Barcelona, Spain: the land overflowing with tapas and Gaudi.

This past weekend, Kevin and I traveled to Barcelona. 

This was our first trip out of the country. Janice is studying abroad in Cordoba, Spain and we wanted to meet up since I haven't seen her since June. The whole process of getting there, or any where really, is kinda complicated but its well worth it. We started out at the Uni of Kent. We walked about 1.5 miles into town to the Canterbury bus station. From there we traveled to the Victoria Coach Station in London which is about an hour and half ride. Then we traveled by train to the Gatwick airport which is about an hour outside of London. Then from Gatwick we flew via Ryanair (this is a whole other post) to Girona, Spain which is about an hour and a half outside Barcelona. Then we took another bus from the airport to Barcelona, Gard de Nord Station. Then we took the metro to the gothic quarter. Then we met up with Janice and walked to our hostel. By that time we were seasoned travelers of public transportation.

Monument to Christopher Colombus.

Barcelona is such a great city. Because it is located in northwestern Spain, it has a lot of Catalan influence. Catalan is primarily spoken but people do speak Spanish. That night we grabbed some tapas at the normal Spanish dinner time of 10pm. 

Pulpitas a la placha (Grilled Octopus)

The next day we traveled all around Barcelona on the amazing metro, the day pass was only 6 euro. We saw many works of the famous architect, Antoni Gaudi, built all over the city. 

Casa Batllo

Parc Guell

That's rain not sweat.

View from Parc Guell

Gaudi's famous lizard

Then we went to the Parc Ciutadella which is the most central park in Barcelona.

Arc de Triomf

Parc Ciutadella

We wandered over to the Sagrada Familia, which is one of Guadi's works. It's been under construction since 1882 and still has over 20 years to go. What a project!

Gaudi's hospital

The next morning we started our day off with the ever so healthy, chocolate con churros. Fried, crunchy churros to dunk into a thick, creamy glass of hot chocolate. This has to be one of the best ways to start a day. 

With our stomachs full of chocolate, we walked around La Rambla which is the main touristy street full of flower vendors and people dressed up as statues. Then we went to the Mercat de la Boqueria. What an amazing place! I wrote about the food of Barcelona on Salt & Spatula.

This was such a great trip, especially to see Janice and catch up with her. However, the excitement wasn't over yet. We were sitting at the bus stop to return to Girona aiport when this shady man comes over and starts to muttle something in spanish to Janice. He was getting too close to her so Kevin and I directed our attention to him. He wandered off and we were thinking that that event was kinda strange. Only five minutes later, did Kevin realize that his backpack had been stolen and our bus left in only 20 minutes. We knew about pick pocketers especially in Barcelona, so the whole time we were watching each other and our bags. Our back packs were on the ground between our legs. We were so baffled at how he had gotten his bag. After a minor panic attack, we prayed together and asked God to give us peace and that the issue would be settled. Praise God that Kevin had his new dslr camera in his lap, and his passort and wallet in his pocket. There were clothes, an older ipod, and copies of travel documents in the backpack but nothing too crucial. We talked to the security who directed us to the police station. They were very helpful but they said honestly, there wasn't much we could do. Across the street, we were able to print out bus and airplane boarding passes so we were set. We boarded the bus and Kevin called our UC advisor and let her know what had happened. Then God showed us a rainbow and it was a reminder to that everything was going to be alright. Looking back, I am very thankful to God. Nothing too important was taken, we were not hurt or harmed, we were all together so we could work together, and it made us realize that we aren't in control and that God is, all the time. I find such peace in knowing that. Most of the time we ask for safety when traveling, but God used this incidence to grow closer with Him.

I learned this trip about how God is the one who hold us and watches over us. It was such a blessing to talk with Janice and learn how God is working through her in Spain with her host family. In terms of the incident,  we were being cautious the whole time. I don't think we would have done anything different, that guy was just too good. 

Tomorrow morning, Kevin and I are leaving for Switzerland. Time to practice yodeling. Cheers!