Exploring Barcelona Spain and getting COVID for the first time

by Carol Ranas
8 minutes read

I was grateful that my friends came to visit us this year in Europe. We had a lot to catch up on since it has been years since I last saw them. Somehow it eased my loneliness due to being homesick. Apart from the Netherlands, Spain was on their travel itinerary as well, so we made a quick 4-day weekend trip to Barcelona. 

Playa Catalunya Barcelona Spain Be Carol

Sagrada Familia Barcelona Be Carol

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a vibrant and historic city on Spain’s northeastern coast. It is known for its stunning architecture, delicious food, and beautiful beaches, Barcelona is a popular tourist destination that offers something for everyone. It was a short weekend getaway that included a lot of tapas, paellas, and cavas. This mom sure was grateful for a quick getaway with her friends.
Paella Barcelona Spain Be Carol

Barcelona Spain Be Carol Sangria

One of the most famous attractions we visited in Barcelona is the Sagrada Familia, a massive church designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudi. The church, which has been under construction for over 100 years, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is considered one of the most unique and beautiful buildings in the world. Up until the present, the church is still in construction even after Gaudi passed. We saw the overall plan for the church, and they had only completed two out of the four buildings that were planned. 
Sagrada Familia Barcelona Spain Be carol
We took a tour of the inside of the church and climbed to the top for a panoramic view of the city. Sagrada Familia was a sight to behold. Every nook and corner was a work of art. I may be a bit biased because I prefer architectural art over art paintings, and this specific masterpiece was a 10/10 must-see.
Sagrada Familia Barcelona Spain Be Carol

My friends and I also joined a Gothic Quarter walking tour. For those interested in history, the Gothic Quarter is a must-try activity. This medieval neighborhood is home to the Cathedral of Barcelona, the Palau de la Generalitat, and the Plaça del Rei, all of which offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history. Our tour guide was very eager to share with us the history as her great-grandpa relieved it himself. We sure hit our steps goal while admiring the old city and listening to the stories behind each old historic building.

Gothic Quarter Barcelona Spain Be Carol

We also joined the Gaudi walking tour where we were able to see buildings designed by Gaudi, which has become a focal point of architectural art in Barcelona. We were able to see buildings that Gaudi designed such as Casa Batlao and La Pedrera – Casa Mila. Gaudi’s work is known for its unique and whimsical style, blending elements of nature, religion, and modernist design. A lot of it is evident in all the buildings he had designed. I was really amazed by Gaudi’s work. We only saw three of his buildings, yet I really wished we had seen the other art as well.

Casa Batlao Gaudi Barcelona Be Carol

Gaudi Architecture Barcelona Spain Be Carol


Gaudi Barcelona Spain Be Carol

Aside from cultural walking tours, we also indulged in the food scene in Barcelona. Barcelona is a great destination for foodies. The city is known for its affordable and delicious seafood, tapas, and paella. We sure ate a lot of paellas and tapas the entire trip.  We also did a bit of retail therapy in Zara and Mango as these brands originated in Spain. I saved EUR10 for each item I bought, in comparison if I bought them in the Netherlands.

Pinxos Barcelona Spain food Be Carol

Barcelona Spain Pandemic Be Carol

Our trip was short but we sure had a lot of fun. I can’t wait to go back and bring my family to Barcelona, or to Spain in general. It was ironic because I caught COVID right after my flight back to the Netherlands. Boohoo! (T_T)

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