Barcelona was a special trip because I was meeting up with my friends Rachel and Mackenzie. The plan was for us to meet in the airport since our flights landed within an hour of each other. Ryan Air had a different plan for me since after we boarded the plane, we had to actually switch planes. This resulted in a two hour delay. With no way of telling Rachel and Mackenzie, I was not sure what to expect when I got off the plane in Barcelona.
If you have ever seen the movie Love Actually, you know airports can be an emotional place. Well, I have never been so happy in an airport, when I saw Mackenzie waiting at the gate for me. My reaction included me running to her as if we were long lost friends and me screaming, "Macadamia!". It was dramatic in all of its glory and I can now say I have experienced an "airplane scene" firsthand.
Despite the bumpy start we were able to have a fantastic dinner that of course included paella.
I'm a firm believer that the best way to see any city is by foot. So our first night, Mackenzie and I walked around after dinner for hours. Immediately, I knew I was going to like it there.
The following morning, we headed to the beach. The beach is my favorite place in the world, any beach really. I love the feeling of the sand on my feet, and I always have to put my feet in the water. It's something about it that really just makes me beyond happy.
Something that is also awesome about traveling with Mackenzie is the fact that she is a wizard, genie, or some type of magical being with languages. When we went to Italy in high school, she saved me on more occasions than I would like to admit. Traveling with her in Spain was equally comforting.
When you go to Barcelona there are two things that everyone will tell you to go see: Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. Sagrada Familia is a famous church that has the most amazing architecture.
Architects around the world will probably scream that I said this, but if you have ever seen Spy Kids, you know the castle in the movie. The Sagrada Familia kind of reminds me of that, except it is much better.
While we were walking through the church, Mackenzie turns to me and states, "It is places like this that really make me want to be religious". I was thinking that is probably the case for everyone, and while abroad--especially in Europe--you will find yourself walking through churches everywhere you go.
Our next stop was Park Guell, and think of it as a park that was accidently themed as Candy Land. I say that because the mosaic tiles and the structures really do remind me of the board game.
The park provides you with a view of the entire city.
Going into the weekend, I was mostly excited about the food. I was having dreams about paella, seafood, and of course tapas! Barcelona did not disappoint.
During my final full day, I finally got to see Barcelona in all of its glory, since the sun was actually shining.
I also realized how hard it is to take a picture in front of the Arc de Triomf without having an awkward tourist behind you--I mean look at the woman to the left of me. Well, I am going to be realistic, and assume that I am probably the awkward tourist in a lot of photos.
We ended the day at my favorite place...the beach.
Until tomorrow's adventure,
Hannah
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