Love of Spain
After deciding that I wasn’t going to wait for someone to join me as I traveled the world, I started planning my first solo adventure abroad.
Though I visited Cancun early this summer, unescorted, it hardly counted because I basically stayed at an all-inclusive resort. In deciding where to go, I used some of the same criteria I used in deciding to go to Cancun: fairly safe, semi-understandable language, and of course, things I wanted to see. In previous trips to Europe – Germany and France – I discovered my love for historic buildings, museums and the outdoor café. After a bit of internal debate, I decided on Spain, specifically Barcelona.
My job allows me to coordinate travel with regularly scheduled time off. Without a doubt, this is one of the best things about my current job. In deciding where to go, I also considered when off-season occurs. I have no problem with “less than desirable” weather if that means less crowds and lower prices. November is part of the low season in Spain so I planned my trip accordingly. There are some things I will pay more for, like a hotel in a safe area, and a decent seat on a long flight, but it doesn’t hurt if there is a lower price available. More money for fun!!
So with timetable decided, flight and hotel booked, I began working on my daily itinerary. Just so you know, I love to plan things! Researching details, looking at options, planning just about anything is an activity I absolutely love. I can do it for hours, even when I don’t have a trip planned.
So half the fun for me is in the planning.
After listing things I wanted to do, I also checked past traveler’s advice about “What they wished they knew” and “Things not to miss.” Everyone has different tastes so I narrowed down to things I knew I would enjoy. Then I dove into my planning. This included metro stops, possible tours, restaurants close by, clothing needed, etc. I found an app called “Pack Point” that produces a packing list based on your planned activities. Since I have a history of over-packing, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to at least consider minimizing my luggage, especially because I am considering more remote locales for future vacations.
I pre-purchased everything I could including tours and metro passes – as well as getting local currency through my bank. This was one of the best things I did. In fact, they shipped it to my home so I didn’t even have to pick it up. I arrived in Barcelona with money for tips and anything I needed. No worries about finding a bank or ATM. I researched the airports I needed to transfer in as well as anything I needed to do for customs or a visa. The more I know, the less stress I will have during my trip. And if anything doesn’t go as planned, I know what my options are.
I could go on and on about how much I loved Barcelona, but suffice to say, I looked for a job while I was there. In fact, I guess my dark hair was enough to convince everyone I was a native because even tourists were asking me for directions. After awhile, I started playing a little game. It may be evil, but whenever a tourist ask me for help, I responded in broken English and would throw in Spanish words. I had the best time. I mean I did help them; I just did it as if English wasn’t my first language. Come on, I was just having a wee bit of fun.
I can’t really say what my favorite part was; I loved so many things. I started the trip with a bike through Fat Tire Tours. This was a perfect way to get oriented to the city and directions, and I met a darling fellow vegan who I recognized by her fashionable vegan leather purse. The next day was a walking food and cava tour (Devour Barcelona)– which I enjoyed so much. On one stop we sat at a community table where a lovely older gentleman serenaded our table. Plus I was able to find local gifts for my friends back home.
There were churches, museums, wine tasting, parks, an opera, and a truly incredible monastery. If I didn’t have so many other places I wanted to visit, I would go back and enjoy even more of the city. The metro was easy to use, but I walked everywhere I could. I love that about so many European cities. They are designed with walking in mind. I saw no obese people there, though I don’t know what their general health is like. I would venture a guess that they are healthier overall. Their version of “fast food” was a place that served hot meals in cartons including lentils and veggies.
One of my biggest surprises was…
that they primary language is not Spanish, but Catalan. I worked so hard on my Spanish before I left so I could understand and speak basic phrases…hahahaha, nope, they spoke Catalan. Nonetheless most of the people I met spoke three languages – Catalan, Spanish, and English. So it worked out just fine.
And another bonus for me was the location of a vegan restaurant right by my hotel. Getting food was so easy. And unlike Texas, everyplace had a good vegan option on the menu. Happy day!! Plus, NO ONE thought I was a swinger! (In case you missed it, Cancun Style.)
This truly was one of my all-time favorite trips. And I was so fortunate that everything went perfectly. Well, except when I got lost going to Parc Guell. Really lost. But a wonderful lady escorted me to a bus stop and instructed me which bus to take. Alas, it worked out great. And that day I met an amazing woman who despite being confined to a wheelchair was traveling the world. She was from Australia and still had several other stops to go before returning home. She gave me a wonderful perspective on what it is like to travel with a physical disability. For anyone who wants to know, Barcelona is a great destination for people in wheelchairs!
Well, time to start considering my next trip. I am taking a class in Costa Rica in February, so that is on the books. I know, life is rough; I HAVE to go to Central America for a continuing education course. But after that…Cambodia, I think. Time will tell. I am open to suggestions.
