2021 was the year of hope. Even though I was lucky enough to travel internationally in 2020, I entered 2021 with a desire to travel internationally. I wanted to use my credit card points for travel, not just accumulate more from my consumer spending. I wanted to pack my backpack to travel abroad instead of my roller suitcase to travel in the US. I wanted to meet people from other countries and explore new cultures. This hope inspired my new year's resolution to post four travel blogs.
After starting my career, I planned a Euro trip with my sister the first chance I had. Barcelona, Spain, was at the top of our list.
We were eager to know if the four years of high school Spanish class would pay off.
I feel alive when I immerse myself in the Spanish culture.
The food, dancing, and nightlife make Spain a vibrant place to visit. The streets are full of color, and Spanish food bursts with flavor.
I loved it so much it became a repeat destination for me.
Tapas are one of the main cuisines in Spain and are enjoyed family-style. This style of food consists of several smaller dishes, and I genuinely feel like I am on vacation when I order tapas and a glass of sangria. Patatas Bravas is a classic and my favorite! I learned in Seville, Spain, American guys in their twenties want to eat a real meal, not tapas, for a week on end.
Now, not every aspect of Spain's culture is vibrant. In the middle of the afternoon, people take a rest - known as a siesta 😴. This allows their culture to shine through for the rest of the night! In fact, most businesses close during the afternoon so people can siesta. I was frequently frustrated by this concept because I am accustomed to all-day access to shops and restaurants when traveling.
Since my first Euro trip in 2013, I've made it back to Spain two more times, stopping in a total of six cities. I'm reminiscing a lot about my previous trips because I'm itching to travel abroad again as covid-19 restrictions lift.
Here are my Spanish destinations to date!
Starting with my favorite 😃
Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca is a Spanish island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is a great place to relax on the beach, enjoy fantastic seafood 🐙and snorkel. Mallorca sparked a feeling of relaxation inside me that I had never really felt before. Typically, it's hard for me to sunbathe on a beach because I like to play in the water or walk down the coast. However, I felt so relaxed here; I was able to sit and enjoy the sunshine for hours.
While we were lying, on our lounge chairs on Palmanova Beach 🏖, a few local vendors walked down the beach saying, "massage, massage." My friend couldn't resist the tempting offer, and he ushered her over and paid the nominal fee. Since we had just arrived at the beach, he hadn't put on sunblock yet. He asked if she would use sunblock lotion as the oil. My friend loved it and was completely satisfied with the job done. However, none of us spot-checked her application of sunblock - my poor friend was deeply unsatisfied with the patches of sunburn on his back that lasted the next few days 😆.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is the capital of the Catalonia region in Spain. This city has excellent nightlife and is located on the water. I love strolling down La Rambla, a large pedestrian street running through the center of Barcelona. Every time I step into the Market de la Boqueria, I awe at all the different types of food available.
Barcelona is home to Park Güell, with spectacular views of the city and vibrant tile structures. In 2013, my sister and I adventured with a group of travelers from the city walking tour to this park (pictured to the right). We struggled to navigate our way on public transportation to this park perched on a hill. The sun was setting by the time we made it there. I still remember the adrenaline rush I felt as we ran up the mosaic tile steps to see the view of Barcelona, opening my arms to welcome the view.
The unfinished church, La Sagrada Familia, is famous for being under construction since the 1880s.
Personally, I don't get much joy from this church. It brings back feelings of frustration and fatigue because my sister confidently led us in the wrong direction for a mile and insisted we persevered.
Both times I visited Barcelona, I stumbled upon a human pyramid contest (what are the odds?). This is where Castellers climb on top of each other and make tall human pyramids. I was so confused when I first witnessed hundreds of people climb on each other in 2013 at La Merce festival, the largest street party in Barcelona. When I saw it the next time in September 2019, I was so excited to see it again, but Justin was very confused as we pushed our way through the crowds to get a good view.
Cadaques, Spain
Located two hours from Barcelona by car, Cadaques is a breathtaking city on a bay of the Mediterranean Sea. My significant other's friend recommended staying there for her castle wedding in September 2019. I feel happy-go-lucky on vacation in places like Cadaques. I enjoy eating good food, treating myself to ice cream (JOIA), and shopping with a nice view. Cadaques had it all.
Check out my Instagram stories from the epic wedding we attended near Cadaques!
Ronda, Spain
Ronda is a mountaintop town known for its arch bridge and white missionary-styled buildings. My friends and I wanted an escape from our five-day stay in Seville. I was in awe when I first saw the massive arch bridge. As we crossed the bridge, we saw people way down below. Our exploration led us down a path the chasm. As we proceeded down, it became cool and damp as we scaled down the mountain.
Seville, Spain
Seville is a large city in Spain known for tapas. When I booked five nights in Seville with four other people, I expected to eat tapas, go out all night, sleep in, get some more tapas/lunch, siesta, and repeat. With the day trip to Ronda and the amble amount of time, or so I thought, we relaxed, worked out, played with Justin's drone, ate, and drank. I regret not taking a walking tour or visiting the Alcázar of Seville, which was used to file Game of Thrones on HBO.
Check out my Instagram stories from Seville!
I'm disappointed I haven't had the chance to visit Madrid, Spain. I am sure someday I will make a stop here to explore the capital of Spain.
To see these destinations and more, follow this link to my Spanish Destination Itinerary and to Barcelona Itinerary on Google Maps @BeeCeeingtheWorldYo!
Email comments or questions to BeeCeeingtheWorldYo@gmail.com.
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