Thriving 30, Volume 08: 48 Hours in Barcelona

I made it to my first destination! You guys know... I had a pretty crazy itinerary. Here is a snap shot. I can break it down. 

Food: 

Definitely try the local bakeries. Europeans got baked goodies down. So Brunch and Cake was on Buzzfeed because it is very aesthetic, which it is. Would I recommend? Brunch and Cake is remake of american breakfast foods, but in a mediocre way. There was a line for this about 20-ish minutes, which I know is nothing compared to brunch in the bay area. Staff is friendly, accepts all major credit cards. I got the smoked salmon sandwich and passion fruit juice. I think I would enjoyed something at a bakery and it woulda been less than 10 bucks.  If you are on Diagonal (major street of shops, cafes, and restaurants) almost everything is catered towards tourists which diminishes the quality and flavor in paella, tapas, etc. From how I see it, a lot of the food are pre-made and are out to display so it has been sitting out for a bit. Locals here, believe or not eat Italian food. Not the touristy "Spanish" food. I would recommend to drink all the alcohol your age can handle. The wine is dirt cheap and the quality is top notch. Not your, trader joes two buck chuck. 

History and Architecture:

The only tour I paid for is the Sagrada Familia because holyheckingbob, the cathedral has some work in it. Designed by Antoni Gaudi, my camera cannot do it justice. You have to see it with the naked eye. The construction started in 1882 and it's estimated date for this to be complete is 2026!!! They are opening it up as a tourist attraction and of course to make money. There is so much detail in this cathedral. I can only imagine the work that has already been done. It is definitely one of the must-see if you are visiting Barcelona. 

Beware and Stay on your toes:

Gypsies. I actually did not encounter any but I did witness some. They look like normal people, not like in Paris they are dressed like gypsies but in Barcelona, they look like just normal people. Someone in my hostel got tricked and lost 350 euros. They pretend to give you a flower or ask if you want a flower, and try to do a magic trick. Or they offer to take your photo. You’d think they would want to take your phone, nope, they ask for 1 penny, but in the time that you are looking for that penny (since pennies are really rare) somehow they've mysteriously taken your money. Trust no one. I think my trick is I walk pretty fast and I'm always moving. The slow walkers and and chill gaze gets you.  Racism exists beyond the states. A lot of people have not seen Asians. A lot. I've been stopped and people have asked me to take a photo with them, or they ask me what I am I? There was this group of men, they looked pretty white to me, they even had a leather biker jacket with GRINGOS in the back. They were following me for a bit and offered to buy me a drink and kept on saying Konichiwa. It’s Xin Chao!

Retrospective:

Barcelona is amazing. It is beautiful, the men here are gorgeous. What are they drinking? Give some to the states. I would come back to Spain, maybe Madrid next time. I hear great things about that city too. Hope you enjoyed my mini recap! On to the next city!