Arriving in Barcelona was like arriving in absolute paradise. After weeks of rain in London and then Paris, the warm and sunny weather of Spain was blissful. In typical fashion of those of us in our early 20's, Bay and I had neglected to make really firm plans for my arrival. This led to me stumbling around Barcelona trying to find her (locked) flat while she was in class 30 minutes away. Miraculously I somehow broke into her building and found my way to her flat. One of her roommates' friends was leaving as I was coming in and I think I scarred her for life. She thought I was an absolute lunatic as I burst through the doorway after climbing 5 flights of steps. Bay's flat was absolutely stunning. Old, huge, beautiful, views of La Sagrada Familia. I was rather jealous.
Bay's amazing room in her flat on Carrer de Mallorca
After the minor setback of finding the flat (including the surprisingly easy crash review of my Spanish skills), I hit the streets. I walked down the famous, or to locals infamous, La Rambla - a street of vendors, street performers, shops, and other touristy fun. It was here that I found a huge market with some of the most beautiful food I've ever seen.
I then spent hours wandering around the Ciutat Vella, or Old City. The incredible gothic architecture and small alleyways were so European it was almost hard to believe. From the smell of paella to the laundry hanging on lines above my head, it was a very typically Spanish experience. I could have gotten lost in those streets for days, but I finally made my way back towards Bay's flat and found myself at La Sagrada Familia, the pinnacle of Antoni Gaudi's remarkable feats of architecture that dot Barcelona's streets. I was in awe of how massive this unfinished structure is and sat at its base for a very long time just marveling at the size and complexity of it. Finally, I met up with Bay and we enjoyed a night of tapas, drinks, and hanging out with all of her friends in Barcelona.
I then walked down the other side of the park to the plaza designed by none other than Gaudi himself. It was like nothing I have ever seen, almost like a fairy tale, but at the same time slightly dark - he was a brilliant architect. I spent a lot of time looking around, but after a while grew tired of wading through tourists and headed back down the mountain. Barcelona actually reminded me a lot of a Mediterranean version of Cape Town. It had a lot of the same elements as beautiful Cape Town, just with a Spanish flare.
I then spent hours wandering around the Ciutat Vella, or Old City. The incredible gothic architecture and small alleyways were so European it was almost hard to believe. From the smell of paella to the laundry hanging on lines above my head, it was a very typically Spanish experience. I could have gotten lost in those streets for days, but I finally made my way back towards Bay's flat and found myself at La Sagrada Familia, the pinnacle of Antoni Gaudi's remarkable feats of architecture that dot Barcelona's streets. I was in awe of how massive this unfinished structure is and sat at its base for a very long time just marveling at the size and complexity of it. Finally, I met up with Bay and we enjoyed a night of tapas, drinks, and hanging out with all of her friends in Barcelona.
Tuesday I slept far too late, but I finally dragged myself out of bed and took the Metro to the base of the Park Güell where I walked what seemed like a 90 degree slope to the top of the mountain. It was absolutely worth it. The park lends itself to breathtaking views of the entire city of Barcelona, from mountains to metropolis to ocean. It was beautiful.
I then walked down the other side of the park to the plaza designed by none other than Gaudi himself. It was like nothing I have ever seen, almost like a fairy tale, but at the same time slightly dark - he was a brilliant architect. I spent a lot of time looking around, but after a while grew tired of wading through tourists and headed back down the mountain. Barcelona actually reminded me a lot of a Mediterranean version of Cape Town. It had a lot of the same elements as beautiful Cape Town, just with a Spanish flare. 
I finally found my way to the pier and the expansive beaches, and then met Bay back at her place. We walked down the street to a food market where she very aptly ordered our dinners and spoke to everyone in fluent Spanish. The next morning I woke at the crack of dawn and somehow made it to the airport. It was so so wonderful catching up with Babs, and Barcelona was a sunny, beautiful paradise. Off to Rome!
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