The first day we got into town around 2 PM and we were all pretty tired. We walked around the city looking for Emma's favorite gelato shop from when she was here four years ago... but despite her best nostalgic searching, we couldn't find the spot and to only find out later that it has gone out of business. But on our quest for treats we came across a massive protest. And I'm talking thousands in the streets protesting the government. All the signs were different but they one man explained that they all saw the government as a false democracy. I stood on top of a news paper stand and got an awesome photo.
Only a view from the side. We didn't bother to go in to the heart of the protest, probably for the best.
Our hostel is complete opposite of our last hostel. The last one housed about 20 to 30
people total and while I don't know how many were here, but we had 27 people in our room alone. It is called Hostel Kabul and is a complete party hostel. Every night there was a pub crawl that ended at a club downtown. It was actually a pretty good deal, for 7 euros we got 2 free shots and a buy one get one free shot with free entry into a club, plus skipping the line. Also, right before going out, our hostel had happy hour and about 50 kids drinking. Clubs don't even open til 2 AM and one night I didn't go to bed til 7 AM. Lets just say I slept very well the next night haha
On our second day we hiked up to a hill/park called Parquell (sp?). It was designed by Antonio Gaudi. You don't know who that is!? Well I didn't really either before the trip. But he is a famous Spanish architect who died about 90 years ago. This park had an awesome view of most of the city of Barcelona. Huge statues, buildings and monuments stood out and it was truly an awesome view.
To the left is the basketball court that Ricky Rubio learned to play basketball on as a child. And to the right is my friend Lily and I at the top of Parquell. The photo does not even do the view justice.
We went to the beach a few times while in Barca. They are awesome. I have never seen so many beautiful women in my life, no homo. And many of the were topless, even moreso than Portugal. But that also means naked dudes, homo. Some of the ladies in our group even embraced the local culture ;) The beach stretches for miles and with 80+ degree weather, its extremely fun but everyone got burned.
Oh, we also picked up another traveler. My friend Lily is spending most of her summer in Holland with her Aunt and Uncle and she wanted to visit Barcelona with us so she met up with us for here and Paris. She is an old friend that dates back to my early days at Camp Seymour.
On our final day our group split up. Most of our group went on a kayak and snorkeling trip while Katie, Emma and I went on our own adventure. We took a gondola, yes they have it in Spain, to the top of a huge hill where an old Spanish fort is located. This place has an even better view than Parquell and lots of historical monuments.
To the right... hope you got your tickets to the gun show! And to the right is a picture of the nicest girls you'll ever meet.
Our next stop is Paris and a 12 hour train ride. It's supposed to be a better train than our last one. I'm about 25% done with the trip and I'm not ready to leave. Traveling has exposed me to some great people and great destinations. This will surely not be my last visit to Barcelona, I recommend this city to anyone looking to have a great balance between history, culture, fun and partying. A truly great city. Until next time...
Erik
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ReplyDeleteHoly eff! It sounds like you guys are having a blast! I'm not surprised Emma led you guys around for 4 hours only to discover the gelato shop had closed haha even though it isn't her fault it closed, it's still funny.
ReplyDeleteIf the clubs don't open until 2 am, what do you guys do all night until then... drinkkkkk? I can't image the bars here not opening until 2! I would never make it out haha
Miss you Erik! and everyone else of course :) have fun!