Here are a few of my first impressions when arriving in Barcelona.
Just like when traveling to other European countries, I often go as I would if strolling the streets of my hometown since nothing is far, flights are not long, and I don’t carry a lot of luggage.
That is the advantage of living in Serbia. It will take you somewhat more than 2.5 hours to fly to Istanbul and about the same to reach Lisbon on the other side of the continent. Also, even though I am traveling to the place for the first time, I never worry about my transportation to the hotel (as I did when traveling to Bali or Cuba), but rather take a bus or subway.
Arriving in Barcelona
And so, I couldn’t wait to be arriving in Barcelona after having planned it for months. I took the bus from the airport to the center of the city and decided to walk to the hotel. It shouldn’t be far, I thought, only two or three subway stations from the bus stop. The evening was nice with streets becoming more and more crowded and lights going on to highlight the beauty of the city’s architecture.
Barcelona Impressions
I took my small suitcase, pulled up the collar of my jacket, and put my high heels in motion. There, on the right – the famous La Rambla Street. “Oh, I have to come here tomorrow”, I thought. I went around the vast square (Plaça de Catalunya).
“Look at that building, its roof! I have to check what that is… I should buy a guidebook tonight… Could it be, my first Antoni Gaudi building, there – on the other side of the street? This is a must-see when arriving in Barcelona! Okay, take it easy, I don’t have to see it all tonight” went through my head while walking up the vast boulevard.
I noticed that it was warm. It was late November and I was expecting lower temperatures. This boulevard began to seem long. Another block and I should turn left towards the hotel. But I was still walking and walking, dragging that small suitcase of mine upwards until it became heavy. And the hotel should be “right after the next corner”… Where is that corner?
And so, after an hour or so, I finally reached the hotel. Normally, I love to walk but this was a bit exhausting. I must have been tired, the flight and all…
Well sure, but that wasn’t the only reason. Stay tuned to find out what happened.
Next: FACING THE DRAGON IN PARK GUELL
The full Barcelona Lisbon SERIES
10 responses
Love Barcelona. You were taking photographs as well as dragging your suitcase; thanks! Keep ’em coming!
Was just too impatient! 😀
Do people speak Catalan more than Spanish there?
To be honest, wouldn’t know the difference. Don’t speak either. 🙂
Hah! That was my thought too. Hard for me to tell the difference, certainly not in speech, maybe in print.
But there are certainly a great number of Catalan flags visible in Barcelona.
Haha yeah the suitcase in the staircase… classic for the north of Paris too 😀
Are you still in Barcelona? Let me know if you want a photographer while you are in Barcelona I can help you out with that to get those awesome shots for the blog 🙂
You mean – you can take photos while I drag my small suitcase?! Something’s wrong with that picture! 😀 Just joking, of course, hope you don’t mind. No, I’m not in Barcelona, but hopefully I’ll be heading to the Southern Spain soon. So, who knows. 🙂
I think walking is the best way to see the city! Though I admit, I have had an experience or two like yours! It can be quite tiring but what a good memory!
You’re so right! But Barcelona was also a bit “different” experience for me. 😉 Check it out in the last Glimpse of Barcelona (the 5th one), you’ll get the picture! 🙂