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¡BarTHelona(ugh the lisp), es muy divertido!

"I fell in love like you fall asleep- slowly, and than all at once"- John Green

I'm pretty convinced John Green had it right when he wrote this line in The Fault in our Stars, "what a slut time is, she screws everyone". I had never really thought of it like that, but I find it hard not to apply it to my life right now. In the blink of an eye, it seems I'm saying both hola and adiós to Barcelona. 

Oh but what an adventure it has been. In just three days we were able to explore most of this incredible city- of course, I have to thank my beautiful friends, Mary Kate, Dana, Cait, and Bridget, for being our personal guides, 100% wouldn't have been able to navigate without you guys. 

We arrived pretty late on Monday evening, probably still a little drunk from our Budapest escapades. We checked into our hostel, a great location with free paella upon arrival. I can't even describe to you how beautiful free food is, yet alone absolutely tasty free food- it's honestly a Godsend. We met up with friends for margaritas and nachos (so many happy things) at a really cute little place near our hostel. Things were swell to say the least: free food, friends, good drinks- yes, yes to all the above. However as we headed off to an Irish pub, a deranged homeless woman started chasing us down the street requiring that we pay her to use the sidewalk. That whole encounter was surprising to say the least- but our friends reassured us that things like that don't ever happen. Oh Barcelona, you are something else. 

On Tuesday we used the metro all by ourselves to get to Parc Güell (it's a big deal, ok?), where I had to ask a security guard directions entirely in Spanish- which was fun, because God knows the last time I actually used it. But, to my surprise it came back to me more than I was expecting and the guard applauded my effort. After emerging from the darkened tunnels of the metro, I wasn't quite sure what to expect, all I knew was that Güell was a "must see". After climbing an unreal amount of stars, all of a sudden I was looking out over the entire city of Barcelona. Calling it beautiful would be a disgrace, an injustice, a downright understatement. The view was stunning, and the weather was perfect- I could have easily been convinced that Parc Güell was, in fact, heaven. 

A quick siesta (quite possibly the best part about Spain) and a shower then led us to a dinner consistent of Tapas and wine. Oh yes, the tapas are to die for. We then headed off to Espit Chupitos- a beach bar with an obscene number of different shots- including, but not limited to, the Monica Lewinsky (just imagine). We decided to try the "Boy Scout shot", which means the bar tender lights the alcohol on fire and you roast a marshmallow, dip it in the shot, and then eat/drink the rest. I'd love to see an Iowa City bar attempt this without a lawsuit. Lol, miss u ICPD.

Wednesday morning rolled around and we headed to this incredible fresh market called La Boqueira, stocked full of fun candies, nuts, meat and fruit. We tried so many good juices (we have gone there every day..), organic falafel with paella, and chocolate covered strawberries. This market is incredible, if you're ever in the area you have to experience the mouthwatering delicacies of La Boqieira. Before we knew it, it was time for the beach! ¡Vamos a la playa! FINALLY! It seems like this day has been taunting us forever. The beach is stunning, the Mediterranean Sea is blue as can be, and the naked old women don't give a damn what you think of them (kudos to you!). 

Wednesday night we got a true experience of Barcelonan night life! We headed out to L'Ovella Negra (the black sheep) for a tower of sangria. It's a 5 liter bucket with dispensers and seemingly endless tastey sangria for all of us to share. After finishing the tower (wait, can I have another?) we headed over to a club called Sutton, where we danced the night away- literally until 3:30 am. Like I said, time seems to be quite the little slut.

Forcing ourselves to wake up at a decent hour, well, by 10, we took today to do some more touristy adventures. We first went back to the market for more goodies, and then headed over to the Arc de Triomf. It's absolutely beautiful in the day time, and it is lined with hundreds of Palm trees and bright blue skies. We then found ourselves in Parc de la Ciutadella looking at the most majestic three story fountain I have ever seen. In general, Barcelona is pretty majestic- especially when we would up outside of Sagrada Familia. Sagrada Familia is a church that's been in the process of being built for over 150 years, being constructed solely upon donations. We ended up people watching whilst eating gelato, and reminiscing on all our adventures, all while aimlessly staring at the incredible architecture of the church. 

I was skeptical at first, big cities intimidate me, but Barcelona, I think I'm in love. The food, the drinks, the culture, and my beautiful friends, what's not to love about this beautiful and colorful city? 

¡Hasta Luego BCN, Vamos a Venice mañana!












Location: Barcelona City Urquinaona Carrer de Bailèn, 13, Barcelona

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