Barcelona

In the run up to my last few weeks here in Valencia, I thought it would be nice to visit some other cities nearby. So, Caity and I went to Barcelona for the weekend! We arrived on friday and spent the afternoon exploring! We ambled along La Rambla, possibly the most liveliest street in Barcelona, and the shops which surround Placa de Catalunya- we could not believe our eyes at the shopping!! We also found the Barri Gótic, the old town of Barcelona, which is very pretty and full of beautiful architecture. We came across the Cathedral, my first insight into Spain's most well-known and respected architect, Antoni Guadi. We then walked to the Port and were just in time to see the sunset before heading back to find our Hostel! (Hostalscat in Sants) We found it through Caity's Spanish friend who lives near Barcelona and it was in a great location, very clean with a very friendly owner- and only 14 euros a night. That evening we went back to La Rambla for some Tapas, and we even managed to pass as being Spanish to the staff! We then met our friend Suzanne from Valencia who was there with some friends and we went to a few cool bars! 

After waking up freezing in the hostel we managed to finally get out of bed and headed to La Sagrada Familia, one of the most famous buildings in Barcelona. It is a wonderful building, although still incomplete, and its height is astonishing. The project began nearly a century ago and was designed by Gaudi. Unfortunately we did not go inside because the queue was horrendous, but none the less I was completely overwhelmed purely from the outside! We then went to Passeig de Gràcia, the 'posh' street in Barcelona with shops like Tiffany & Co etc, where we stumbled accross another one of Gaudi's masterpieces, Casa Batlló. I loved this building, mainly due to the skeletal appearances and mosaic detail. It was then time to head to Camp Nou, the football stadium, to watch Barcelona Vs Granada! The stadium is huge, and full of atmosphere! In the evening we did some shopping and then met Caity's friend, Eva, who she hadn't seen for six years! We ate at Ocano in Placa Reial near La Rambla, its a charming square perfect for a nice drink or dinner. 

Sunday morning We went to Parc Güell and spent an enjoyable couple of hours walking the tranquil paths, seeing impressive city views and unique Gaudi style landscaping. Different to anything i've ever seen! We then spent the last couple of hours back in the centre doing some final sightseeing and ambling around, before heading back to Valencia around 7pm. An amazing weekend and I have fallen in love with Barcelona!! NEXT STOP-MADRID! 
Here are some piccys :)

Sunday Funday

This weekend Katie went home to England and Caity had her boyfriend here, so after having spent the whole day Saturday in my room driving myself mad, I had to do something yesterday! I decided to get the 'yellow bus,' which leaves from the centre of town and goes to various places outside of Valencia! My first stop was El Saler; I was dropped off in the town, and walked through the pine woodlands to the beach! The beach was extremely peaceful and quiet, with rolling sand dunes and golden sand. I then got back on the bus and continued a couple of miles further to La Albufera, which is home to Spain's largest lake, enriched with beautiful wildlife. I went exploring through the forest and ended up on another lovely tranquil beach! I managed to make it back to the 'viewing point' of the lake in time for the sunset- it was incredible! The village near by here is called El palmar, and although I didn't have time to go, I have heard its a great place to go for a lunch time Paella! You can also do boat trips on the lake :) I had a great day on my little adventure and am seriously impressed that I didn't get lost!