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.

A graffiti artist working his skills at a fashion boutique.

Boys having fun at Plaza Universidad at night.

Colorful menu at restaurant Lolita.

Gardeners at Montjuïc, keeping the fortress picture-perfect for tourists like us.

If you have geography skills, Barcelona is great city to cycle.

Inside the Montjuïc fortress.

Las Ramblas, it’s never empty.

Not the best churros con chocolate. Probably because we had it in a Turkish place.

Sangria at 12 noon, why not?

Snap shots at Park Guell before our very short photo shoot.

Standing high and proud- the flag of Catalunya.

The best pulpo I’ve had in ages.

The husband approves.

The small Saturday antique market at Plaza Real.