Gaudi in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city filled with beautiful architecture everywhere you look- from gothic style doors to intricate balconies on residential apartments. Barcelona is most well known for its architecture across the city by Atoni Gaudi. Those familiar with Spanish history know that Barcelona is the Catalan region of Spain- an area that believes strongly in its own culture. Gaudi is credited with being the leader in Catalan Modernism. 

His buildings are very distinguishable as he has created his own unique look. They are characterized by stained glass, ceramics, and wrought iron forgings. His most celebrated works in Barcelona include the Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, Park Guell, and by far the most renowned: Sagrada Familia. The buildings are very interesting, and I found myself looking at them for quite a long time, noticing new details as time passed. My personal favorite was the Casa Batllo on the famous Passeig de Gracia. 

The lines to enter were very long for each of his famous works, so I did not get to enter. However, on my next trip back to Barcelona, I would definitely enter the Sagrada Familia. It is still under construction, so new progress is made by the day. 

Tapas in Barcelona

Tapas, small appetizers and snacks, is very popular and renowned in Spanish cuisine. Thus, my trip to Barcelona would not have been complete without authentic, Spanish tapas. As you can imagine, the array of tapas restaurants from which to choose is quite overwhelming. Without a guidebook, we just picked one that looked nice from the outside.

We settled upon Taller de Tapas in the Gothic District. Situated on a pretty quite, narrow street, the location was perfect for people watching and enjoying the nice weather. The menu had over 4 pages of just tapas....the choices were endless. It's perfect for sharing, so a friend and I order a variety and just split everything. A bottle of cava went perfect with the meal as well. 

What I loved most about the Spanish culture is their relaxed pace of life. We could have stayed for an hour to eat or 4 hours- the waiters do not care! Needless to say, we sat for a few hours enjoying the cava, setting, and great food. When in Spain, try tapas!

Discover Barcelona

With all the travel I have done in Europe, prior to my most recent trip I had never visited Spain. Spain is one of the most popular countries to visit, second to France. I recently traveled to Spain, specifically Barcelona for a taste of the Mediterranean. 

I left the dreary New York weather behind for mostly sunny skies and 60 degree temperatures. I could definitely get used to the Mediterranean climate! Barcelona is hands down a beautiful city. It actually reminded me a lot of Los Angeles; there are beaches, hills with winding roads and large homes, a city center, and a touch of smog.

The architecture, in my opinion, was a main focal point of the city. Gothic churches fill the old section of the city, and Gaudi buildings, such as the famed Sagrada Famillia, are spread across the entire city. I can definitely see why many people fall in love with this city. Getting lost in the narrow, winding streets of the Gothic District is fun rather than stressful and worrisome. 

The Spanish lifestyle is as you may have heard, slow and relaxing. Friends and I would enjoy tapas and a bottle of Cava in the afternoon for hours, with no rush by the waitstaff. I got to explore some local, trendy hotspots thanks to a friend that was living there and in town at the same time!  I dont want to bombard you with photos, so perhaps I will make a little Barcelona series.

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