A weekend in Barcelona is just not enough. I left the city promising myself I would re-visit. The architecture style in this city is a cocktail of mostly gothic and modern gothic, highlighting its own period of reinvention. At times it looks like something straight out of the Arabian nights whilst another time is could appear to be a resembles of its more traditional European counterparts. It’s wacky, off beat and full of stories. Antonio Gaudi decided that Barcelona was his muse. He has added immense architectural value and pride to this city that isn’t just another beach destination hosting wild parties and affordably priced alcohol.
Architecture is Barcelona is not only quirky but colourful and positive. It’s not just about the safe colors of reds and browns that one finds in other parts of Europe that strictly follow an architectural textbook. Barca invented its own extension of the Gothic style, and it did a fine job at that.
Sagrada Familia remains Gaudis incomplete dream, but the local Catalan community and tourists are eagerly awaiting to see what the final product would look like, a few years from now. In its present ‘work in progress’ form- it’s a stunning, thoughtful, sacred and holy landmark, one that goes beyond religion. The inside of the Sagrada Familia is an impressive, eye opening spectacle, which I won’t attempt to describe in words. It is a great combination of creative juices meeting flawless execution.
As a visitor in Barcelona, you’ve got to take the time and do ‘the usuals’. The Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Cathedral, Gothic Quarter, Las Rambla- These are places and monuments you’d want to visit. But, you have also got to withdraw from the rush and walk down some of the quietest, quintessentially Barcelonean laneways and have a Paella thats not over priced, in surroundings without the frills and flash. Some such laneways near the Barceloneta beach are the ones that are perpendicular to the Carrer De L’Almirall.
Parc Guell is one of Gaudis Masterpieces. It is a bit of a detour from the city centre (approximately 30 mins), but the panoramic views of Barca and the architecture inside this park are worthy of a visit.
If you’re not one for loud ‘Futbol’ cheering or intense partying, you’ve still got to sit by the street with your pint of Estrella and people- watch. And if you are a soccer lover, you visit Camp Nou!
Barca is the city that parties hard, it parties late, it parties heavy. La Ramblas is pregnant with loud bars, live music and locals who’d rather not sleep. But, beneath all the madness, the YoLo-spirit of the people, is a city that’s full of passionate and free spirited locals. The kind that would take the time to talk to you, help you and ensure you leave this place with the fondest memories.
I believe the people are great because despite all the warnings I had received prior to my departure (to hold on tightly to my possessions and wallet)- my experiences were quite the opposite to what I had been mentally programmed for. I stepped out of a restaurant near Sagrada Familia and heard someone call out to me. I turned around and the waitress from the restaurant came running to me, only to return the 300 Euros that had fallen out of my bag. It might have been a one-off incident, some would say. Wrong again, this time I forgot my camera behind and it sat there waiting quietly when I returned. I thought it was ironic. Spain is a struggling economy and homelessness is on the rise, but the Barca I experienced had a big heart.
Brunch/coffee suggestion:
Caravelle – This gem in the heart of Barca is a winner. It absorbs the local Spanish flavours beautifully into a very Aussie style setting with great coffee. Must try- The Caravelle Rancheros and the coconut bread!
A more apt Barca recommendation:
For mysterious and inventive cocktails- Boadas Cocktail Bar. We stumbled upon this one and discovered a cocktail later that it is, in fact, the oldest cocktail bar in Barca!
travellerspen 