Back to Girona!

Back in 2022 I went to Girona on an ATA short-term teacher exchange. I absolutely loved it. Today, Darren and I took the train from Barcelona to spend our last day in the Iberian peninsula in Girona. We were able to take the regional train from a station very close to our hotel. Our first stop in Girona was for churros and hot chocolate. I had been to this exact place four years ago. The hot chocolate is amazing and apparently this recipe has been in the family for generations. After a little hot chocolate (or a lot!), we went on to explore the city. My favourite part was going up to the old city walls and walking around them. The views were amazing.

After our exploration of the old town, we decided to walk over to the school I did my exchange at. It was a bit of a walk but we enjoyed looking at the newer part of the city. Then it was back to the train station to head back to Barcelona. We had our last dinner at Tapa Tapa (a favourite) and then back to the room for some final packing.

It has been an amazing trip! I am looking forward to going home to my creature comforts and seeing family. Portugal and Spain did not disappoint!

Barcelona Day 2

For our second full day in Barcelona we decided to head to Park Güell. We started early for a coffee and croissant and then walked to our destination. It took us a little under an hour, we could have used transit but we are finding that we like walking so we can see the city. Park Güell is a public municipal garden and architectural complex in Barcelona, Spain, designed by Antoni Gaudí. Eusebi Güell hired Gaudí in 1900 to build a luxury housing estate for wealthy families on Turó del Carmel hill. It never ended up being a community. Only two houses were built. Gaudí lived there for over 20 years. I found it very lovely, the mosaic work was amazing.

The Three Crosses is the highest point of the park. You could see Sagrada Família and the Montserrat Monastery from the top. It was a pretty hazy day in Barcelona today, but still amazing views.

We did the long walk back to our hotel, this time all downhill and stoped for a snack at Tapas 24. It was not too bad. We had pastas bravas, which we have had a few times. I find it so interesting that everyone has their own take on the dish. Then, we went back to our hotel for a little break before heading out for dinner. Tomorrow, our last day, Girona!

The Last Stop

On Wednesday, we took a flight from Malaga to Barcelona. It is only about an hour and 10 minute flight, but it was much faster than trying to take the train as there was not a direct route. When we arrived in Barcelona, we checked into our little boutique hotel, which was called Praktik Essens. The Praktik hotel chain had a number of different hotels throughout Barcelona each with a different theme. The Essens hotel was all about aromatherapy and different sense. They made their own soap and different fragrances that were on display throughout the hotel. It was located very conveniently just off Passeig de Gracia, the main street in Barcelona.

After checking in, we went for lunch at Tapa Tapa, the same restaurant that we went for dinner in Madrid our first night. It was very tasty and we had some great tapas. Then we decided to go for a walk and we went down to Plaza Catalunya but just walked by it as the protest we ran into in Madrid was also here in Barcelona, on a smaller scale. We then went down La Rambla, but it was a loud walk as the centre section had work being done on the walkway. We made it to the Harbour where we walked around a bit and saw all the amazing boots that were down there.

On Thursday, we started our day fairly early and went to a little café for coffee and croissant. Then we decided to walk to sagrada Familia from our location, which was about 30 minutes. We walked all the way around the outside of the church before going in. I had visited the church when I was here four years ago and still say it’s my favourite church of all time. Gaudi’s masterpiece was amazing with all of its different towers and the stained glass is always impressive.

You only get to choose to go up one of the towers so we decided to go up the Nativity Tower. Spectacular and you also got close-ups of some of the smaller towers around the area. I especially love how some of the includes fruits and nature. The cross at the top which wasn’t on when I came four years ago is pretty spectacular.

After spending our morning inside of Sagrada Familia, we walked down to Sant Pau which was designed around the same time and originally a hospital. It is a museum where you can learn more about the construction of the Sagrada Familia and Gaudí. Next, we found a little café for lunch, which was very tasty. Then we walked back to Passeig de Gracia we passed by Casa Mia also Gaudi’s work. Then we had to stop for some ice cream and we got way too much, but it was very good and finally we went back to our hotel for a little rest before the rest of the day. Our hotel has a great balcony where we can sit and relax while we’re here in Barcelona.

After a little rest we went for a walk in the Gothic quarter before dinner. We have been noticing the weather getting cooler in the evenings Fall is here too!