Barcelona Brain Dump: 146384 & 1196136222
okay, barcelona. where do i even start? i landed with a head full of static - like someone tried to download the entire internet directly into my skull. the numbers keep swirling, 146384 and 1196136222. i have absolutely no clue what they are, maybe a grocery list from a parallel universe? honestly, who even writes numbers like that?
temp: 18.08, feels_like: 17.82… the air here is a weird hug. humid, but not unpleasant. the sun’s doing its thing, baking the *cobblestones until they almost shimmer. i just checked and it’s… intensely sunny, hope you like that kind of thing. the pressure's hovering around 1010, a fairly standard atmospheric mood, i guess.
first impressions? chaotic beauty. the streets are a labyrinth, a tangled mess of narrow alleys and grand plazas. pigeons are everywhere, strutting around like they own the place. i’m staying in the El Born neighborhood, which is… a vibe. think overflowing flower boxes, tiny tapas bars spilling onto the sidewalks, and the constant scent of paella. i found a cute little Airbnb - basic, but clean. definitely recommend checking out TripAdvisor Barcelona accommodations if you're looking for something.
my neighbors seem mostly to be artists and students. i overheard someone at a cafe complaining about the tourists, which, okay, fair. someone else swore the best paella was down a side street near the Barceloneta beach - apparently, it's a well-kept secret. i heard that the seafood restaurants near the harbor can be a bit pricey, so be prepared.
gear list, because i'm a control freak:
*backpack: trusty old Osprey. seriously, this thing has seen things.
*journal & pen: gotta document the chaos.
*universal adapter: essential.
*comfortable shoes: you'll be doing a lot of walking.
*sunscreen: obviously.
*a phrasebook: my spanish is… rusty at best.
“Don’t be afraid to get lost. That’s where the real discoveries happen.” - a local I chatted with at a little bookshop.
yesterday i wandered into the Gothic Quarter. it felt like stepping back in time. winding alleys, medieval buildings, hidden squares - it’s a photographer’s dream. i spent ages just soaking it all in, dodging Vespas and trying not to bump into anyone. it’s a bit touristy, sure, but still incredibly atmospheric.
Food: Oh. My. God. The food. i've been living off tapas and patatas bravas. seriously, the patatas bravas here are on another level. i even tried pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato) - sounds simple, but it’s pure sunshine on a plate. La Boqueria Market is a must-see. it's a sensory overload - mountains of fresh produce, seafood, meats, sweets… you name it, they've got it.
someone told me that the best time to visit the Sagrada Familia is early in the morning to avoid the crowds. which, let’s be honest, is probably never. Plus, someone else warned me about pickpockets in the main tourist areas - so keep your wits about you.
i'm planning a day trip to Montserrat* - a mountain monastery with breathtaking views. Apparently, you can get there by train. i’m also thinking about checking out Park Güell (book tickets in advance!). i found a bunch of useful info on Barcelona tourism website.
this place is just… buzzing. it’s loud, it’s crowded, it’s a little bit overwhelming, but i’m loving it. i’m pretty sure i’ll be back. now, if you’ll excuse me, i’m off to find another cafe and people-watch.
Tags: travel, barcelona, human, vibe, messy