Sangria and Bike Rides in Barcelona

So all of this beautiful, outstanding blue is from the seaside of Barcelona, Spain. Everything about Barcelona made you feel great about yourself from the calming sounds of the sea, to the brisk air, to all of its friendly inhabitants.

We had a wonderful entrance into the city. We were wandering around looking lost at the subway station when a Spaniard stops his journey to find us a map, show us how to buy tickets, and what subways to hop on.

After that friendly man showing us our way we started an unsure journey to the street our hostel was on. Happily and carelessly we strolled along trusting we would get there. Then we arrived at a corner finding on the other side the great, crashing, wind-blowing, rewarding ocean. We ran straight for it with such excitement and smiles throwing off our bags and shoes to feel that brisk, liberating feeling that the ocean and sand in your toes gives. After losing our shoes and lying in the sand hoping for no return to the real land I roll over to find that directly behind us, 100 ft away, is the front door to our hostel. What a magical end to a long, long day of travel.

The next morning as Natalie and I were starting our morning moods on the beach, I told her that we can't possibly do anything else but rent bicycles. And that is what and basically all we did the entire weekend. There were bikes paths all along the seaside that were bordered with giant palm trees.

We would ride a little and then see a beautiful scene and lie down in the grass or sand to admire it. We also rode all throughout the city which is completely set up of bike and walking paths, which made our journey even more careless and free of disturbance.

The city of Barcelona has the perfect contrasts. Amongst all the skyscrapers were always palm
trees, parks, gardens, and art structures. Though
it's full of industry, a couple minutes bike ride away you can find the calming beach or the gardens on top of a mountain for an amazing view and getaway.

It was such an anything-goes town. The weather was cool while we were there which advertised the contrasts of lifestyles within the city. Along the beach would be girls in their bikinis, men surfing in the chilly water and right next to them others bundled in coats and scarves. Everyone was living free doing their own thing, whether it be splashing in the cold water or shielding themselves in down-coats.


Barcelona was full of many strange but very pleasing art structures, most of them created
by compiling the same geometrical shape together in a strange way like the box tower on the beach or this incredibly pleasant looking series of circles in the middle of the road. This idea was repeated all throughout the city.

Just beyond this structure was a path to this large garden high up on a hill. It was full of the most beautiful and wide arrangements of flowers and strange trees. Every hill and staircase you had to climb up to reach the top led to more ivy, flowers,
and grand trees. When finally reaching the top
you are greeted with a floral garden and the most fantastic view of the city.


Our trip to Barcelona was more like a peaceful dream than reality. After hours spent each day coasting up and down the seaside and city streets, we had to return our beloved bikes that had given
us so much happiness and freedom. We rode up and down the seaside one last time and were stopped by the color changing sky of the evening over the mass water.



Natalie and I spent our last hour speechless,
sitting on our bicycles, staring at the gorgeous view we were so fortunate to be experiencing.
It was a peaceful end to our little vacation, thinking about what lucky people we are to be
here. Letting the beauty of the massive sea and sky remind us how fortunate we are to see all of these unique, gorgeous views,towns, seas, people, and lifestyles.

Barcelona will always be a warming part of my heart. Awwwww. ;)