Excursion to Barcelona

On a recent visit to see my daughter stationed at an Air Force base in England, we took a quick 3-day excursion to Barcelona. The base is an area that is on the quiet side and there is plenty of English Countryside to take in, but I knew she needed something a little more lively for a few days to help take her mind off leaving the comfort and familiarity of the US for the next few years. After doing some research, I discovered Barcelona might be the perfect place with sunny weather and an upbeat atmosphere. Turns out, I was right. We were only able to get away for three days, so It was a short stay and it certainly left me wanting more.

We found cheap flights out of London that were about $70 US, round trip. I couldn’t believe the prices were so low considering the distance and that these were two different countries. I mean, at that price, how could you not go for a weekend? You rarely see those kinds of prices for a flight here in the states, and if you did, it’s probably a very short flight from smaller airports and completely no frills and no bags. On this flight we were allowed one carry on each.

We left cloudy old England and headed for the bright and sunny March weather of Barcelona. As our plane circled around the coastline to get ready for landing, I looked down at the beautiful blue waters of the Mediterranean, I could sense we both beginning to perk up. Our mood lifted even more as soon as we left the airport and felt the warmth of the sun as we grabbed a ride to our Airbnb.

I always prefer to stay in an Airbnb whenever possible, especially in Europe, where the hotel rooms are generally much smaller, and amenities are limited. This particular apartment was located in the Gracia Neighborhood and was only $100 per night for a 2 BR with full kitchen, Wi-Fi, cable, and washer and dryer. We were close enough to public transportation so that we always had an option to either walk or jump on the train depending on our mood. Most of the time, our choice was to walk. I love walking new places. Always gives me the best feel for the community and culture. Of course, use common sense and do some homework in advance about the neighborhoods you will be passing through.

Our Host met us at the apartment, was very gracious and helpful as we settled in. We were both anxious to get out and about. As always, I scheduled us for a free walking tour of the city. Walking tours that are free, generally go past the top sites of a city and more importantly help me get my bearings and determine which sites I may want to spend more time at and which ones I may ultimately skip. It’s also a great way to get some tips from a local guide and a great way to make some new friends. Honestly, if you don’t take a walking tour when you are visiting someplace for the first time, I truly believe you are missing out!

Barcelona is older than you may think and was settled in Neolithic times. The Romans founded the city sometime just over 2000 years ago. Control of Barcelona over many centuries passed through the Goths, the Moors, the Francs, and then finally in modern times has joined with most of the other regions of the Iberian Peninsula to form Spain as we know it today.

We learned on our trip that the inhabitants of Barcelona are very proud of their Catalonian heritage and prefer to speak Catalan. Catalan is a language of its own, that sounds almost like a combination of Spanish and French. There are some similarities, and it is a pleasing to listen to as people speak it. I would advise learning a few phrases before you go, but just about everyone there understands English or Spanish.

HIGHLIGHTS

Barcelona is well known for the work or Antoni Gaudi. A modernist architect that had a very distinct style. He played with geometric shapes that worked well with nature but brought in an element of whimsy (in my opinion) that I find very hard to compare. The most well-known, is the Sagrada Familia. A cathedral that was begin in 1882, ad to this day, is still not complete. You need to purchase tickets in advance to skip lines, and I would recommend looking for it as part of our tour package. We did a combined bike ride and visit to the Sagrada Familia, and although I liked that. If I go again. I would leave more time to stay at the Cathedral. It is a stunning building and the thought that must have gone it to its design is so far over my head, I could sit back and enjoy it’s beauty. From the stained-glass windows that play with the sunlight as it moves east to west, to the soaring columns and spires that remind you of giant trees and branches, it is amazing. The colors that you experience in person are tough to capture with photos, and there are many hidden stories inside and outside the Cathedral. The carvings and statues on the facades at each entrance tell the stories of the Bible and It is simply quite unique. It slated to be completed by 2026, which will be the 100^th anniversary of Gaudi’s death…

There are many other Gaudi projects and buildings throughout the city. We also walked through Park Guell, a beautifully designed park by Gaudi open to the public. There are also several famous buildings throughout the city that you can visit and appreciate his work. La Pedrera and Casa Battlo are among the most popular.

We spent time walking through the Gothic Quarter where many of the buildings date back to Roman and medieval times. On our bike tour, it took us along the city streets, the Sagrada Familia and then the beach. We found out some very interesting facts along the way. They no longer have bullfights in this region, but we stopped at one of the more famous Arenas from years ago, and we also found out that all the sand at their beautiful beaches were imported from the Sahara, yes, that is correct. Who would’ve ever thought that? The beaches, which are world famous, weren’t developed until 1992 in preparation for the Olympic games.

Food

Tapas, Tapas and more Tapas. Small plates are the way to go here and having several small meals a day with some local wine or homemade vermouth fits the relaxed lifestyle that the locals enjoy. There are so many options that can fit whatever your budget is. The best dish I had there was Carrilladas, a braised pork cheek that was tender and flavorful, it left me wanting more. Pa amb Tomàquet is toasted bread with fresh crushed tomato that accompanies almost every meal. And any dish with seafood that we had was always a treat. No matter what your preference, I am sure you will be happy with your choices. Wines from the region are excellent and you should also try a glass of homemade vermouth. The pubs that make their own will usually have a small barrel near the entrance way. I know we think of it as an ingredient for a martini, but it’s a great summer drink with an olive and an orange slice on the rim.

Three days was not enough in Barcelona. I’ll be back, and probably plan a trip when the beach weather is perfect for swimming. I may also consider making it part of a longer trip where I can explore more of the regions of Spain as everyone tells me each is unique in’ its own way. If you have ever been to Spain, please feel free to share you experience or any tips you may have.