Flamenco in Barcelona

Barcelona. Where to begin. A charming, big city full of food and people. And, Gaudi.

Near the water on the Eastern side of Spain, Barcelona is very rich in history, especially art history. Now, I am no professional in art, nor have I been a keen art observer in my life. However, Gaudi is everywhere in Barcelona, and so is art in general. And let me tell you, it is beautiful. Seriously, it almost brought tears to my eyes. It would have if I was hydrated (stay hydrated, kids).

Starting with Park Guell, it is basically a park dedicated to art. Every piece is nature in its true form. And lets not forget, this is where the famous Cheetah Girls strut on the steps of the park. Then we have Casa Batllo, a whimsical building in the heart of Barcelona, once a resident building, now a museum. I am not sure how to explain it, but it's fun, colorful, and very different. Last but not least, Basilica de la Sagrada Familia. Here is where I truly felt alive. This church is unbelievable. I have never seen anything like it, and never will. It is massive, beautiful, and whimsical as well. The outside and inside are to represent nature, similar to Park Guell, but instead of being built around nature, it is built to be like nature. The spires represent cypress trees, and the front represents erosion of rock, as if seen on the side of a mountain. The inside pillars represent trees and the colorful stainglass windows represent the colors of the Earth. This, I truly had no words for, except amazing and spectacular.

Spain is known for its tapas, which are quite literally everywhere you walk into. They are big on food and wine, of course, and it did not disappoint. Who wouldn't want multiple appetizers with a cocktail or glass of wine at any hour of the day? And the restaurants are plenty. I'm talking lined up on every street, so food is not in short supply. And did I mention it's all walkable?

Barcelona is super busy, but if you ever find yourself around there, please visit. And if you just visit for La Sagrada Familia, that would be enough, it is truly unbelievable. Oh, and be sure to see a Flamenco show! It is very different from anything in the U.S. in the best way, super authentic and cool.