Barcelona is nowhere close to being the most beautiful city I have ever been to, but it has a charm that makes it almost irresistible. As I travel, I continually evaluate cities with the inevitable question: could I see myself living here? After my four days in Barcelona, the answer is a resounding yes. Barcelona is the perfect mix of a modern city with a variety of activities and a reasonable sized city with easy access to all points. It is amazing that you can walk 15 minutes to the center of the city and less than 1.5 miles away is the beach. During my stay in Barcelona, I never once felt that I had exhausted all the possible activities, but, at the same time, I never felt overwhelmed by the city’s complexity . Overall it was a great trip, made exceptional by the city itself and the people I met.

Just a few thoughts (because when do I not have some thoughts…):

1. Can we bring their Metro system to DC?

After riding the DC metro every day to and from work for the past couple of months, I was shocked at the sophistication of the metro in Barcelona. First and foremost, the cost is significantly better. I was able to buy a T-10 card which allowed me 10 rides for around 10 euros. In DC, I spend $7 each day on my round trip travel to work. Second, THE METRO ACTUALLY COMES ON TIME. I repeat, the metro actually shows up when they say it will. How do I know that? In Barcelona, they have a screen that counts down (to the second) how long it will be until the next train. I actually took a picture because I could not believe how amazing it was.

Third, once you are inside the train they have a board that shows the entire line and lights up once you arrive at each station. I am telling you, it is almost impossible to get lost on that metro (although, let’s be real…I wouldn’t put it past you Mom haha).

2. There are runners in Barcelona.

I admit that my experience in Europe is mainly subjected to Italy, but I have never been to a city in Europe where I consistently see runners. In the past, I would get funny looks if I went running in a city and the streets were not very conducive to runners. One of the first things I noticed in Barcelona was how many runners there were all the time.

My roommate at the hostel, Thomas, had just recently completed his first marathon in Valencia. Since I am training for a half-marathon (obviously training being subjective), Thomas and I decided to go on a short run to the beach. It was beautiful! We were able to run along the water to the port and then to the beach.

(Quick side note on Thomas: Thomas is from the Netherlands, and I could not have asked for a better roommate at the hostel. When I came in late or woke up early, Thomas never minded. Instead, he would ask how my night was or tell me to have a good day since, as he put it, he was “already awake anyways.” It was great getting to know him and I hope we will be able to meet up again in the future!)

3. Palm Trees on Palm Trees on Palm Trees

Maybe it’s just me, but I really was not expecting there to be palm trees in Barcelona. I associate palm trees with warm weather year round and while Barcelona was not frigid, it certainly didn’t seem the temperament needed for palm trees to stay alive. Regardless, it was a great change of scenery and I loved being around them.

(Andy – how hyped are you on these palm trees? You’re missing out. Just saying…)

In addition to palm trees, Barcelona had a lot of random nature that I wasn’t expecting. For example: cactus. I have never seen cactus before (which I guess means I am not 100% sure it is cactus, more that it just looks like cactus haha).

4. Beautiful Modern Architecture

When I first arrived in Barcelona, the hostel staff told me the number 1 thing I needed to see was the Sagrada Familia. I knew it was a church and that was it. I paid to go inside the church as well as climb the towers. What I found completely shocked me (again, ignore my ignorance).

First, it was designed in the early 1900’s by Gaudi, the most famous architect in Barcelona. What is the big deal about this? Truthfully, I was expecting the church to be older. In Italy, all of the churches are significantly older. I always told myself that the reason America does not have churches as grand or beautiful is because they were not built in the same time period. After seeing the Sagrada Familia I realize that (a) this is not true and (b) America needs to get on this building churches business.

Second, WHY IS THIS CHURCH SO BEAUTIFUL? How can you not be in awe after immediately walking into this church?

It seriously looks like a rainbow continually shining through.

The architecture is out of this world. Gaudi loved nature and it’s incredibly evident in his work. There are branching columns at different heights within the church to make it feel like a forest. The grand structure of the church certainly makes it seem as if you are part of something that is bigger than you.

(Total side note: Last night at the hostel I had a conversation with two Norwegians. They were explaining to me how its possible to get high just by breathing in the air of the Norwegian nature. Obviously I have never been to the Norwegian forest, but if you ever happen to make it there definitely let me know your thoughts on this.)

5. I can use my Italian! (mostly)

As Mara so kindly explained to me, the dialect of Barcelona (catalan) is very similar to Italian. I am totes okay with this. 🙂 It was really great to be able to use my Italian if someone did not know English. Even though I do not know spanish, speaking in Italian while the other person spoke in Spanish made me feel more like I was part of the culture.

While at the market with Thomas, I met an Argentenian man at the crepe station who actually spoke Italian. It was awesome to be able to fully communication and practice my Italian. Also, the crepe was AMAZING. I am talking out of this world. Go there and eat one. Just do it.

6. Outstanding Overlooks (Like my alliteration there?)

I am a sucker for overlooks of a city. Thankfully, Barcelona seemed to have a lot of places for me to take overlook pictures.

The view from the top of Parc Guell:

The view from Parc de Montjuic:

The view from the top of Sagrada Familia:

7. Thought of the day: While at Park Guelf, I saw this graffiti advocating to make the Park free. At what point is the line drawn between allowing for free public parks vs. privatizing in order to protect the nature?