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.