Hola from Barcelona!

After starting my travels this past Tuesday, June 4th, I have spent the week in Barcelona with my sister, Cat. She is traveling with me for a few weeks before I continue on alone, we stayed at Onefam Hostel in Les Corts at around $50/night. I highly recommend, especially for solo travelers, as they offer many activities along with the stay. Each day they plan a mid-day group activity somewhere to explore the city, followed by a group dinner and later a different bar and club for the night (all included in the fee). Some bars included were Karamba and The Room, and clubs with free entry (with hostel) such as Pacha, Ocean, and Sutton. I also went to live music at Craft Barcelona, an amazing band improv music night! When I return, I plan to explore more local clubs for a less American vibe and to immerse myself more in the culture and live music settings.

Some sights to see would have to be La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell (and any other House of Gaudi or his work), and the Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia in the Barcelone Guatier Gothique (Gothic Quarter). All the architecture here is absolutely breathtaking, with stunning detail even is the apartment buildings, with delicate iron railings draped with plants and vines. All the buildings share the colorful, slightly faded European culture with printed stone or brick walkways and plenty of hills. The city is large, but easily traveled by foot and plenty of bus and metro public transport options. Many farmers and flea markets are scattered throughout the week, a large one being the Mercat Dels Encants, with jewelry, fabric, clothing, and item vendors with something for everyone. With so many places to shop, I unfortunately have to remind myself of the limited suitcase space I have :/

Many seafood restaurants and traditional spanish cuisine can be found easily, as well as fruterias, and panaderias/cafes (my new favorite place to read with un cafe con leche y canyeta) for breakfast! The beach (Barceloneta) is about a 40 minute bus from our hostel and it pretty crowded, with several beaches connecting on the long strip of coast. Although more touristy, the water is clear and beach is surrounded by plenty of restaurants and streets to walk down with vendors. My favorite tattoo shop, Mauddie Tattoo Studio, is also only about a five minute walk away from the beach as well! Women owned, Olga and Miriam are amazing, specializing in fine-line and realism, and are both incredibly kind and patient!

Our next stop will be Rome, Italy, leaving Tuesday morning for our flight to explore the city and visit two American Universities I am considering for my return to school!

xoxo,

Ang around the World ♥