My First Solo Trip: Barcelona, Spain
No one have yet asked me when did my “passion” or desire for traveling begin? Which countries were on my list, or whether I have a reason why I’d want to visit them. As a matter of fact, there were very few conversations about dreams or traveling to places that seemed too extravagant, ambitious, or too far. In all honesty, I only saw my parents consider going no further than Connecticut or Florida to visit the family for 2 weeks during the holidays. And before you even think about it, my answer is NO, I don’t judge them. But occasionally, I do some wishful thinking about my upbringing; I mean, don’t we all?
Nevertheless, YOU are not here for that part of my story, so let us get back to what matters right now, and that is my first solo trip to Barcelona. After some substantial research about its weather, historical places, and things to eat or do, I came up with the top 6 things to do in Madrid within 72 hours. And here is what I did while in Barcelona, Spain:
While reading about Barcelona, I noticed how many of its most notable architectures are somehow related to the one and only Gaudi, and La Pedrera was no exception. The color combination is one thing, but the sort of hidden courting area, the ventilation system, and how he maximized the incoming natural lighting through the entire 4-story house is something to be wowed about. I must admit, my then crappy camera didn’t do it justice. Still, I hope the images give you a good glimpse of the color scheme and astonishing details. Since Gaudi was a catholic, he sought to incorporate statues of archangels Saint Michael and Saint Gabriel in the property. Although Gaudi is now celebrated and recognized for his work, back then, he was ridiculed for what the public considered an absurd construction. He designed it without a single straight angle throughout the entire house. But in the end he came to be one of the most recognized architects in the worlds history. So I guess he could say, “suck on that, you peasants!” Right? I would.
La Sagrada Família
If you want to be amazed, delighted, and inspired, look no further; La Sagrada familiar will do that and more. It has everything, from a dead corpse and meticulous statues to incredible ceilings inspired by nature. Starting with Gaudí’s tomb, held in the chapel dedicated to the El Carmen Virgin on the underground level where visitors can come see it. It also has been claimed as part of the World Heritage by UNESCO. Not only is the entire structure man-made, but its constructors’ faces are also embedded in it. Personally, I don’t think this is a bad but rather an easy way to make it in the history of the world, especially since Pope Benedict XVI declared it a basilica. However, one view that would leave you speechless is the pillars resembling tree shapes and the turtle and tortoise-inspired ceilings representing the water and earth.
Sadly the day I went to the park, it was slightly cloudy, so the images look less vivid than I would want them to. However, the colors are vibrant enough to display the park’s essence. Unfortunately, what it began as 60 villas’ construction plan ended after little interest was shown in the 2 houses made back then. The houses in the park were designed by the Catalan architect Francesc Berenguer while the Austria’s flowers were donated in 1977. Instead of getting rid of the hills in the landscape, Gaudi decided to use them while designing the park as inspiration while also mimicking the shape and structure of the trees in the park’s columns.
After visiting the marvelous Sagrada Família, it would be a sin to not stop by his architecture house as well. So I walked through Park Güell and followed the path until I reached the 4-story home. On the first floor, you can walk through the furniture exhibition he designed, as well as paintings and pictures of him. In addition, you can get a closer look at some of the objects and documents relating to his life. Did you know that 7 of his works were declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO between 1984 and 2005? Impressive!
Museum of History of Barcelona (MUHBA)
I made the horrible mistake of thinking Catalan was like a sister language of Spanish and did not alter my then reservations. Luckily, our guide noticed my deer-in-the-headlights look and gave me a pre-recording Spanish version. The excavations of Barcino, the Roman city of Barcelona, were forgotten until an excavation in 1835. The underground area accommodates four Corinthian columns and a fragment of the frieze of a Roman Augustus temple built at the end of the 1st century B.C. Talking about “goodwill hunting,” right? Ancient ceramics and other objects were found in the excavations at the entrance. After taking the elevator to the basement, I came across the Barcino drawings that vividly supplemented Roman settlement.
Flamenco Show
You cannot argue with me on this one. This was the first of many Flamenco shows I’ve attended, yet this one in particular is engraved in my heart like a tattoo. The passion gushing like a wild river through the dancers was mesmerizing. I probably fell in love with the handsome dancer in the black vest, but our romance lives on in my dreams, of course lol. The typical flamenco outfit is called the Traje de Flamenca. The flamenco dresses emulate the guitar shape to enhance a woman’s figure. A fun fact I learned about Flamenco is the term “Duende,” which describes the ‘soul’ of Flamenco and the vehemence that overtakes you while performing. If I were you, I’d arrange the reservations well before visiting.
I loved my time in Barcelona and can’t wait to return. I hope to do it justice next time because this short review is just not enough. Furthermore, I’ll make a video about Barcelona on my YouTube channel and add a few new clips of my upcoming visit.
PS: I believe I was 10 years old when I began to wonder about the world and all the different types of people, along with their beautiful cultures and exquisite architecture. Spain was in my top 5 simply because I’m Puerto Rican, and their culture is strongly embedded in mine. So here is to you all: cherish your roots and learn your history well enough not to repeat it but to let it inspire us to forge a future that is all that much better.
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