So after an amazing time in Rome I couldn't wait to head to Barcelona! We checked into the Aparthotel Mariano Cubi which had a lot of space and a beautiful bathroom… and the front desk spoke English! It was also really well located and we were able to walk to Las Ramblas where there are tons of shops, artists and restaurants. There are a number of things to do in Barcelona but the number one thing to do is to check out everything Gaudi! 
Who is Gaudi? Antoni Gaudi was an architect whose work was influenced by the four passions in his life: architecture, nature, religion and his love for Catalonia. Gaudi’s best known work is The Sagrada Familia, a large Roman Catholic Church in Barcelona. The Sagrada is number one thing you need to see! It is an amazing structure with spires sprouting up from the middle of the city. There is so much symbolism at every turn… so for detailed explanations of the history and symbolism you have to do the audio tour! Even if you’re not a religious person there is so much beauty to appreciate. The construction of the Sagrada began in 1882 and Gaudi came in took over the project in 1883… the construction of the Sagrada is not funded by any government agency or official church… private donations and funds generated through ticket sales is how the construction is continued… so I HIGHLY recommend you go not only for the you to experience it but also to help continue the construction. It has an anticipated completed construction date of 2026… the centennial of Gaudi’s death. Something I also recommend is paying extra to take an elevator that goes up one of the spires! The weather wasn’t great when we went so this feature wasn’t available when we went. Also, take the time to really explore the museum with rare Gaudi drawings and sculptures.
The second must see in Barcelona is also a Gaudi work: Park Guell. This is an amazing Wonka-esque wonderland where you can over look the city and see all the way to the Mediterranean. In trying to explain this park I can’t come up with words that would adequately describe its beauty. The sun dances on the landscape and warmly plays on the stone and mosaics. Allot yourself a good amount of time to explore every inch of the park!
Another must see is the Mediterranean itself! We only got to spend a day at the beach on New Year’s Eve… and it was cold in December… but it is beautiful. We had an amazing 7 course meal at Opium Mar a restaurant/club located on the Med. The food was great and the atmosphere was a great mix of the hot and happening who’s who of Barcelona… we definitely were not in a tourist place!
A really cool way to see the city is on a walking tour… we chose the Gothic Architecture tour. We had a small group of about 12-15 and got to see a lot of great buildings and hear the history behind them. Our tour guide gave us a ton of great advice… the best piece being to check out the Santa-Caterina Market. There we found the Cuines Santa-Catarina restaurant… a beautifully Scandinavian inspired mixture of wood and foliage. We got there a little before 1 (when they open) and there was already a line… which multiplied quickly! Our lunch was delicious and was a favorite of the trip!
Like in Rome we really didn’t have any language problems. The majority of people spoke basic English and we knew enough Spanish to get by… We ate several times near the Sagrada Familia and everything we had was excellent! If a restaurant you go to has a tapas sampler you get to try a lot of things… but the Paella is a MUST! It was probably the best thing that I ate our entire trip… well, that and Sangria! For transportation we walked a ton and took taxi’s when necessary.
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