Barcelona Bound

        I always hear about the touristy hot-spots before I visit a city, but those are rarely where my favorite memories are made. For me, the best times are found when I meander through a new city with no solid plan, stumbling upon the real local gems along my path.

        One of my packing staples is a notebook and a pen. Before any trip, I get excited by asking around and looking up the best things to do. I write a list of the ones that interest me. Once I get to my destination I loosely follow my list, in no specific order, checking off items as I accomplish them. (Side note: I'm a list freak. I have lists on lists on lists. In my defense, my brain fires at rapid speeds, so I need methods in place to keep the racing thoughts under control. I write everything down to de-clutter my mind for the moment. I also do it because I find that I'm more likely to remember things once it's on paper, even if I don't ever refer back to it. When I write a thought down it becomes concrete, which is more attainable than its previous form: the elusive butterfly)

        I always put more than I could possibly do on my travel lists. I like leaving a thing or two undone in hopes that I return to finish. Here are a few tips about Barcelona before I share my to-do list:

        ** Do NOT put your belongings down or take your eye off of it; not even for a second! There are sneaky pick-pocketers in most cities, but in Barcelona that are REALLY good. I've heard from a lot of friends who had their purse, phone, camera or wallet stolen, so don't take this lightly.**

        * I like to check out the notable monuments and attractions, walk around them and get some pictures, but I rarely pay admission to go in(unless it's something I LOVE). It can really start racking up when you're paying $20 here & $30 there to get into museums or churches all day. I also saved money by exploring the entire city by foot, plus I got some vitamin D, fresh air AND a great work out (you can always take a cab back at the end of the day if you're pooped).
        *If you like cool architecture(who doesn't?), research Gaudí's work throughout the city!(i.e. Park Guell)
        *Currency is the Euro
        *CHOCOLATE & CHURROS! My first-ever blog post, titled "Less Is More", included a picture from my first trip to a different region in Spain back in 2002(See It Here). I FINALLY made it back for more chocolate and churros; they were everything I remember and more. Needless to say, I checked them off my list. You have to get this delicacy when in Spain. Find a cafe in the morning or early afternoon...maybe even right before your siesta(in Spain they enjoy mid-day naps. Where did we go wrong, America?!?)

My Barcelona To-Do List:

-Park Güell(Lots to see for free without going "inside")

-Sagrada Família

-Boqueria Market and Las Ramblas

-Small coastal towns North or South of Barcelona for pristine beaches(beaches in the city are crowded and not as nice). We went to El Garraf, but I heard Sitges and Tarragona are amazing too

-Cascada Fountain, Park De La Ciutadella, Arc De Triumf

-Eat paella

-Chocolate con churros

-Squid & mussels

-Drink Rioja(red wine from a region in Spain)

Check!