Although it was January, the weather was like a spring day. As soon as I set foot on the lively streets covered by a warm breeze, I was finally in Barcelona, the cultural capital of Spain, and I was attracted! On the way to the hotel, the orderly structure of the city was winking at me with its authentic historical buildings and colorful atmosphere. I will take you for a stroll through the streets of Barcelona. If you’re ready, let’s go!!!
From the scenic trails of the colorful Park Güell to the romantic, narrow streets of Barri Gòtic; from beachside nightclubs to the city’s dozens of holy churches and architectural wonders, this seaside city certainly attracts all kinds of people. Adventurers, romantic couples, fun lovers, culture lovers… Depending on what you’re looking for, this crazy city will surely bring everyone what they’re looking for. Days are not enough to taste the general atmosphere of Barcelona. That’s why I try to read all the travel articles about the place I’m going to, like a tour guide. I recommend it to you, too.
Barcelona’s famous grid-shaped city plan makes me think of the following question: How did they establish this order in their time? I strongly recommend reading the story of this unique architecture from the 1900s. The man who invented the science of urbanization and changed the concept of the “modern city”, Ildefons Cerdà’s groundbreaking city layout, is the most important factor that makes this tourism center privileged, in my opinion!
The attractive beach, located along the coastline in Barcelona, is lively even in winter! It is very enjoyable to see the crowd, leaving their bikes in the shade of the palm trees, laying their blankets on the sand, and having a sweet siesta with snacks in wicker baskets! It’s almost like I’m in a scene of Woody Allen’s “Barcelona, Barcelona” ☺️ The charismatic and fiery acting of Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz seems to have passed on to the people on the beach! ☺️ By the way, if you haven’t watched that movie, please do. I’ll even watch it one more time. ☺️
While I was walking by the seaside, I came across the marina, which has a unique location in the heart of this vibrant and cosmopolitan city. Of course, I wasn’t content with just a few photos. �� It was impossible to miss Planet Hollywood in the marina. The enormous silver whale in front of the cafe immediately drew my attention.
I think it’s normal in Spain to go to a tapas bar when you see a bar crowd of people who want to do shopping! While waiting for this colorful plate of small Spanish appetizers, let me briefly explain what tapas means. In the past, the Spaniards used to put plates on the glasses so that dust and flies would not get into their drinks. Later, they started to fill these plates with appetizers worthy of the drink. These dishes are also called tapas. Of course, I thanked the waiter in a white shirt decorated with striking frills. �� He answered my question with Antonia Banderas’ body language and fluent English, so I congratulated him from the heart. It’s nice to find such fluent
English in Spain. After quickly finishing my delicious tapas plate, I went out to explore the famous street, Las Ramblas. Oleeeee!!!!
Las Ramblas is a popular street in the city center, under the shade of tall trees! As I enter the street from the beach, the statue of the famous explorer Christopher Columbus greets me! I can say that, like Istiklal Street in Istanbul, which is close to car traffic and open only to pedestrians, it is the center of entertainment with its shopping stores and street performers. Also, the famous open market, La Bouqeria, is located on this street! If you want to buy a lot of trinkets or gifts, I recommend them!
I bought a few ceramic objects and special almonds and honey candies called “Turron” here, but they can be found in many markets in the city. I bought a pair of espadrilles called “Espardenye”, which are very popular in Spain, and added them to my collection. �� Of course, the blue ones are my favorites. Most of the activities revolve around Las Ramblas, with its narrow streets filled with restaurants, nightclubs, and lively pedestrian markets. By walking slowly towards the north of the street, you go to Catalunya Square. You can choose the famous seafood paella for dinner in a stylish restaurant. You can also end the night with the famous Spanish drink sangria, and you can flow into the night. It depends on the traveler’s plans.
You should try to have a practical breakfast with coffee by buying sandwiches called “bocadillo” by the Spaniards. The first name that comes to mind when Barcelona is mentioned I seem to see those who can’t wait to visit the masterpieces of the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. �� Gaudí’s design wonders are Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, Park Güell, and La Sagrada Familia.
La Sagrada Familia was the one that impressed me the most. For a moment, this crazy piece of architecture seemed to me like a giant version of the sand castle I built by the sea when I was a kid. I would like to hear your ideas. What do you think? If there was a time machine, I would like to go back to the era in which the architect Gaudi lived and see how he made these surrealist works.
Is there any travel writer who goes to Barcelona and doesn’t write about flamenco? I think no one does so! If you are planning to watch the flamenco dance, I suggest you make a reservation in advance. This dance, which starts on the stage with the accompaniment of the classical guitar, infuses the feelings of love, rebellion, pain, passion, and freedom into everyone in such a way that it becomes impossible to get rid of its influence… While watching the show, some scenarios and inspirations were found in the stories hidden in the dance figures.
Barcelona for me: From Gothic buildings to Gaudí’s modern wonders, it’s a place to come back to, with fascinating buildings, monuments, and statues all over the city. The inspiration for this trip comes from a sentence from the Nobel Prize-winning book “One Hundred Years of Solitude” by the famous Spanish writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez: “Her unfailing heart was guiding her through the dark.” I wonder about your comments! What do you think the reason was? ��
At the end of my article, do you understand why I offered you a week’s vacation in Barcelona? As a result, I think Barcelona’s unwavering energy and cultural elements have an immense spirit, unlike other destinations! Since the mild climate made my trip enjoyable, the muses made me take the first steps toward my new project here. I started a new scenario with the taste of romantic comedy accompanied by a siesta…��
I Remember His Face��
Looking for the love letters
Lost in the golden sand,
Once written, then unsent
To the sophisticated prince of
The rebellious sea drifting his sailboat
O’er the stirring waves
Kissed by the moonlight,
Givin’ his past a farewell look,
I remember his face.
Through the gone summer days…
May the sunshine be in your heart forever,
See you in the blues,
Banu Demir
Editor&Poet
Instagram: bluevoyage_blueroute
