Playful Rooted

Good morning! More photo bombardment coming your way. 🙂 I’m happy to report that Barcelona remains as fantastic as when we went there the first time. It’s my very favorite city so far! So full of life, color, friendly people, and amazing food. I could spend months there. But a quick trip is always good, too. 🙂

We did the AirBnB thing again in Barcelona and stayed in a huge, beautiful place for super cheap. I love staying in apartments rather than hotels. You get the whole local experience which really helps you understand the vibe of the city. Plus, cool views of your neighbors!

Every building is so colorful and alive. I love it!

Even though Ben and I had already seen it, I decided we had to go back to La Sagrada Familia. It’s just so incredible and unlike any other cathedral I’ve ever seen (and I’ve seen millions this year).

When we arrived, I snapped a photo for some fellow travelers who were failing to take a successful group selfie. In thanks, one of the ladies offered to take one of me. I was like, “That’s okay, I’m with people,” but she insisted. So I said “Sure,” handed her my DSLR, and then heard, “Oh. This is, like, a real camera….”

🙂

We eventually made it inside the cathedral, and it was just as overwhelming as the first time. When I’m there, I just can’t stop staring. It’s a really special experience that I’ve never really felt anywhere else.

My neck was craned staring at this amazing ceiling for so long. Totally sore the next day.

But it’s just so beautiful!

Every inch of this cathedral is so intricate and uniquely designed.

It’s just my favorite place.

We climbed one of the towers and got some really nice views of the city from above.

Obligatory pigeon pic!

After spending the morning at La Sagrada Familia, we took a very tumultuous bus up a giant hill to enter Park Guëll. I was super excited about visiting this park since we didn’t get a chance to see it last time.

The wait was worth it.

Park Guëll was designed by Antoni Gaudí, the same architect who designed La Sagrada Familia and several houses in Barcelona (check out Casa Batlló). So the whimsical vibe carries over and makes for a really fun, pleasant park experience.

Whaaaat, a pigeon?!

The iconic lizard. There were tons of girls crawling all over this guy. #parkpimp

The benches everywhere were amazing!

Oh, there’s me, just looking nonchalantly into the distance. Or into the future??

One of the best parts of our few days in Barcelona was the flamenco show we went to! My family had never been before, so it was exciting and new. I love flamenco so much! It’s so moody and passionate. And the sangria was pretty great. 🙂

I always kick myself later for not taking pictures of the food or restaurants we visited. Out of all the places we’ve gone, my two favorite meals this entire year have been in Barcelona. If you’re in the area, do yourself a favor and go to Sésamo or Teresa Carles. They’re both super vegan-friendly, and they serve some ridiculously delicious food.

Basically, this city’s got it all. Amazing food, plenty of sunshine, and a vivacious, friendly atmosphere! Barcelona, I’ll be back!

French expression of the day
Ne tirez pas sur le pianiste – Don’t shoot the messenger (literally: Don’t shoot the pianist)