It is the color blue, bluer than anything you have ever seen in your life "have you ever seen a sky like that?" my roommate said to me. I just shook my head and leaned back against the Liechtenstein at the end of Via Laietana near Barceloneta in Barcelona, Spain. Blue is the color of Barcelona. There is nothing better than seeing excitement through someone else eyes. It is an instant moment of pleasure to see a person sublimely happy. It is an experience that can only be outdone by feeling this same supreme elation yourself.
I measure the places I have traveled in my life in two periods, before and after Barcelona. Before I moved there I was a dreamy child and after I was an aspiring adult, but while I was there I was in a different world, where nothing else existed except for the Mediterranean sun, that blue sky, the Catalan language and Guadi. It is a singular city, steeped in tradition and wonderfully stubborn, but modern in it's art and laid back approach to life. I'd chose it over Madrid any day and for one simple reason, the sea. I have lived in many a landlocked place and nothing compares to living your life on the edge, being in a city that is cradled by mountains and vast open water. When you travel outside of these limits you are gone, you are in the real world, but inside of them you are in a place as surreal as any painting or monument.
I could write post as long as a summer day is long, but I will stick to a few places that can and can't be missed.
Top 10 Barcelona
10) Barceloneta: You cannot come to Barcelona and not see the Mediterranean. It is hard to believe, but it is not the most beautiful thing in Barcelona. There is a man made beach and far too many bootleggers lining the pier, but the palm trees, the wind, the luxurious boats and the outdoor cafes are enough to make anyone swoon. Every person that came to visit me during my year in Spain was promptly taken down to the beach and we would drink a beer, take off our shoes and lean into the wind.
9) Montjuic and the Magic Fountain: Ok, ok it is very touristy, but who cares and I guarantee you will find locals there as well. Go on a warm evening an hour or so before the sun goes down. You can climb the steps of the National Museum and look out over the entire city. "So this is what a city of 4 million looks like" exclaimed my mother as we looked over Barcelona. You can explore the spectacular walkways and Gardens surrounding the museum as well as stroll through Olympic park situated just behind. For lovers of modern art go straight down the hill from MNAC to Caixa Forum. After you've had your fill of art and sun find a seat somewhere in the vicinity, wait for the sun to set and enjoy the deliciously cheesy light, music and water show of the Magic fountain.
8) The Gaudi Houses: Everything Gaudi has created is worth a visit, but you can take a quick tour of the outside or inside of Gaudi's three popular houses in Barcelona. Casa Vicens cannot be seen from the inside because some lucky residents get to call this masterpiece home. La Pedrera (Casa Mila) named for it's similarity to rock quarry should be seen from every angle. There are no straight lines in this structure, everything is curved which makes a trip inside dizzyingly romantic. Casa Batllo or Casa dels ossos (House of Bones) is a monstrous structure in the heart of the city. It's outside looks like the skeleton of a prehistoric being, while the inside is cool, calm and commercial (some offices still exists here) as water. After you are done with the house you do not need to go far to see more Gaudi. The lamp posts, sidewalk tiles and manhole covers are designed or influenced by the artist as well.
7) Barri Gotic: It is the oldest part of the city complete with fortified walls. It is also home to the Cathedral. Pay the money to climb to the roof of the cathedral. The views are not the best in the city, but they are different. You are just above roof level and therefore you get a more intimate look at the residence of Barcelona, like who sunbaths naked, what clothes are hung out to dry and who is the best rooftop gardener in the city.
6) Arc de Triomf and Parc de la Ciutadella: This was my neighborhood, so I am a little biased, but I guarantee that there is no better place in the city to take a walk, read a book, write in your journal or just people watch. Parc de la Ciutadella is a lush sanctuary in the middle of the city. It is a fragrant oasis filled with orange trees, bay laurel, and hidden benches. The walkway ending at the Arc de Triomf is a wide open promenade, a perfect spot to eat your lunch and watch the locals take the air.
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