Barcelona

For spring break four Marquette friends and I headed to Barcelona. We soaked up the sun for four days. We spent time on the beach, sightseeing, and meeting other friends who were studying in Barcelona.

The first day we strolled through the Gothic Quarter and down Barcelona’s most famous street Las Ramblas. We eventually ended up at the beach where it was 80 degrees and sunny. Then we meandered to St. Joseph's Market for lunch.

At night we headed to Placa d’Espanaya where there was a water show at the Font Magica.

The next day we spent more time at the beach and then found a great lookout spot for views of the city. And on the walk home we went into a casino. It is the first time I’ve ever gambled and within minutes I won 27 euros which is almost 40 US dollars so pretty sweet deal!

The most noteworthy thing we did the last day was go to the Sagrada Familia a church desgined by Antoni Gaudi a Catalan architect whose work is spread throughout Barcelona. To date - It is the most beautiful building I have ever been to in my life. The outside looks like a melting sandcastle. My jaw literally dropped when we entered the overwhelming fortress. The pictures don’t do it justice. It feels incredibly modern inside even though Gaudi began his designs for it in 1883.When he died in 1926 it was only twenty five percent finished and they are still constructing it now with it anticipated to be finished in 2026.

My friends headed to Italy on Tuesday before my flight back to Ireland so I did some extra sightseeing. I took the Metro (they have a great public transit system) to Parc Guell another Gaudi creation. It is situated on a hill so more amazing views.

I was really interested by how Barcelona residents live. I saw almost exclusively balcony apartments within the city center. Each one had their own personality.