EUROTRIP - Bar(th)elona

Our three week journey has begun. Have backpack, (and £3 primark shoes) will travel. 

Got off to a slightly rough start as our flight was delayed three hours. This wouldn't have been such a big deal except that getting in after 11pm could make finding transport from the airport more difficult. Fortunately, the city of Barcelona begins their nights at 2am so we were more than okay. We had hoped to explore the city but arriving at the hostel after 1am meant that our beds were incredibly alluring. 

To make up for lost time we started our first official day off early. The weather was beautiful and the walking extensive. 

Total miles walked*: 20.5 mi

*not including walking to & from airport shuttle, to shops nearby hostel, etc. 

Food

Sangria - went to an awesome hole in the wall called L'Oveja Negra. Need this stuff in an IV drip. 

Tapas - fun fact: taco de queso in Spain means small plate of cheese and not Mexican-style tacos. Rookie mistake. Fortunately the patatas braves more than made up for it. 

Churros (xurros) & Hot Chocolate - food created by the gods. How can you go wrong with churros dipped in rich melted chocolate? Answer: you can't. 

Paella - well worth the extensive search. Though the 40 minute wait almost had us resorting to eating the table cloth. 

Sights

Casa Batlló - since Casa Milà decided to be under construction we traipsed over to its cousin. Love me some Gaudi architecture. 

La Sagrada Família - forget classic gothic styles, this church that emulates melted wax from a distance totally trumps all (even if won't be complete until 2028). 

Parc Güell - far easier to get directions to when you actually use the correct pronunciation. Amazing gardens and views of the city, but instead please enjoy a picture of me with my homie the mosaic lizard (gecko? chameleon?). 

Palau Nacional - oh, hey massive palace that provides an incredible view of Barcelona. What's up. 

Port Vell/La Barceloneta - perfect location for a siesta. Assuming winds rivaling those of the Santa Ana variety don't decide to show off their stuff. 

La Boqueria - the most magical place in the world. A massive covered market with tons of fresh fruit, fried goodies and chocolate treats. And if you're not a total newb, you know to go right before closing to get crazy good deals on fruit juices and empanadas. 

Adiós Barcelona! It's been swell.