“This place has everything….”
Beaches, Gaudi’s historical/artsy buildings, the best sandwiches I’ve ever had and Shoko.

Tapas are my new love. I’m already on the hunt for a great Tapas place in New York for when I return because I have no idea how I lived my whole life without them and now that I know about them, I’m never letting go.

Anyway, Barcelona began at 5 AM. We got on a flight and made it in about two hours. Once we landed, I could already feel the amazing Barcelona sun. It was a good 15 degrees warmer in Barcelona than Paris and after the freezing cold week we had gone through, it was much needed. Upon arriving, we checked into our hostel. It was called Equity Point Gothic… Gothic is probably the best description I could give it. We’re talking bunk beds and a single sheet. (We had to pay for a blanket.) I have pictures of it. My bed was literally 12 feet of the ground. Not a fun climb to make drunk.. or sober even. Anyway, on the first day, we discovered the Mercat de la Boqueria, which was without a doubt my favorite place in the entire city. It had everything. Candy, fruits, chocolate, meat, cheeses… I don’t even know. But our favorite part was this fresh squeezed fruit juice, each 1 euro. An AMAZING deal. Fruit in Barcelona is unreal and after filling up on cheese, bread and nutella for a month and a half I was so ready for it.

After that we went down to the harbor/beach. It was amazing. It felt just like the beaches in California. It was so beautiful. I literally thought I was in Newport. Then we headed back for some much needed rest. Then we went out to see the Sagrada Familia, a cathedral by Gaudi. At first we were sad because it looked like it was under construction and then we found out it’s been under construction for hundreds of years. Gaudi never finished it and then when he died they stopped construction in his honor and then continued building it very recently. For dinner I had my very first taste of Tapas and Paella! This amazing dish called Patatas Bravas changed my life. It’s basically potatoes covered in some spicy and flavorful sauce. 

The next day, we did some major Gaudi sightseeing. We saw Parc Guell, which is the famous building with the mosaic tile benches and the dragon/lizard statue (not sure). It was quite a hike but so worth it. The view was insane. After that we paid another visit to the fruit market to get some more juice. 

For dinner we had some amazing sandwiches at this place called Bo de B. We got there and stood in line when we realized everyone there was American… apparently it’s the place recommended by every American student. The wait was about an hour but it was SO WORTH IT and I got my guacamole fix. 

At night we went out to Shoko, a club right on the beach. We were told to go straight to the bouncer and say we’re on “Lessie’s” list.. I have no idea who Lessie is. We get to the front and get in right away, without paying cover. The people you randomly meet abroad are so nice! Shoko was INSANE. Barcelonians know how to party…

The next and last day, we visited a park very close to our hostel that had another architectural marvel by Gaudi: a huge and beautiful fountain. I think it was my favorite spot. It was a very relaxing last day. Absolutely perfect.

I loved Barcelona. It was far better than Venice and the people were kind, the food was amazing and the city itself is just gorgeous. I could definitely live there and I am finding every excuse to go back. 

Three things I will take away from this trip:
My not-so-authentic Barca football jersey, Tapas are my new favorite food and the fact that Gaudi is one messed up dude.

I miss the juice!