Casey's Semester Abroad in Europe: Barcelona!

Segrada La Famiglia

Last weekend I had the privilege of going to Barcelona. It was a spur-the-moment kind of trip that Emily and I booked two nights prior to leaving. We tagged along with out friend Armann and planned to meet up with some friends that we studied in Italy with. We had a flight bright and early on Friday and got into Barcelona around 10am. Once we got to our hotel and figured stuff out with the mean receptionist, we were ready to be tourists of the great city!

The only way to see Barcelona in a weekend is to take one of the city hop on/hop off tour busses, so thats exactly what we did. We caught the bus around noon and finished around 7pm. There is SO much to see in Barcelona, it is unbelievable. One of the first main stops we got off at was Segrada La Famiglia. It is one of the most famous churches built by Gaudi who is the most famous architect of Barcelona. Segrada la Famiglia is always under construction so it doesn't make for nice pictures, but it is still very cool. It is one of the most elaborate churches I have ever seen. Next we went to a famous park modeled by Gaudi. This park was unlike anything I have ever seen before. The views of the city, plants, wildlife, and architecture were all stunning! What is also special about this park si that they had an episode of America's Next Top Model filmed there. So of course we had to check out the exact runway spot where they filmed. I could have easily spent my whole day exploring the park!

Next on the tour we got off at the FC Barcelona Stadium. This is the famous soccer team of Barcelona. Unfortunately I didn't get to see a game but it was still awesome being on the premise of such a famous European organization. After that we visited the Olympic Stadium where the 1992 olympics were held. It was amazing to see all the official fields they used. We made a few more stops like this famous art museum, Plaza de Espana, the marina and other cool landmarks. We were too tired and hungry to stop at every place so we just stayed on the bus for the last few stops.

After the tour bus we went and got dinner at some random restaurant we found. It was soo delicious. Spain is known for their tapas which is basically small portions of food. It is nice because we can order a lot of little things and try different foods! We also ordered Sangria wich is my favorite drink here. It was very refreshing. Hopefully I can convince my mom to let me make some when I get back! That night after dinner we had to check out the night scene since Barcelona is known for having great night life. They have the main strip of clubs right on the beach that are very well known. We went into one and had a great time with all of our friends!

Park by Gaudi

They next day we decided to take it slow since we had a fast-paced day before. We walked down to the Marina and checked out all the cool vendors and what not. I most liked walking along the pier by the beach. There were so many people out on the beach tanning and playing volleyball. Nobody really goes in the water there, probably because it's still too cold. But I can officially say I have touched the Mediterranen Sea! Later that day we grabbed dinner and went out to a club that Emily's brother suggested since he had been to Barcelona before. It was a very interesting club. I guess you could say that is was very European. Different music and a different crowd that any club I have ever been to. It was a cool experience though! On Sunday morning we left back to Seville tired as could be.

Overall barcelona was one of the most amazing cities I have visited. It was a mix of an urban city and a cute beach town- the best of both worlds. It was very touristy but not in a bad way. There is so much to do and see. they really keep you busy there. I also love how they say Barcelona..they pronounce it as BarTHelona. It sounds like every one has a lisp there but its just the way the Catalonian dialect is there I guess. I would LOVE to go back to Barcelona one day!