A Whirlwind Tour of Barcelona, Spain

I'm going to just say it as it is: Layovers suck! Most are stressful as you are trying to go from one flight to another within the right timing. They are uncomfortable as you spend hours sitting in plastic seats, after hours sitting in a pane. They are also tiring as you try to recover from one time zone to another. However, on occasion it is all worth it to see a new and wonderful place. Our layover in Barcelona, Spain was all of these things, and definitely worth the stop. Thankfully, we had a couple of days to take it in. Our route from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Bangkok, Thailand was cheapest with a quick stop in this city, so we thought why not enjoy what we can?

While we didn't have much time, we did see a lot in one whole day of exploring. The main attraction, at least for us, was Sagrada Família, a modernish cathedral with genius structure. Inside and out, this place is incredible and looks different from every angle. Brilliant colors illuminate the entire inside as sunlight shines through the many stained glass windows. There are rainbows in every corner. Light from windows above highlight spiral staircases. There is a vastness to the inside as the intricately designed ceiling rises high supported by immense pillars. It is quite a sight and no pictures can really do it justice.

Not far from Sagrada Família is the Gothic Quarter. This area was interesting enough that I wish we stayed there instead of across town. It is full of winding narrow streets. It seems you can get lost in there for hours walking up and down all of the little alleyways. If you explore long enough you will happen upon numerous historical sites including another architectural marvel: Catedral de la Santa Cruz. It is much older, and just as fantastic. The entrance is incredibly detailed, and the inside is gorgeous with high, vaulted ceilings and gold covered alters hidden behind wrought iron gates. Similarly designed chandeliers hang throughout. It is very impressive.

There is much to see in this city. So many beautiful buildings, and so much delicious food. We even managed to find our way around a tapas bar our first night. However, spending the day walking around, we were ready to relax. What better way to do so than to lay on one of the city's many, somewhat crowded beaches. It was warm and sunny, and it has been a while since we have been on a beach. It was lovely to say the least.

Short though it was, I really enjoyed Barcelona. Also as exhausting layovers can be, I rate this among the best. I'd like to go back and spend more time there, but we had other places to be. On our way to the new and much more foreign place of Thailand.

As a final note: Look a selfie! Carpe Diem!

Barcelona, Spain
Hotels:
Ibis Barcelona: 97 euros/night

Restaurants:

Transportation:
Airplane to Barcelona
Bus to beach: 1 euro ea
Metro to hotel: 3 euros ea
On foot

Activities:
Sagrada Familia: 20 euros ea
Gothic Quarter: free
Basilica of Santa Maria: free
Beaches: free