| Page Views: 2,245 Last Visit to Barcelona: January, 2004 | Crazy me don't think there's pain...in Barcelona. by surferob - last update: Nov 21, 2004 |
(lyric from "Barcelona" by Rufus Wainwright) | Overview of Barcelona from spirit-lifting Montjuic |
I'm lucky enough to have some good friends living in Barcelona, so visits there take on an entirely different dimension than those I've visited where the most familiar thing is my backpack. (The guy of the couple I know works at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, aka "Hotel Beaux Arts".) When I go to Barcelona - I've only been twice - I'm able to fall into the kind of rhythm that I aspire to get into no matter where I am in the world. That being the feeling of being somewhat 'at home' there. At least like a home away from home. It's probably no coincidence that I find it somewhat reminiscent of my own San Diego...not identical, mind you, just a bit similar.
So my impressions and memories of this glorious city are a tad unique. Still, I can objectively look at it and say that it's a must-see type of city for any traveler, especially those looking to soak up some of culture-rich Western Europe. It has many attributes as a destination. It's big in size and scale, has more than enough fodder for you history buffs, world-class shopping (or so I'm told), and last but not least is just teeming with art. Art seeps from the pores of this city, from its metro stops and lampposts to its churches and parks. Granted, most of it has the unmistakable signature of hometown boy Antony Gaudi, but there's no harm in that I suppose (although I'll leave that to the art buffs to decide). On the more practical side, accomodations seem to be plentiful although I have little direct experience in this area, with the exception of one hostel which I will be giving a strong recommendation for in my 'Accomodations' section. Add to that the welcoming climate, vibrant streetlife and aforementioned Metro, which is as remarkably simple and convenient as those in other major cities, and you have all the makings of a great European stopover. |
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| Pros: | "SUN....both falling from the sky and emanating from the streets." | | Cons: | "Catalan language is difficult to just 'pick up'" | | In A Nutshell: | "If you're going as far as the South of France, consider crossing the Pyrenees to have a look." |
surferob's Barcelona Travel Tips
 Comments for surferob about Barcelona | | | | |
damiancorrigan Wed Mar 11, 2009 00:08 UTC
The cathedral is nowhere near Gracia. Gracia is on the other side of the Eixample. About 30 mins walk from the cathedral, maybe more. | MalenaN Sun Nov 4, 2007 16:30 UTC
Barcelona sounds to be a lovely city! I'm really looking forward to my first visit next year. | Efrika Sat Nov 20, 2004 17:55 UTC
I like that you always look at a town from close and also from distance | butterfly_girl Fri Oct 29, 2004 14:17 UTC
Great tips on Barcelona! Very nice.... Happy surfing! |
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