My second weekend here was a busy one, and probably my favorite one yet. Here's some highlights:
Saturday
On Saturday, I got brunch at a place called Firebug with our visiting friends Ali, Hannah, and Celia. This place was a gem that we didn't realize was so close to our apartment. Afterwards, we headed to Parque Güell. I was in awe of this beautiful park designed by Antoni Gaudí. The main terrace shown below had a view of the entire city with tops palm trees and buildings popping out until your eye reached the Mediterranean Sea. The sun was out and shined brightly against the white and colorful mosaics used in the serpentine bench. It was unlike anything I've seen before. I'm glad I got to witness such a cool place before I left Barcelona.
After, I explored Ciutadella Park, El Born, and the Gothic Quarter with Ali. One of my favorite parts of Barcelona was El Born, a quiet neighborhoods with authentic shops, restaurants and balconies filled with flourishing plants. I'll miss getting lost in all the side streets in El Born.
We ended the night getting Milka chocolate bars and candy bricks at a supermercat and strutting our way through the Barcelona streets singing to Cheetah girls.
Sunday
On Sunday I got brunch with my high school friend Rachel who was also visiting for the weekend. We went to Firebug again (it was that GOOD!!) After our stomachs were satisfied, we walked down to the beach by Port Olímpic. The water was deep blue and sparkling from the sun. We walked along the beach towards Barceloneta. Rachel and I stumbled across a market where we got churros and chocolate. I had fresh-squeezed orange juice that was so sweet and fresh. I'll miss that about Spain. It was such a relaxing day as we sat, ate, and listened to a band playing music along Port Vell.
That Tuesday, we found out we were being sent home from Barcelona. Looking back, I'm fortunate to have had such a great weekend enjoying my city and exploring it with my friends.