BARCELONA, my second home

Through growing up in Manhattan Beach and attending college at UCLA, I have in the Los Angeles area for the vast majority of my life… therefore, calling Southern California my home. However, I was fortunate enough to study abroad in college and live in Barcelona immediately preceding my birthday in 2006. It was an incredible experience and was my home away from home. By living in the vibrant city and getting accustomed to the rich culture, I must say I have some great, authentic recommendations.

GENERAL BACKGROUND: Barcelona is an astounding cosmopolitan city that lies on the water in the Northeast of Spain. It is the second largest city in Spain and the capital of the Catalan district. Barcelona is a bilingual city where everyone speaks Castilian Spanish, but natives speak Catalan to one another to indicate their prideful Barcelonan roots. Just a side-note: What I found fascinating is that many of the schools teach in Catalan, rather than the standard Castilian Spanish.

The city has astonishing architecture, vivacious nightlife, and incomparable culture.

SIGHTSEEING RECOMMENDATIONS: Incredibly astounding, unbelievably breathtaking, remarkably picturesque, and always memorable are all words I would use to describe Barcelona’s sightseeing offerings. The city’s architecture revolves around the well-recognized, legendary Spanish artist, Antoni Gaudi. His magnificent work is abundantly scattered throughout the city. Out of all Barcelona’s offerings, I would HIGHLY recommend you see Gaudi’s unfinished yet spectacular Sagrada Familia. The Sagrada Familia is also known as Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia, which translates to "Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family.” Another must-see is Gaudi’s well-recognized Parc Guell, a garden complex with great architecture on the hill of el Carmel in the Gràcia district. In my opinion, Parc Guell and Sagrada Familia are two of Guadi's finest masterpieces in Barcelona. Can’t get enough of Guadi? Then visit the house that Guadi made for Rosario Segimon and Pere Milà named Casa Mila (aka La Perdera). I argue that Casa Mila has more artistic brilliance than Gaudi’s other house, Casa Bastillo. Other than Guadi’s masterpieces, I recommend visiting the Picasso Museum. The Picasso Museum is tucked away off of Las Ramblas down a little alley and features works from Pablo Picasso’s apprenticeship years. Once you are finished strolling through the Picasso Museum, visit "La Boqueria"- the bustling outside farmer’s market located just off of Las Ramblas. Definitely stop by to experience the authenticity of true Spanish meats, wine, fruits, vegetables, and more. After “La Boqueria,” wander down Las Ramblas and enjoy the shops, cafes, and small vendors. Las Ramblas is very touristy so the prices can be high but it is definitely worth the saunter. Another must-see on the other side of Barcelona is Font Magica, a spectacular fountain show that illuminates the sky with colorful-lit water. Check times of the show, as it is a definitely worth it! Font Magica is located at the base of Montjuic (translated to English: the Hill of the Jews). At the top of the Montjuic hill, there are spectacular views of the entire city. I would recommend going to Montjuic around 2pm on a clear day. As you are walking up the hill, you will pass the Olympic Stadium and as you are walking down the hill, you can catch the Fountain show. My last recommendations would include a relaxing visit to Barceloneta, the local man-made beach. Suntan, stroll along the boardwalk or play some beach volleyball. If the beach isn’t your scene, take a leisurely visit to Parc de la Ciutadella, a decorative spacious park. Relax on a row boat ride through the park’s pond or meander by the large statuesque monument. Barceloneta and Parc de la Ciutadella are definitely great ways to end an eventful, culturally-rich sightseeing adventure. Now enjoy the beautiful sites of my second home, Barcelona…