Spain

Day 1

On the first day of our trip to Spain, we arrived in Barcelona at 9:30 in the morning and immediately set out to explore, as we had a full day planned ahead of us. Our first stop was Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera, one of the iconic buildings designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi. We climbed to the roof of the building, where we were able to admire the intricate design and the beautiful views of the city. We spent the rest of the day exploring the surrounding area, taking in the sights and sounds of the city, while also fighting off the jet lag.

Day 2

In the morning, we went on Sandemans walking tour, where we learned about the rich history of Barcelona and admired the beautiful buildings and local points of interest. We then visited The Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, where we were struck by the grand and beautiful interior of the church.

In the afternoon, we explored the Gothic Quarter and El Born, enjoying the vibrant city life and checking out the different shops and stores. It was fun and relaxing to go into different stores at our own leisure and explore different things that the city had to offer. Our last stop for the day was Casa Batllo, another iconic Gaudi building. We climbed to the roof and took a picture of the famous "Dragon's Spine" sculpture.

Day 3

On the third day of our trip, we dedicated the entire day to exploring the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, one of the most famous and iconic buildings in Barcelona. Despite being under construction for over 136 years at the time of our visit, a significant portion of the church is open to the public, and we were able to admire the stunning architecture and intricate design of the interior. I was continuously shook by the beauty and intricacy of the interior design — colored light filled the room through the beautifully designed stained glass.

After exploring the Basilica, we walked to the Sant Pau Recinte Modernista, a former hospital that offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of healthcare in the city. Used almost a century ago, learning about hospitalization in those times really puts into perspective how far humanity has progressed.

Day 4

On the fourth day of our trip, we visited the Museu Nacional d'art de Catalunya (MNAC), where we enjoyed the wide variety of art on display. We then went to the Fundacio Joan Miro, a modern art collection housed in a beautiful palace. For sunset, we went to the Montjuic Castle, where we enjoyed the stunning views of the city. In the evening, we experienced some of the nightlife in Barcelona by visiting the Magic Fountain, where we saw a beautiful light and water show.

Day 5

On the last day of our trip, we spent the day relaxing and exploring Park Guell, one of Gaudi's famous gardens. We then went to the Park de Laberito de Horta, where we took some beautiful pictures of the Labyrinth. It was a great way to end our trip to Barcelona, surrounded by the beauty and charm of the city.