Barcelona

I needed it. I really needed it. So i planned it (along with a new friend of mine: holaaa Antonio). Anyway. Visit Barcelona was a beautiful discovery and a nice surprise. We only had a few days available (yeah, come on  3 whole days are definitely not enough). But, i think, we got the best of it.

Day one.

Actually we arrived in Barcelona during the night, so this has been a 'full day'. We booked a lovely apartment (for 4), very well located, near "Sagrada Familia" and only couple of minutes from next metro station. Our first stop was the "Sagrada Familia", did you know that work on the "Sagrada Familia" began in 1882 and hasn't finished yet? We booked ahead (after some feedback, we decided that we would buy the tickets without any combinations), downloaded our tickets and everything went really smoothly. I gotta say: it is magnificent. The area around the basilica is full of fast foods and cheaper options for lunch and dinner. We had a break, obviously, after the visit (total duration of about two hours). In the afternoon we walked along the magnificent complex of the "Sant Pau recinte modernista", i mean, as we strolled, we admired the building's lovely exteriors: domes, roofs, façades, sculptures and stained-glass windows are the most outstanding elements. Then we went to "Parc Guell", that represents the reflection of Gaudí's artistic plenitude; naturally, even in this case it's important to book the tickets in time (yeah, there's a ticket to get into the park). We have been chillin around "La Rambla" at dinner time, choosing one of the best tourist destinations for the 'tapas'.

Day two.

We spent this day exploring the old town of Barcelona. There is one thing I noticed about Barcelona: there is always something to admire here. So, the advice is to walk around because the city is very full of places that want to be discovered.
From where we stayed, we could walk to most parts around town.
We started from the "Sagrada Familia", we went through the "Arc de Triomf" ( it is located at the beginning of a pedestrian boulevard) and, after taking a walk on that avenue, we ended up in the old town. The old town is where the beautiful "Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya" and the "Palau de la Música Catalana" can be found.
Another outstanding monument in the Old City is the "Catedral de la Santa Cruz y Santa Eulalia". A little traditional outdoor market is held in "Plaça del Pi" (I've bought a few souvenirs: Jamón ibérico for my amazing fam'). You should all be so crazy as us and decide to climb a mountain: "Montjuïc". Why? I don't know.
Just kiddin'. This fantastic hill is full of attractions and historical heritage and will amaze you with excellent landscapes.
Why didn't we take the funicular railway? I don't know.
This madness has allowed us to do an aperitif on the stands of the "piscina municipal de Montjuïc",  with a breathtaking view of the entire city. Paella and sangria for dinner, of course.

Day three.

Today's program was mixed with so many things, you know.
We reached the "Rambla" (by foot, for a change), a very crowded and long street.
"Casa Milà" (also known as "Casa Pedrera") was our choice. It was relatively cheap and actually, no line at all.
You can explore the house on your own while listening to the audioguide: let me say, I really enjoyed the tour, it was very informative and well worth a thorough browsing.
"Casa Battlò" is very close, 5 min walk ish.
"Mercat de la Boqueria" has been the next step. For us, eating is not just a way to satisfy appetite, but also an opportunity to rediscover territory and identity (ah-ah-ah). With our stomach full our afternoon continued in the name of art and culture: we walked the "Rambla" from "Palau Güell" until we get to the "Mirador de Colom".
In addition, just to make us not miss anything, we took a pleasant walk along the coast: "Port Olimpic", "Port Vell", "Rambla de Mar" and "Barceloneta" were the stops... kind of romantic, i would say. To round off the day what's better than a good dish in a comfortable restaurant and a cozy atmosphere?
Five guys, FIVE GUYS (one of the best fast food chain in the world and a 'must' to try for me).

Day four.

I know. This chapter is not inserted in the table of contents. But.
Fun fact: our plane (taken in late morning of the fourth day) were forced to land to another city in Italy due to adverse weather conditions encountered during the trip.
I was so upset, my family was waiting for us for a 'pizza n' fam' night.. doh!
But i guess our own safety  should come first...
In any case, the company provided buses to arrive at our destination airport. This experience has represented the fading of "holidays" , something that has gifted us with a last unforgettable moment.