I have spent much of my time here in Barcelona wondering if I am not writing enough, or documenting enough, or taking enough pictures and videos. It seems that when I do sit down to write – which is not as often as I was anticipating – I usually end up writing about some sort of lesson or topic that has been on my mind recently. I mean a blog is really for whatever you want it to be, but I find myself feeling like I haven’t been writing enough about my trips and experiences.
I think this will always be a little bit of a battle that I struggle with, as I am pursuing a future in writing. My inner dialogue is often arguing over whether I should be capturing these precious moments through cameras and words, or truly being present without worrying about the perfect shot or imagery.
The latter argument has continued to win during these past few months, which I am surprisingly happy about. I haven’t followed through with writing every week, or taking videos of every moment for a cute little edit, or getting the perfect Instagram picture. I have spent my time truly enjoying the moment and truly taking in this experience for all of its beauty. And there’s nothing wrong with a lack of content. This experience has been, and continues to be, solely for myself.
With that being said, I would like to reflect on one of the best two weeks of my life. Not for the clicks and content, but because I want to look back on this moment and savor the memories I created with my closest friend.
On the fifth of May, my boyfriend, Jordan, flew into the Barcelona-El Prat Airport at 8 am. I felt so many feelings while waiting in the airport arrivals seating area. I couldn’t control my excitement, so I bought a bag of chips and paced around the airport for about an hour -since I showed up way earlier than necessary. I had only seen Jordan through video calls for the last three months, and seeing him again in person was so hard for my brain to imagine.
When he first walked out of the sliding glass doors from baggage claim, I couldn’t process that he was standing in front of me. I poked and prodded at his face and arms trying to get used to him being there in physical form and not on a phone screen.
This was Jordan’s first time ever out of the country, and I honestly believe I was more excited for it than he was. I had been planning and imagining the days that he would be here in Barcelona ever since I arrived.
Barcelona is now a place I consider home, and I had the blessing of showing him my favorite coffee shop, the beautiful streets of the Old Town, and all of the amazing treats Spain has to offer. I felt like I was seeing the city through fresh eyes again, because Jordan was experiencing everything for the first time with me.
We had the most amazing two weeks, packed to the brim with exciting adventures. Jordan was very jet-lagged due to not sleeping for almost two days, so when we got home from the airport, I made us breakfast while he watched over the streets of Barcelona from my balcony. The rest of the day was full of naps, until late afternoon when we first started to explore the city. We walked through some of the most prominent areas of the El Born and Barri Gotico neighborhoods, finding ourselves at Parque Ciutadella where we sat and people watched, letting Jordan take in the lifestyle and culture of Spain.
My favorite thing about the two weeks I spent with Jordan is how much he unintentionally reminds me to be fully present in the moment. Not to be sappy, but when I am with him, nothing else matters more than enjoying what is right in front of me. I forget about all of the unnecessary thoughts and habits, like wondering what is going on with friends back home or worrying about miniscule details of my past and future. All that exists is the experience of the moment at hand, and that is truly beautiful. Jordan and I shared so many special moments together. Ones that I will remember for the rest of my life.
We spent the first few days exploring the city and enjoying the slow paced lifestyle that Spain is so famous for. I took him to Boheme Bakery Cafe, my favorite place to write and study. We sat next to a window full of cactus plants and colorful vases, and tried all the different breakfast options – the mini breakfast pizza was the best.
Jordan had been to the beach once in his life before, so he was excited to explore the Barceloneta port and beach walk. Although Barcelona’s beach is manmade, it is still very beautiful and there is so much to take in when strolling through the sand. We stopped for a bit to sit and enjoy the sound of the waves and the cool breeze from the sea. To my surprise, this was one of Jordan’s favorite parts of Spain. I love the beach more than anything, and to be able to share that love with Jordan was so blissful.
We spent lots of time walking around my neighborhood, exploring small shops and trying different craft cocktail bars. Dux Gins Bar was our favorite, and not only because of the over the top presentation of drinks. I ordered the Smoky Bubble, which came in a spherical glass that hung from a self-standing metal hook, giving the illusion of a bubble floating through the air. Jordan tried the Old Parrot, which was presented in a glass with a pirate eye patch and a red feather. Both drinks were the perfect blend of fruity and semi-sweet.
We spent one evening exploring the neighborhood of Gracia, popping into different bars and lounges until the sun went down. And if I haven’t mentioned it yet, the wine is unbelievably cheap and so tasty. We found ourselves at Dos Coyotes restaurant for some of the best birria tacos and tequenos we’d ever had. After filling our bellies, we strolled through the neighborhood nightlife until we found our way back home.
On a beautiful Saturday evening, Jordan and I made our way to the outskirts of Barcelona to visit the Parc del Laberint d’Horta. This is a beautiful historical garden full of romantic architecture and a large labyrinth maze in the center of the park. The views felt like something out of a movie, and that’s probably because they are. The Laberint d’Horta is featured in many famous movies because of its intricate attention to detail and natural beauty. We explored the charm and nature of this quiet escape from the bustling city for a few hours before returning home.
The next morning, we grabbed some breakfast pastries and coffee “para llevar” and took them to the Catedral de Barcelona. We found a place to sit on the steps of the giant cathedral and watched the locals perform their weekly La Sardana dance to live Catalan music. It is really something special to be able to experience a long standing tradition, presented by the people who have been practicing it for years. The elegance and sound of La Sardana music and dance is always heartwarming to witness, as the elderly community comes together to hold hands and dance in a circle every Sunday morning.
Before long, we had to make our way back to my apartment to grab our bags and catch a bus to Tossa de Mar, a small Spanish town situated on the coast of Costa Brava in the province of Girona. The history of this town dates back to the year 966, when a castle and its stone wall was built to defend the small town from invaders in the sea. The castle wall still stands tall in Tossa de Mar and captures the history of medieval Spain through its winding alleys and cobblestone streets. There are two stunning beaches in Tossa de Mar, with one hiding quietly behind the castle and down a set of gothic stone stairs.
We spent one night in Tossa de Mar, enjoying the deep blue waters and eating authentic Spanish dishes. Our first meal was a seafood paella accompanied by a pitcher of Spanish sangria, which we enjoyed from the restaurant terrace with a stunning view of the medieval castle perched over the sea. For dinner, we had a date night at one of the oldest and most authentic Spanish restaurants in town, La Lluna. This quiet restaurant resided in one of the tiny cottage houses hidden in the depths of the Tossa de Mar castle walls. The sky still shined a dull blue as the moon began to rise over the beautiful stone structures covered in overgrown ivy. We indulged in a glass of cava – the Spanish version of champagne – and an order of freshly grilled and seasoned prawns along with a melted provolone and cod dip. I can easily say that was the best seafood I’ve ever eaten.
After spending hours on the beautiful beaches of Tossa de Mar, we enjoyed a long bus ride through the mountains and along the coast until we arrived back in Barcelona. Once we settled back into the apartment, we set out to El Mercado de La Boqueria, a large market full of fresh fruits, meats, seafood, and herbs. We explored the market until we came across a seafood stand where we bought fresh prawns, squid, and muscles straight from the sea. For dinner, we tried to cook our own version of the seafood paella from Tossa de Mar, and I must say it was not a failed attempt. The homemade paella was delicious and we ended our night on a satisfying note with full bellies and sleepy heads.
Jordan and I couldn’t get enough of the beach, so we spent the next day back in Barceloneta laying in the sun and snacking on Sicilian pizza. We took our morning slow and spent most of our day relaxing until the big event that awaited us later that evening. Jordan has been a Barcelona fútbol fan for years, so of course we had to treat ourselves to a live Barcelona game in the famous Camp Nou stadium. As soon as we stepped out of the metro station, we were met with the exciting energy that filled the streets. Fans were decked out in Barcelona jerseys and scarves, singing age old Barcelona chants. You could feel the excitement buzzing around you. The feeling is indescribable. Once we found our way into the stadium, we climbed the stairs to our seats and were met by the most stunning view of a vibrantly green field and endless rows of cheering fans. Jordan was sitting next to an older man who obviously came to the game by himself, and they soon began to chat back and forth while I helped Jordan translate between Spanish and English. We were lucky enough to see a great game, ending in four goals and a win by Barcelona. The stadium was electric with love for their team.
After the game came to an end, we took the train back home and giggled the whole way, gleaming over how amazing the experience was. Once back at the apartment, we packed our bags and set our alarms in preparation to take a flight to Paris the next morning. As soon as we woke up, we scarfed down some breakfast and took off for the airport. Everything went smoothly and we indulged in some Burger King at our gate, enjoying the familiar taste of greasy American food.
Arriving in Paris was a little hectic, but what is a trip without a few bumps in the road? I booked us a hotel in the small town of Châtillon, just a 30 minute train ride outside of Paris. Unfortunately, it took us almost two hours to find our way there from the airport. But once we arrived at the hotel, we were greeted by the most amazing view of the Eiffel Tower from our hotel window. Our first night in France was a relaxing one. We grabbed some food in the small neighborhood and walked through colorful streets that smelled of freshly baked bread. We enjoyed the views of a park that led to a beautiful garden surrounded by small fountains. We strolled through neighborhoods while the sun set, taking in the essence of small town France.
Once the next day had begun, we were ready to take on the city of Paris. We started our day by taking the train into town and arriving at the famous Louvre Art Museum. Jordan and I were amazed by the detailed architecture and long halls filled with centuries of magnificent paintings and sculptures. We stared in awe at some of the most famous paintings in the world, slowly making our way to the Mona Lisa. Jordan and I felt truly blessed to be able to see these displays of artwork with our own eyes, continuously having to remind ourselves that it wasn’t a dream.
By the time we made our way through the Louvre, we were starving and ready to find some grub. Finding a place was a little overwhelming, but we eventually settled on a cafe in the middle of a busy street. We then realized people were not exaggerating about the Paris prices. I was thinking it would be the same as Barcelona, considering they’re both huge tourist cities, but I was very, very wrong. After lunch, we strolled through the streets of Paris, enjoying views of the Seine River and Cathédrale Notre-Dame. We stopped at a small bakery for a coffee and some ice cream macarons – the best ones we would have during the whole trip.
Jordan and I slowly made our way to the Père Lachaise Cemetery to see the grave of the one and only Jim Morrison. The cemetery was more than beautiful. It had an eerie elegance to it. The tombstones were all intricately carved into somber masterpieces and covered in overgrown wildflowers. The sound of crows cawing was the only noise heard throughout the entire cemetery, accompanied by complete silence. I am a sucker for the beauty you can find in places that are deemed to be unlovable. The rest of our evening was enjoyed over a few glasses of wine and a long bus ride back to our hotel.
We really didn’t have much of a plan for the following day, with the intention to just explore the city. Jordan and I admired the countless cathedrals and museums that lined every corner, still pinching ourselves to make sure we weren’t dreaming. We stepped into a few churches to view the breathtaking murals projected on the tall ceilings. Making our way to the Square Louis Park, we grabbed some gourmet macarons to enjoy on a bench with a perfect view for people watching. Today we took our time exploring the city without any real goal other than just taking in views while sipping delicious wines on the patios of different french brasseries.
Once the sun began to set, Jordan and I hopped on a train and made our way to Palais Garnier Opera House. The opera house seemed a little underwhelming from the outside, but as soon as you step inside, you are met with the most gorgeous columns that wind up towards a ceiling carved into intricate designs. The stairs leading up to the showroom felt like a trip to the Met Gala, as the many chandeliers and red carpet created a catwalk for the elegantly dressed visitors. This was only an introduction to what was the most beautiful theatre I have ever laid eyes on. The stage was covered in heavy, bright red curtains that draped in an artistic and intentional fashion. The grand chandelier hung from a dome ceiling, which was painted in a beautiful scenery of clouds and angels. The seats were red velvet and each nook was guarded by a golden sculpture of a goddess.
We enjoyed the Fin de Partie opera show that was full of drama and smooth baritones. As we left what felt like a dream, the sun had set and the sky was a deep blue – perfect conditions for a viewing of the Eiffel Tower. After taking a bumpy bus ride down a cobblestone street and through Champ de Mars gardens, we were dropped off under the biggest spectacle of the night. Words cannot describe the sight of the glimmering structure that towered overhead. All I can say is the many movies and photos that try to represent the essence of this famous sparkling sight are only an unjust emulation.
Our last night in Paris was coming to a close, so we made our way to the closest public transport and sleepily took the bus all the way back to small town Châtillon. The last day in Paris consisted of ~more~ macarons and a grassy patch in a park with a great view of the Eiffel Tower. Jordan and I burned time by enjoying the weather and wandering without much direction. We took pictures under the Eiffel and stopped for a glass of wine, then it was time to head back to Barcelona.
The next few days were spent enjoying quality time with each other in local parks out of reach from tourists. We indulged in some of the best baked rigatoni bolognese with black truffle, traditional street food wok, and plenty of Spanish beer.
As the days crept closer to Jordan’s flight home, we spent one last beach day the best way we possibly could. We caught a train heading south towards Sitges, a small beach town in Spain. This quaint beach is much quieter than the touristy Barceloneta beach. We basked in the sun for hours, catching small ocean breezes and listening to the waves crash against black rocks. Jordan has never learned how to swim, so the water was never much of a question during all of our other beach days – not to mention the sea was still very cold from winter. However, today was perfect. The waves were calm and the water was beginning to warm. Jordan and I walked out thigh deep into the water and watched the fish play hide and seek in pockets of rock and coral. We snacked on fresh coconut and people watched for hours. This was the perfect way to spend one of our last days together. I wouldn’t have asked for it to be any other way.
The day came for Jordan to leave. We said our goodbyes, which didn’t feel as upsetting as the ones we had four months before. We enjoyed our time so much together and both knew that these two weeks would be remembered for a lifetime. I am so grateful to have been able to share such amazing experiences with someone who truly embraces the “here and now.”
I remember getting back to my apartment and sitting on my phone in my bed, realizing that I had been so out of touch with the online world for the past two weeks. I was too busy exploring the real world. Like I said at the beginning of all this, I have been battling with catching the perfect shots and most aesthetic videos. Going back through all of my photos, I understood that every picture I did take was exactly what it needed to be – a reflection of my happiness in each moment.
Although I was sad our adventure was over, I felt such deep gratitude knowing that I found my favorite travel partner so far. I can admit I’ve already started planning our next trip. Now that Jordan has his passport and I have a better understanding of traveling on a budget, my imagination has gone to places all over the planet. I am excited to continue my own journey here in Spain and even more thrilled to embark on many more with my newfound travel bestie. 🙂
Molly on the Menu 
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