array of tapas at a local restaurant not too far from where we were staying. We shared fried artichokes, patatas bravas, croquettes, and mouthwatering salmon. After stuffing ourselves as much as possible, and finishing our glasses of wine, we headed to a club called Jamboree, where we danced until 3am. Our night was just as incredible as our day of exploring... I love Barcelona.

Hola Barcelona!

Day 1: April 18
I've been day dreaming about my trip to Spain all month... so excited to be meeting up with my friend, Bella from California to go on her dream vacation. I arrived at the Barcelona airport around 8:45pm, amazed at how quiet it was, and my ability to breeze through security. The calmness of the city continued as I reached the center of town after a short bus journey. I had no idea where my hostel was, but my friend arrived earlier in the day and sent me a message, saying it was just blocks away. After a couple of people unsuccessfully attempted to direct me, I met an old man, probably about 70 years old, who I could just barely communicate with. He was kind enough to walk me all the way to the door step of my hostel and even offered me a piece of chocolate. When I finally got up to the room, after a very friendly welcome from everyone I passed in the hostel, I was over the moon to see my friend who I hadn't seen in about four years. We hugged and cried, and she told me of her similar experience of an old man walking her to the hostel, and we laughed. It felt so great.

Bella and I headed downstairs in search of food and drink. We managed to find free paella in the kitchen, and get a nearly free pitcher and a half of sangria at the bar. The bartender also threw in shots at midnight before we waved goodbye, as it became the start of Bella's birthday. We were off to the W hotel, where we went high up to the bar for cocktails and a gorgeous view of Barcelona.

Outside W

View from the top, with interesting reflection from the bar's lighting

The beach below