Barcelona, Spain

After driving from Algeciras to Malaga and catching a flight to Barcelona on Ryan Air, we arrived in the city with an unexpected twist—our flight was delayed due to a passenger being arrested. Despite this odd start, we landed and checked into the futuristic Hotel Barceló Sants, conveniently located directly above the metro station. I booked this through the Chase Travel portal to use a $50 hotel credit from my card.

On July 4th, 2023, Katy and I set out to explore Barcelona. We only had one day in the city before heading to Andorra, my 33rd country/territory. We’re also supposed to meet my university friend Carlos, known for his last-minute excuses, so fingers crossed.

Our first stop was La Pedrera – Casa Milà, a modernist masterpiece designed by Antoni Gaudí. Completed in 1912, this iconic building is famous for its undulating stone facade and wrought-iron balconies. We explored the building through an immersive 3D tour, which costs 35 EUR (compared to the 28 EUR general admission). The tour was captivating, especially the attic and the rooftop with its unique chimneys.

Next, we walked to the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, just 20 minutes away. This awe-inspiring basilica blends Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, with construction that started in 1882 and continues today. The interior is a forest of columns, complemented by intricate stained glass and detailed sculptures. Entry was 26 EUR, and booking in advance is essential to avoid long queues.

After a day of exploring, we enjoyed a leisurely walk around the city. With a long roundtrip bus ride to Andorra ahead, we opted for a relaxing evening. Stay tuned to see if Carlos will actually meet us or if he’ll bail at the last minute, Cheers!