Shopping and more sightseeing

Thanks to a perfect sunny morning, Barcelona was gleaming. Arenas De Barcelona, Museo De Catalan, Fira Barcelona were just brilliant in the morning sunlight. Walking through the streets of Creu Coberta, we boarded a metro and headed to the famous Camp Nou stadium - FCB! Well, I am not a fan, neither I follow the sport, but being there and exploring the background of the evolution of FCB was nice. I picked a few souvenirs for fans back home. From there we headed straight to Saaria. Getting wet in the rains, shivering in the cold, found a place to grab some dinner.

The following day, myself and Shiksha set out shopping after moving to another place in Verdaguer.  Another name that me and Shiksha had fun reciting every now and then. Walking through Passeig, De Gracia, Portal De Angel and Placa De Catalunya, I picked a good number of souvenirs and we headed back for we had some great plans for the following day.

Arenas De Barcelona	View from atop Arenas	Fira Barcelona
Font Magica	Hostafrancs Market	FCB
Museu De Catalunya	Shopping with Shiksha	Reminded of Nyx!

A sight to remember at Passeig De Gracia

Raining yet touring

Following morning, we woke up to the mild rains and it wasn't something that we expected. Nevertheless we set out with our plan. The first thing I noticed were the street side Orange trees bearing numerous ripe oranges. I was so tempted to pluck one, but refrained. As Shiksha mentioned multiple times, I guess the regret might always remain that I didnt pluck one, but that might also be a starting point to visit Barca again. The metros in Barcelona are brilliant - the best way to travel. I still can't get over the pronunciation of 'Maragall' - something that Shiksha and myself will remember for lifetime, I guess. 

Reached Sagrada Familia, a majestic structure, the feeling inside the monument was inexplicable, I had goosebumps every now and then, had it been prohibited to talk inside the structure it would have been a unique experience. Covering Casa Mila, La Pedrera, Casa Battlo, Arc De Triomphe, we walked the busy streets of Passeig De Gracia and called it a day. Had a local Spanish dinner and back home preparing a plan for the following day.

Sagrada Familia	Spot the orange trees	Sagrada Familia
Casa Mila	At La Pedrera	View from our balcony
Dinner!	Sagrada Familia	Fun at the metro
With Sharan	Creme' Catalana	Casa Battlo

Beautiful Barcelona

I have heard a lot about European cities about their lifestyles, atmosphere, people, food, and it took a while for me to even believe in the moment and experience all of it for myself. My first impression was great. Barcelona was an amazing host. Its charm, beauty, people and lively atmosphere inspired me. Into the city roads and I was lost in thoughts dreaming.

Some logistical aspects:

• Buying a metro pass or a Hola BCN pass is very useful. Available at kiosks in metro stations and at the airport as well.
• Book accommodation before hand. Thanks to Airbnb and Agoda, we had our accommodation sorted
• It is also a big advantage to know a bit of Spanish. :)

Reached Horta, our place of stay for the next 4 days. With a beautiful balcony view and a cosy bed, we were off to sleep after chalking out an itinerary for day 2!

The majestic horse at the airport	Christmas decorations!	On the streets of Horta
Dinner at Pans Company	Capture of the beautifully lit streets	Climbing the hills at El-Carmel
Posing	Posers! :)

Planning and preparing

Thanks to Skyscanner, the not-so-expensive air fares, got me to choose Spain as my holiday destination this winter. It took close to a month to plan the itinerary, decide on accommodation and finally get the passport stamped with a schengen visa. As the day of travel was nearing, my excitement kept leaping to new levels. This would be my first visit to the European continent. The day arrived. To Barcelona it was! Waiting eagerly at John Lennon Airport in Liverpool for the flight.