Currency exchange, check-in times, itinerary planning, planning, planning, planning. I have to admit, I salute my mum for having to plan all our family vacations. Who would've thought it would be so hard!
I had a three week Christmas break from university last year and decided to go on a little getaway to Barcelona. Three weeks prior to my departure and I had a Google history of everything Barcelona. From things to eat to places to go; I could be your itinerary planner if you're ever planning a trip there. I must say, I have a whole new respect for those who travelled when there was still no internet. Google maps has by far been my best friend throughout the whole trip. Along with apps such as City Mapper which were a BIG help during my stay in Spain.
A screenshot of the City Mapper app.
Planning where to go is simple. Just google 'things to see in Barcelona' and boom. Pages and pages of websites providing you those answers. 'La Sagrada Familia', 'Parc Güell', 'La Pedrera', and so many more. This is where my saviour Google maps come in to picture. Planning the hours to go to each of these attractions was by far the hardest. How long will it take to get there? How long would I spend there? Google maps tells you roughly how long it will take to get there by foot, taxi, and whatever public transportation they have in their country; let it be buses, tubes or trains. And lovely TripAdvisor reviewers tell you how long you will need to spend there. It's amazing.
You cannot leave Spain without trying churros. You cannot.
Panaroma view of the roof of La Pedrera
Watched a match between Barcelona and Huesca. This would be my first football match.
Panorama view of Parc del Laberint d'Horta
Famous lizard of Parc Güell
The colonnade "La Ola" @ Parc Güell
Tip: I bought all my entry tickets (La Sagrada, La Pedrera and Parc Güell) online so I can skip the long queue and not waste any time. Oh! And for Parc del Laberint d'Horta, admission is free on Wednesdays.
This was taken while I was stranded in a town and there were no taxis (what happens when your outlet shopping desire > the fear of getting lost in a country where you can't speak their language)
picture from Global Blue
Details:
Last meal in Spain: pork ribs (because who doesn't love ribs?)
So long, Spain. Till we meet again.
Siobhan Lim
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