Momma and I just got back from our annual trip this year. We went to Europe and on a Mediterranean cruise. It was incredible to say the least. We started in Barcelona. Both of us had never been. Mom lived in Madrid as a kid for four years, but hasn’t been back to Spain since.

Barcelona was really rad. The city right on the water hosted the Olympics in ’92 and has seen a number of facelifts over the years, but the place has kept it’s historical vibe. We stayed right in the center of Barce on the strip called La Rambla. It’s a pedestrian walkway filled with shops, stores and restaurants. Access was great just walking around the city and to train stops from here.

We played tourist and took the red bus around town so we could get the layout of the land and figure out where we wanted to stop. We got off at La Sagrada Familia, a church constructed by the famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi, who’s touched his hand all over Barcelona, from apartment buildings to a really rad park, Guell, we also visited. We didn’t go inside the church because the wait was ridiculous, but admired the structure, which is still being built. Although Gaudi is deceased the people have continued to finish the church (said to be in the next 20 years). Gaudi began building in 1882, making it one of the longest construction projects in history. The church can be seen throughout the city rising high in the sky.

As mentioned we went to Park Guell, which is my number one must-do if you are visiting Barcelona. The very large park spans acres on a hillside overlooking the city. The construction and mosaic tiles are beautiful, while the views from all around the park are unprecedented.

We also checked out the Magic Fountain on Montjuic, which is a series of beautiful fountains lit up with colors and set to flow with music on specific days and times of the week. It was so rad climbing all the stairs and taking in the architecture from the art museum and surroundings. From the top, you will get a rad city view with the fountains. Do beware of pickpockets throughout the city. Just be smart. These girls had their phone sitting next to them and it got jacked. Keep you passport in your room safe because you don’t need it and minimal cash if possible.

Mom and I ate a ton of paella (a traditional Spanish dish) made up of rice, veggies and seafood, tapas of all combinations (the Spanish omelets are an obvious speciality) drank lots of delicious coffee, and of course Sangria. We even ran into a mutual friend who loves in Barcelona now, at a bar. The world really is small!

We went out on the town one night with some English folks we met at this place called Patagonia on La Rambla. By the way, definitely check out Patagonia too. Super fun bartenders and yummy drinks (although beware that they are trying to get you drunk so keep track of your tab because they will order you shots and charge you for them!) That was a crazy night that ended at a gay disco-tech until 5:30 a.m. Lots more about Barce coming soon, but those were just a few highlights!

I’m going to do several posts on the trip since we have so many photos, but I’ll do this chronologically.

Where we stayed: Hotel Lloret was great and priced right!