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12 Hours in Barcelona

Wow it's been a while since I've done any writing. When I went to Italy for the first time with Rome Abroad part of the deal was that we'd write a weekly summary. It became easy and I really enjoyed it. I've been in a bit of a rut lately and was hoping to reignite my love for writing again. I was reminiscing on some memories of my trip to Sardinia this summer and that out of the whole trip Barcelona was more beautiful than I could imagine, and I was grateful to have made a safe passage through.

I landed in Barcelona with a few sites to hunt down. Primarily some of the beautiful buildings created by Antoni Gaudi, the famous Arco De Triunfo, and the serene Parc de la Ciutadella. I landed in the afternoon and ran around discovering the magic of Gaudi's architecture. I developed a love for architecture while visiting Torino several times. The home I lived in in Italy received regular subscription of Casa Vogue and I was frankly mesmerized by the homes and buildings featured in it. Torino had many buildings featured that I was able to visit and it was spectacular. Barcelona did not disappoint in that department.

The Arco De Triomf was also quite interesting for me. I had been able to visit the Arco della Pace in Milan, Arc de Triomphe in Paris, Arco de Tito in Rome and then this arch in Spain. It was special and unique in the sense that it was the only colored arch. It was created not for military purposes like many of the other arches but as the entrance to the 1888 World Fair. There is a stone carved on that arch that says, "Recompensa", which translates to Recompense. You don't often hear that word and after looking up the definition and significance I think it may be one of my new favorite words.

Last but not least the Parc de la Ciutadella was charming. There were groups of teenagers dancing, families out for a walk and your average tourist trying to soak it all in. I was unable to find much information on the history and what not of the park. If nothing else it was a great walk and had some beautiful views from the top of the stairs of the parks fountain.

My sleeping arrangements were made in a co-ed hostel ( My mother was less than thrilled). I shared a room with two men. One from Argentina and one an Indian. At first I was certain I was going to get stabbed but we ended up talking late into the night about religion, politics and education. I was one of those magical moments only God could have set up. Another tender mercy to prove that this world is filled with amazing people. People more caring and thoughtful than we as strangers think reasonable.

To wrap it up it was a short and sweet trip though the city. I don't see myself traveling back to Barcelona specifically but there are many other destinations in Spain that I can't wait to get to.

Thanks for reading!



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