London Calling: Part I

After a whirlwind trip on the Iberian peninsula, I embarked on a second visit across the English Channel to the UK. Previously, I only saw London for a couple of days due to a tight schedule. This time, I had more time to fully explore and experience London and it's vicinity.

There are two major international airports in London: Heathrow and Gatwick. Heathrow can be accessed by the Tube (London Subway), Gatwick is a little further out and is serviced by slower trains. If you fly into London, I suggest you fly into Heathrow as Central London is more accessible from there. Due to a cheaper ticket price, I flew into Gatwick. Upon arrival from Gatwick, I took the train to King's Cross train station.  

I purchased a day-pass so I could use the public transportation for an unlimited amount that day. You can also purchase an "Oyster Card" which is a pay-as-you-go public transportation card that you scan and load money to use. I didn't find out about the card until the next day so I just used the one day pass that day.

Train journey to Central London:

I was starving by the time I arrived at King's Cross St. Pancreas Station so I bought some staple English snacks.

Sausage roll (pastry dough stuffed with sausage):

Scotch egg (battered and fried meat wrapped boiled egg):

After checking in at my hostel, I took the Tube  to Piccadilly Circus (Soho area) to try a pub called "The Lyric." My friend had suggested this place for it's quality beer and great pub classic food fare. 

                                               

                                     

They are known for great brews so I tried one called "Polar Star" by Buntingford Brewery:

To complement my beer, I ordered a steak and ale pie. The pie and pint was a perfect combination. The flaky pie crust was filled with steak pieces, onions, and spices. The whole dish was drizzled with a hearty and savory gravy sauce. It was accompanied by mashed potatoes and peas. The meal satisfied a hungry travelers appetite. 

After the pub, I wandered around Soho to walk off the meal. Soho was very alive and vibrant at night as many musicals were playing, souvenir shops were bustling, and the pubs were buzzing. 

Due to a long day of traveling, I was exhausted and went to get some rest so I could be energized for the next day. There was a long list of monuments, museums, and national treasures I had to see so I couldn't wait to check them off my list. 

Travel tip: If you ever visit London, I suggest you spend around 3-5 days to fully maximize your time in seeing the major sights and areas like Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Tower Bridge, Parliament Square, Thames River, etc... The public transportation is excellent and efficient so you won't have trouble getting around. If it's your first time, I suggest you pay for one of those hop-on hop-off bus tours which visit all the major sites for $20-30/day because it gives you the freedom to pick and choose what you want to see and do without having to worry about how to get there and how much it will cost. It is very economical and time efficient. It's a worthy investment and it's valid for 24 hours from the time of purchase. Most major Tube stations and tourist areas have stops for these buses and you can buy your ticket at any one of them. If you have more time, I suggest you take the Tube and buses to get the full local experience. As mentioned earlier, it's wise to buy an Oyster Card for using these methods of transportation as it makes it easier to get around without having to buy or lose single or one-day tickets.

A Day in Catalunya: Barcelona

After a much-needed R&R in Ibiza, I flew to Barcelona on my way to the UK. This was not my first time there as I previously went with my family during high school. But this time was different. I felt I enjoyed and explored more this time. Not to compare cities, but I grew more fond of Barcelona over Madrid. Madrid seemed to be more hectic, crowded, and not as vibrant as Barcelona. Barcelona seemed more modern while Madrid seemed more traditional (not that this is a bad thing). Having been to both cities twice, I can honestly say I felt more excitement and interest in walking down La Rambla, going tapas bar hopping, admiring the Sagrada Familia, and strolling in the Gothic Quarter. But, who am I to judge. The only way to make an opinion and to understand this is by visiting it yourself. 

First, my hotel was near the Sagrada Familia  was so that was my first destination. I didn't get a chance to visit it during my last trip so I made sure it was a priority. This Antoni Gaudi masterpiece attracts thousands daily and is a must-see in Barcelona. Despite it's current unfinished state, it is a marvel due to its modern, Gothic, and surrealistic spires, sculptures, stained glass windows and columns. 

Here are pictures of Sagrada Familia:

After, strolled in Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter) which is the older part of the city. As you walk the narrow alleyways and cobblestone streets, you will run into old Roman walls, the famous Barcelona Cathedral, and many historic buildings.

Here are pictures from Barri Gotic:

Made my way to the famous "La Rambla" which is the main artery of the city. I had been there before, but it seemed much grander this time as I had more time to walk down this street which was lined with tapas bars, restaurants, shops, and cafes. You haven't been to Barcelona, unless you've visited there! Went tapas bar hopping and night and enjoyed the varieties of food and drink.

Pictures of La Rambla and tapas bar hopping:

Sangria (wine and fruit cocktail):

 Jamon and Eggs toast:

 Tapas bar:

 Jamon y queso:

 Calamari rings:

 Octopus and tomato stew:

 Chorizo:

 Sausages and crab croquettes:

 La Boqueria (market):

Finished the night off right with Crema Catalana and Malaga ice cream:

Overall, my second trip to Barcelona was amazing! I was able to take my time and get lost (on purpose) in the city. It was more enjoyable and navigable than the bustling metropolis in Madrid. The tapas bar selection seemed to be more expansive and more available in Barcelona. I will definiately return again to Barcelona for a third time after my world tour. I wish I had more time to visit Montjuic, Park Guell, and some of the beaches. There is always next time. 

Rest and Relaxation in Ibiza

After a hectic and grueling first week of traveling, I took a nice breather in Ibiza. Known for it's partying, Ibiza offers a lot more. It is an isle in the Mediterrean Sea and is part of the Balearic Islands. When I first arrived, I expected club music to be blasting, but surprisingly it was nice and calm. I stayed next to Platja de Figueretes, a scenic beach with aqua blue waters and swaying palm trees. Near the beach, there were nice restaurants and bars.

Here are some of the pictures from Ibizas beaches:

Platja de Figueretes:

Platja d'en Bossa:

Platja Ses Salines:

Since Ibiza was known for clubs, my friend and I visited the famous "Amnesia." There are about 4 main famous clubs (Amnesia, Pacha, Space, Ushuaia). Most clubs are outside the main beach and resort areas, you most likely will need to take a taxi for 20-40 minutes to get to them depending on where you are on the island. Most clubs are pricey as you would expect so they range between 45-80+ Euros. Also, there are droves of people waiting to get in as in any club, so I highly recommend you buy a club ticket beforehand. Many shops, bars, hostels, and hotels sell them so you should pick one up, it will save you a lot of time and you can go straight in! My friend and I ended up buying a ticket for Amnesia at a local bar near our hotel. Please note, most clubs open late and don't get started fully until the early hours of the morning. Amnesia opened at 12am and closed before noon the next day. We were lucky it was the opening night of the club so they had a lot of DJ guests. Usually all the clubs have an "opening night" early in the summer and they are open until fall. 

Here are pictures from Amnesia:

The next day, I wanted to see more of the Ibiza so I walked to the nearby Old Town Ibiza. It was a pleasant surprise. The small town area is full of small boutiques, shops, restaurants, cafes, and white-washed buildings. It was a picture postcard scene of artists, musicians, locals, and tourists. Overlooking the town is the imposing Ibiza Castle. Due to my fascination and appreciation for historic buildings, I climbed the steep hill to explore the massive fortress. 

Here are some pictures from Ibiza Castle:

After the castle, I wandered the Old Town streets and sampled some of the local food specialties.

Here are some of the foods:

Ensaimada (swirl shaped pastry filled with pumpkin, apricot, custard, chocolate)

Orelletes (ear-shaped anise flavored cookies)

Empanadas (mini meat pies filled with beef or tuna)

Flaó  (sweet and savory cheese tarte with mint) 

*pictured w/ an empanada

Turrón (almond paste) and caramel ice cream

Hierbas Ibicencas (anise flavored liquor)

In addition to the local specialties, I tried some fresh and delicious seafood. 

Paella de Marisco (seafood and rice casserole)

Gambas al Ajio (shrimps cooked in garlic butter)

Mixed Seafood Grill (crab, prawns, crawfish, mussels, razor clams, clams)

Overall, I enjoyed my 4 days in Ibiza. I felt I fully experienced the culture, food, island life, and the Mediterranean breeze. Ibiza is more than just partying, so one must explore and immerse oneself in the island to fully appreciate and make the most out of a trip to the island.