My apologies for not updating my blog last week! Life has been so hectic here in España. I had classes as normal Monday through Thursday. During those days, I ACED my speech analyses, several quizzes, journal entries, and participation evaluations. While I wish I were spending more time out and about in Segovia and feeling like I’m actually having a summer vacation, I couldn’t be happier with my grades. As it stands right now, I have a 98% in both Advanced Oral Spanish & Spanish Phonetics. How many students can say that about 400-level language classes? (Not many!) I’m so proud of myself!
Enough about classes! I want to spend the rest of this post telling you all about my INCREDIBLE long weekend in Barcelona! First, I want to mention how much I enjoyed the train ride to Barcelona. I sat next to a very kind Pakistani man. We talked during the entire 2.5 hour trip! We discussed world politics, language acquisition, our families back at our respective homes, must-dos in Barcelona, my study abroad program, and his sausage casing business (haha!). It’s so lovely connecting with people from all over the world and getting new perspectives on various matters. When we arrived in Barcelona, we shook hands and were on our way to our final destinations.
My hostel was located a short 10 minute walk from the train station. By booking in May, I was able to get a very nice single room with a private bath, air conditioning, and WiFi at an AMAZING price. I only had to pay like $45 each night. I’d highly recommend Hostel Sans to anyone traveling to Barcelona. I had control of my A/C, so being the eskimo that I am, I always set it on 65 F before leaving for the day. I can’t begin to tell you how good it felt to walk into a cool room after exploring for 7+ hours at a time.
Now onto what I actually did in Barcelona! I got into town late (for me) on Thursday evening, so I didn’t do anything except grab some dinner and get settled into my hostel. Friday was the start of my adventures! First up was La Sagrada Familia, Gaudí’s most famous work. Construction of La Sagrada Familia began in 1882 and is still underway. It is expected to be completed in 2028. It was originally conceived by Catalan publisher Josep Bocabella symbolic of the revolutionary ideas becoming increasingly apparent in the city of Barcelona. Work began by public subscription with architect Francesc de Paula Villar's design-a traditional neo-Gothic style. When the two could not agree, Antoní Gaudí took over construction. La Sagrada Familia is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Enough about classes! I want to spend the rest of this post telling you all about my INCREDIBLE long weekend in Barcelona! First, I want to mention how much I enjoyed the train ride to Barcelona. I sat next to a very kind Pakistani man. We talked during the entire 2.5 hour trip! We discussed world politics, language acquisition, our families back at our respective homes, must-dos in Barcelona, my study abroad program, and his sausage casing business (haha!). It’s so lovely connecting with people from all over the world and getting new perspectives on various matters. When we arrived in Barcelona, we shook hands and were on our way to our final destinations.
My hostel was located a short 10 minute walk from the train station. By booking in May, I was able to get a very nice single room with a private bath, air conditioning, and WiFi at an AMAZING price. I only had to pay like $45 each night. I’d highly recommend Hostel Sans to anyone traveling to Barcelona. I had control of my A/C, so being the eskimo that I am, I always set it on 65 F before leaving for the day. I can’t begin to tell you how good it felt to walk into a cool room after exploring for 7+ hours at a time.
Now onto what I actually did in Barcelona! I got into town late (for me) on Thursday evening, so I didn’t do anything except grab some dinner and get settled into my hostel. Friday was the start of my adventures! First up was La Sagrada Familia, Gaudí’s most famous work. Construction of La Sagrada Familia began in 1882 and is still underway. It is expected to be completed in 2028. It was originally conceived by Catalan publisher Josep Bocabella symbolic of the revolutionary ideas becoming increasingly apparent in the city of Barcelona. Work began by public subscription with architect Francesc de Paula Villar's design-a traditional neo-Gothic style. When the two could not agree, Antoní Gaudí took over construction. La Sagrada Familia is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Note: BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE AHEAD OF TIME! The line to buy tickets is INSANELY long, and you’ll likely have to wait for 2-3 hours to get tickets. The same advice goes for all major attractions in Barcelona. Basically, if there is an advance purchase option, DO IT!
While visiting the Basilica, I ran into two other students who were vacationing in Barcelona. After we had finished the tour of the Nativity towers, all three of us went to a nearby café/restaurant to get some lunch. I had the Spanish version of a hamburger & patatas bravas—cheap and simple! Afterwards, I said adios to mis amigas and was on my way to Parc Güell via the Tourist Bus.
I didn’t stay at the park as long as I could have (or probably should have). The sun was absolutely baking me, even with my SPF 110 sunblock on! My entry to the monumental zone was at 1:00 PM, so I spent 12:15 PM until 1:00 PM exploring the beautiful pathways lined with flowers, trees, and other plants. Gaudí’s architecture flows so well with the nature there. It’s like man and nature become one at Parc Güell. The monumental zone was my favorite part. I saw the famous lizard, the Gaudí House Museum, and the cool-looking benches that overlook an amazing view of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea. Check out my photos from Parc Güell below.
While visiting the Basilica, I ran into two other students who were vacationing in Barcelona. After we had finished the tour of the Nativity towers, all three of us went to a nearby café/restaurant to get some lunch. I had the Spanish version of a hamburger & patatas bravas—cheap and simple! Afterwards, I said adios to mis amigas and was on my way to Parc Güell via the Tourist Bus.
I didn’t stay at the park as long as I could have (or probably should have). The sun was absolutely baking me, even with my SPF 110 sunblock on! My entry to the monumental zone was at 1:00 PM, so I spent 12:15 PM until 1:00 PM exploring the beautiful pathways lined with flowers, trees, and other plants. Gaudí’s architecture flows so well with the nature there. It’s like man and nature become one at Parc Güell. The monumental zone was my favorite part. I saw the famous lizard, the Gaudí House Museum, and the cool-looking benches that overlook an amazing view of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea. Check out my photos from Parc Güell below.
From the park, I took the tourist bus for a ride around Montjüic and into the heart of the city so I could use the WiFi and cool off. Once the bus arrived in la Plaça de Catalunya (the heart of Barcelona), I hopped off to go to Hard Rock Café. A few of my loved ones really wanted some shirts from there. After that, I headed back to my hostel to cool down, change clothes, and re-apply sunblock. Haha.
Later that evening, I took the Telefèric de Montjüic (cable car) to the tippy top of the hill where the castle is. While I didn’t go inside of the castle, I still got some pretty cool shots of the outside of the castle and even more incredible pictures of the city down below. Check ‘em out!
Later that evening, I took the Telefèric de Montjüic (cable car) to the tippy top of the hill where the castle is. While I didn’t go inside of the castle, I still got some pretty cool shots of the outside of the castle and even more incredible pictures of the city down below. Check ‘em out!
Once I made my way back down the hill and back onto the bus, I went to what is supposedly the best gelato in all of Barcelona. Heck, I’d argue that it is the best gelato outside of Italy! Gocce di Latte, located in Plaça de Palau near La Barceloneta, has over 15 flavors from which you choose, all of which are homemade right in the shop. I tried tiramisu and cheesecake. Oh. My. Gosh. I was in gelato heaven! I managed to go back on Saturday and had tiramisu, chocolate, and vanilla. SO good!
For dinner, I went to the best Mexican “food truck style” nomz in town, located just a couple of streets over from La Sagrada Familia. It did NOT disappoint! Going solo was actually a good thing because I was able to be seated right away, even without a reservation. I had the most delicious, AUTHENTIC baby quesadillas with sautéed mushrooms and tacos al pastor that I’ve had in my entire life. The vibe was so young and hip in that restaurant. I couldn’t have gone anywhere better for dinner!
I was one tired girl after all of that, so I made my way back to my room and slept like a baby! I missed sleeping in an air conditioned room!
Saturday was also packed full of adventure. I started off at Las Ramblas and El Mercat de Sant Josef/La Boqueria. This is probably my favorite my favorite park of Las Ramblas. I drank some of the best all-natural fruit juice that I’ve ever had and sampled some yummy sweets that a kind merchant was handing out. I didn’t stay long due to how crowded it was, but I did manage to get some neat pics that you can see below!
Saturday was also packed full of adventure. I started off at Las Ramblas and El Mercat de Sant Josef/La Boqueria. This is probably my favorite my favorite park of Las Ramblas. I drank some of the best all-natural fruit juice that I’ve ever had and sampled some yummy sweets that a kind merchant was handing out. I didn’t stay long due to how crowded it was, but I did manage to get some neat pics that you can see below!
After browsing what Las Ramblas had to offer (shopping, food, etc.), I took the tourist bus to the beach route. While I’ve heard that La Barceloneta is the most famous beach to visit, I knew that it would be über crowded, so I went down a few more stops to La Nova Mar Bella. The beach was still busy but not like it would have been at La Barceloneta. It appeared that everyone there was a local, too. I didn’t bring my bathing suit with me, and I had my purse, so I just took off my shoes and let the water crash onto my feet, ankles, and calves. It was SO refreshing to breathe in some salty Mediterranean air and feel cool water on me. I even snagged a few seashells to bring home. Check out my photos from the beach!
After an hour or so of that, I made my way back to the bus stop to head to La Passeig de Graçia, where Casa Milà/La Pedrera is located. Again, I already had my ticket in hand, so I was able to go right in to check out one of Gaudí’s most famous works. While I had seen La Sagrada Familia & Parc Güell in 2012, I had never been to Casa Milà, so this was an entirely new experience for me. The building's façade looks like an open quarry and was constructed between 1906 and 1912 by Antoni Gaudí. For its uniqueness, artistic, and heritage value, it is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
After going back to my hostel to freshen up, I went to the movie theater right by the train station to see El abuelo que saltó de la ventana y se logró (The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared) The movie is based on a 2009 novel by Swedish author Jonas Jonasson. The movie was SO well done and absolutely hilarious! I can’t wait to get it on DVD. Here's the synopsis:
It all starts on the one-hundredth birthday of Allan Karlsson. Sitting quietly in his room in an old people's home, he is waiting for the party he-never-wanted-anyway to begin. The mayor is going to be there. The press is going to be there. But, as it turns out, Allan is not...Slowly but surely Allan climbs out of his bedroom window, into the flowerbed (in his slippers) and makes his getaway. And so begins his picaresque and unlikely journey involving criminals, several murders, a suitcase full of cash, and incompetent police. As his escapades unfold, we learn something of Allan's earlier life in which - remarkably - he helped to make the atom bomb, became friends with American presidents, Russian tyrants, and Chinese leaders, and was a participant behind the scenes in many key events of the twentieth century.
It all starts on the one-hundredth birthday of Allan Karlsson. Sitting quietly in his room in an old people's home, he is waiting for the party he-never-wanted-anyway to begin. The mayor is going to be there. The press is going to be there. But, as it turns out, Allan is not...Slowly but surely Allan climbs out of his bedroom window, into the flowerbed (in his slippers) and makes his getaway. And so begins his picaresque and unlikely journey involving criminals, several murders, a suitcase full of cash, and incompetent police. As his escapades unfold, we learn something of Allan's earlier life in which - remarkably - he helped to make the atom bomb, became friends with American presidents, Russian tyrants, and Chinese leaders, and was a participant behind the scenes in many key events of the twentieth century.
After dinner, I took the Metro to Plaça de Espanya to see the Magic Fountains. What a spectacle! They were constructed in 1929 for the International Exposition. The magic fountains are a spectacular display of color, light, motion, and music! After the show, I grabbed some dinner in the bullfighting ring/mall at Udon. Those noodles were delish!
On Sunday, I slept in until the beautiful hour of 10 AM. Checkout for my hostel wasn’t until 12 PM, so I took my time packing up. The men at the front desk were kind enough to let me leave my bags in their storage closet while I got some breakfast. I had heard that Café Federal in the Poble Sec neighborhood had wonderful brunch options, so I went there and had a mimosa and “morning hamburger”. The hamburger consisted of grass-fed beef, organic greens, fresh cheese, caramelized onions, and a really delicious carrot mash to spread onto the bun. I was impressed! Lastly, I went back to the Liceu/Las Ramblas district to try the best chocolatería in Barcelona. Mmm… Those churros were FAB!
At 3 PM, my train departed from Barcelona and arrived in Madrid around 5:45 PM. I took the 7 PM bus back to Segovia, and now here I am safe & sound at “home”!
OH! I meant to mention that my host “mom” from last year’s study abroad program called me! I had left a note in her mailbox to give me a call if she’d like to catch up while I’m Segovia, and she actually called! I hope to see her sometime this week.
This week is going to be pretty hectic, although it is my final full week here in Spain. I have presentations out the wazoo, lots of preparation to do for the final exams, and a final excursion to Cuellar and Coca. I have most of my Phonetics final exam essays already completed, but the Advanced Oral Final will take some major preparation on my end. Here’s to hoping that this week goes smoothly. I’ll let y’all know about halfway through if I’m surviving! J
Thank you again for continuing to follow my journey here in Spain! I’m so proud of myself for having limited homesickness, awesome grades, a great relationship with my host family, great friends in the program, and non-stop adventures.
Besitos,
Kelly
At 3 PM, my train departed from Barcelona and arrived in Madrid around 5:45 PM. I took the 7 PM bus back to Segovia, and now here I am safe & sound at “home”!
OH! I meant to mention that my host “mom” from last year’s study abroad program called me! I had left a note in her mailbox to give me a call if she’d like to catch up while I’m Segovia, and she actually called! I hope to see her sometime this week.
This week is going to be pretty hectic, although it is my final full week here in Spain. I have presentations out the wazoo, lots of preparation to do for the final exams, and a final excursion to Cuellar and Coca. I have most of my Phonetics final exam essays already completed, but the Advanced Oral Final will take some major preparation on my end. Here’s to hoping that this week goes smoothly. I’ll let y’all know about halfway through if I’m surviving! J
Thank you again for continuing to follow my journey here in Spain! I’m so proud of myself for having limited homesickness, awesome grades, a great relationship with my host family, great friends in the program, and non-stop adventures.
Besitos,
Kelly