At the end of July, I took my first international trip since going to Chile in 2019. I'll be documenting my remembrances after the fact since I didn't keep notes during the trip.
Before the trip I had a lot of unexpected anxiety around it-would COVID rear its ugly head, would I need to get tested before the trip, what special forms would I need to fill out, would I catch COVID in Spain, would I remember how to travel like this? I decided to stick with carry-ons going there to avoid any baggage issues (which was much in the news). There wasn't much I could do about timeliness of my flights but at least my stuff could stay with me.
Turned out I had no issues at all with flights. TSA pre-check was a breeze again, I had a decent amount of time to hang out in the Club, the flight to Newark took off on time, and while we were delayed getting into the gate, I had enough of a layover to be able to make use of the Club for a snack and bathroom break before catching my next flight. After a short nap, we landed in Barcelona the next morning.
Before I left, I had found and arranged for a shuttle service that drops off at hotels. If you are going to a private address, they will find the nearest hotel to drop you off. A short stroll from drop off took me to Edie's families' apartment for the month. Everyone was out except Lucy. After I settled in a bit, Lucy and I went to explore some place to get food. We ended up at Burger & Music downstairs from the apartment where I had a breakfast bowl with fruit, grain, etc. which was perfect to give me a little energy.
In the afternoon, I looked up the bus stop for the hop-on hop-off bus that I'd bought tickets for previously. There was a stop at La Pedredra/Casa Mila so I walked over there (thank goodness for Google maps) and toured the house first. It was a great introduction to Antoni Gaudi, great architect of this city because in the attic of the house were several displays that discuss his design, engineering and architecture, including the catenary arch that will be prominently featured in the Sagrada Familia. I then found the bus stop, but accidentally ended up on the other route that I originally planned to take, oh well. Still was a nice way to get introduced to the city.
In the evening, Edie and Bill were going to an art gallery where a friend of theirs was showing a piece. Maia was home by then so I walked with the girls to the gallery. It was a small place with some interesting pieces but super hot inside after awhile. I hung out outside the gallery and had a nice chit cha with Lucy while waiting on Bill, Edie and their friends.
Once everyone was done at the gallery, we all walked to a local tapas place, Betlem for drinks and dinner.
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