Weekend getaway: Barcelona
They say third time’s a charm and maybe it’s true. The first two were for work and even though the third was a mix of business and pleasure, I was able to thoroughly enjoy the city. This time, I brought the husband along for the much desired photos (without twisting my neck for selfies). It was his first and it’s my third time this year, fourth time since July 2012. And we both enjoyed Barcelona very much.
But I would not wax sentimental to this proud Catalan city. Barcelona is different from the other cities I have been to. Here I don’t feel the need to SEE anything. I am happy just soaking in into the Spanish atmosphere, drink copious amount of sangria as early as 12 noon, eat tapas for dinner and just enjoy the company of the people who have become so dear to me in the last five months.
In Barcelona, I do not need to rush.
One afternoon, husband and I decided that we want to see the Sagrada Familia cathedral. It was a beautiful day, chilly but the sun is shining and the city evokes it’s typical siesta ambiance. So after finishing sangria and coffee, we lined up for tickets. Five minutes later, after realizing it would take another 30 minutes before we get our tickets, we left the line and decided to get ice cream from the gelateria across the street. After all, neither of us care so much about church interiors – me because I do not think I’ll find anything more beautiful than the church of Spilled Blood in Peter and the husband just because it’s not his kind of visuals.
Just today, while looking at all the photos, we realized that he did not have a single picture of Park Guell without our beautiful model. Because that’s Barcelona – we didn’t have to practice our professions. We were just there to enjoy the Spanish lifestyle in one long weekend getaway.
Nonetheless, here are some photos I took while we roaming around the city. I was finally able to test my non-existent photography eye with the camera that the husband gave me “because I am so poor at technique.” Enjoy.
‘The husband approves’ photo made me chuckle. It’s good to see you doing a travelogue every now and then. I really wish you’ll write more here 🙂 I love your photos and your account of Barcelona. It’s sort of a rebellious contempt for the former coloniser, but it has never crossed my mind to visit Spain. I know it’s beautiful based on photos I’ve seen but it’s a country that I refuse to know. On that note, I’m happy to vicariously visit Spanish cities through other people’s experiences of it. I know someone who can’t stand being anywhere in France. I get her logic about it. So I guess I’m not alone 🙂 Thank you for a giving me a tour 🙂
Marj x
Hi Marj, sorry I only saw this comment now although I have unconsciously approved it. Wow, it never occured to me that you have this strong feeling against Spain. But I understand. I know someone who swore that he will never go to Japan because his grandparents and his father were prisoners of war. But now that he is getting old, his view are “slowly” changing. Spain is a lot like home, if you ever give it a chance. And I remember the great grand niece of Rizal, it wasn’t the Spanish people, not even the Spanish government, it was just the friars. Anyway, there are enough beautiful places in Europe, you won’t run out of places to see 🙂