Day One
This solo trip was my first time visiting Barcelona and my second time in Spain. I first visited Spain during a quick weekend trip to Malaga, the birthplace of the grand Picasso. The much-raved-about Barcelona is a city that I’ve always been curious about. I booked a one-way ticket from Toronto to Barcelona and decided a 3-night stay would be sufficient to enjoy the city. I chose to stay in the district of Eixample because of its proximity to many of the attractions I wanted to see and the reasonably priced hotel with a rooftop pool, Olivia Balmes.
After taking the red-eye flight on a rather cold, air-conditioned plane, I checked into my hotel, showered, picked up a map from the front desk, and headed toward the beach. Along my walk, I ended up down the Ramblas, a famous street, bustling and touristy.
In the Ramblas, I found the notorious La Boqueria market; here, I perused the isles full of fresh produce, meats, fish, and spices. Several people ate at countertop-style restaurants, but none had even one empty seat. Eventually, a man waved a menu in front of me just as I exited the market: perfect, time to eat, and people-watch. I ended up seated at Ramblero de la Boqueria. The tapas bar’s countertops were adorned with enormous colorful trays of seafood that I would have loved to have tried if I weren’t a solo traveler. Instead, I decided on some salty fish and sangria. I ended up chatting with two girls who were on vacation from Latvia. Are you here alone? Alone? They questioned. I laughed. “Well, you’re here with me now.” Patrons of the market crowded the isles, stopped to peer at the goods, shook their heads side to side, and swayed between the isles.
Another large tray towered with pink and red crustaceans from the sea was placed on my other side; a happy couple retrieved their phones to snap photos. The day was hot and dry; the red sangria was sweet and robust. I finished my meal and ventured out. Eventually, I met up with the sprawling beach; calm, mild waves broke at the shore. Colored towels and bathing ensembles decorated the tan sand. I was hot, and my body felt swollen; I made the mistake of walking to avoid my jetlag; a swim was probably a better remedy.
Outside, I took out a small black camera and snapped pictures of my surroundings as I continued walking. Promotions for nightclubs and empty restaurants filled one end of the beach area. The lounges and hookah bars awaited patrons that preferred to eat late. I sat and watched the sunset; other people lined up, couples with entangled arms, individuals with cardboard boxes of food and cans of beer or mixed drinks. I was here.
The following neighborhood I approached was Barceloneta, the beach area. This was a more lively and young area than the one with my hotel. I stopped into a random restaurant for a cocktail and to plan my route home. The waitress recommended two upscale cocktail bars, Dr. Stravinsi and Marlowe Bar. I wrote them down and walked the 45 minutes back to my hotel; even though the sun had set, the city came to life with bright yellow lamps and twists of string lights. I spotted groups of people and couples in a bit more formal attire as everyone set out for their next soiree. A crowd gathered around the entrance of restaurant Tapas 2254, and I joined the line-up.
Day 2
I woke up with swollen feet and headed to the lobby to pester the front desk about what I could do for my last two days. Any food and wine tours were fully booked; instead, I purchased tickets for Casa Batllo, a Gaudi-designed house, the Sagrada Familia, and Park Guell. I would have to go on my own food. The concierge smiled; you’re in luck; we have several good restaurants. He listed Tapas 2254 (the one I found on my first night!)and a few others. I returned to my room; I needed to cool down my swollen body at the pool before I endured more heat.
My Casa Batllo ticket included a recorded tour of the home; I plugged a headset into my ears; they allowed me to focus on the history of Gaudi and his inspiration for the house, a distraction from the heat and the swaths of tourists trying to take photographs. It’s odd that just a couple years back, no one had a cellphone with a camera, and fewer people took photos. Art was enjoyed for what it was, and now it’s the perfect backdrop for that ideal selfie. Casa Batllo was incredible; I couldn’t believe the level of detail, vibrant colors, and wood and shimmery glass curves. A friend of mine who designs homes says that most architects are lazy; they only want to draw a straight line; now, with all our modern technology, you’d assume architects would be bolder than in the past. Or have our tastes morphed? Do we prefer straight lines in our homes, or could we live in a Gaudi-inspired playhouse? Mmm something to consider over lunch at Vinutus.
After once more recharging at the pool, it was time to head to another famed Gaudi creation, La Sagrada Familia.
Dinner time, although my hotel warned me Cerverceria Catalana would be busy, but I decided I would be an easy solo traveler to squeeze into a barstool.
Day 3
I woke up and went for a run in the hotel’s gym. The day’s plan was to get lost in the district of Born, and visit the Antic Theatre and Park Guell.
Antic Theatre
I found a unique perfume shop where I found a great souvenir at The Perfumery. There’s something about a smell that is so nostalgic.
Park Guell
Another incredible Gaudi creation, Park Guell, was so romantic I wished I had been on a date!
A sunset, dinner, and the magic singing fountains made for the perfect last night in Barcelona. The Arenas mall has a rooftop with incredible city views and the ideal spot to see the sunset. The rooftop also contains several restaurants.
Magic Fountains in Barcelona
Recap
Barcelona was a busy, colorful, easy-to-navigate city. There is lots of ground to cover and tapas to indulge in, and I got a taste of it all! I love getting lost in a city and don’t worry about “seeing it all”; vacations are about breaking routines and a way to follow one’s intuition. This post is a way for me to remember my trip and inspire others to travel. Overall I felt three days was the perfect time to get a taste of Barcelona, and my only regret is that I should have tacked on a day at the beach to recharge from the jetlag and adjust to the time difference. However, my next few travel days would be blissful, spent lounging on beaches in Costa Brava.
UNANCHORED EVE 