Hola, my friends! I know it’s been a minute since I last posted—life got a little crazy, and I’ve been a bit MIA. But I’m back and excited to dive into everything we love to discuss here. Whether you’re new to the blog or a long-time reader, welcome!
Expect more regular updates, fresh content, and fun surprises along the way. Thanks for sticking with me—I’ve got some great stuff coming your way!
If you have made it this long, let me take you on my incredible journey through the stunning Spanish cities of Palma and Barcelona. Buckle up because this 8-day trip was an absolute whirlwind of adventure, culture, and – let’s be real – a lot of tapas (and sangrias)
Touchdown in Palma: Exploring the Island Oasis
Classic Ryanair experience—yep, you guessed it, another delay. And who was there waiting in the car park? My brother, of course. I should just be thankful he didn’t charge me a parking fee! Thanks for the pick-up, bro—next time, coffee’s on me. As soon as I stepped off the plane, I was hit with a warm, salty breeze and the unmistakable energy of this coastal paradise.
I started my day with a cup of coffee from my brother’s favourite cafe, and he took me around through the Old Town. I was lost in the charming winding streets lined with centuries-old architecture. The highlight was the towering Palma Cathedral, a stunning Gothic masterpiece that took my breath away. I spent a good chunk of that evening wandering the intricate halls and chapels, imagining the unfolding history within these walls.
The next day, I hopped in his car with my sister-in-law and headed to Bellver Castle, a 14th-century fortress perched atop a hill overlooking the city. The views from up here were jaw-dropping – endless blue skies, the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, and the terracotta rooftops of Palma sprawling out below. I spent an hour or two exploring the castle’s courtyards and ramparts, channelling my inner medieval knight.
Truckin’ and Crane-Spotting: My Whirlwind Adventure with my nephew in Palma!”
Lucas is my adorable nephew, who’s a real bundle of joy! I got to spend two whole days with him in Palma, and let me tell you, it was pure bliss. We kicked off our mornings by heading to his school together—there’s nothing like the excitement in his eyes as he grabbed his backpack and bounced out the door. Picking him up from school with my brother was a treat, too, especially when Lucas would run towards us with his big, infectious grin.
But the real fun began during our drives around the city. Lucas loves spotting cranes and trucks, and I was just as thrilled as he was every time we saw one. The simple things, like sharing those moments with him, made these days so special. We laughed, we played, and I cherished every second of our time together. I can’t wait for the next adventure with my little partner in crime!
Every fun trip comes to an end. After a good 4 days, I packed my bags that evening, and we went for a family dinner. I hugged Lucas tightly and told him I would meet him soon. Later that night, my brother and I opened a couple of cold beers and dove into some good old family drama with my sister-in-law—it was a night full of laughter, stories, and more than a few hilarious revelations. Sometimes, there’s nothing better than a bit of family bonding over brews!
Barcelona Bound: Tapas, Gaudi, and So Much More
After four incredible days in Palma, it was time to hop on the flight and head to my next destination: the vibrant city of Barcelona. As the train zipped along the coastline, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement for all the adventures that awaited me.
Upon arriving in Barcelona, I wasted no time diving into the city’s legendary food scene. I started with a tapas crawl through the bustling streets of the Gothic Quarter, sampling food from every corner. It was a flavour explosion in my mouth, and I may or may not have had to unbutton my pants by the end of it.
For the next couple of days, I was wandering in the crazy streets of Barca and trying to explore different Spanish delicacies. I have made a list for you.
Where to eat tapas and food in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter
Best cocktails- Paradise
Best Fish https://www.laparadeta.com/en/ (Recommended by a local)
NAP Antic’s best pizza
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dDDGA6kpc396YH7h7
https://maps.app.goo.gl/eqbqCXrswHubVP3w7 best Churros and hot chocolate (Tried and tested)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6vAqprLCaZ6tKZtv6 for the best ice creams
Gelida
https://foursquare.com/v/4e983d57722ed8d43b91f3f5 – traditional Catalan place
Vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Barcelona:
- Vegetalia
- Teresa Carles
- Flax and Kale
- Cat Bar(Best veggie burgers)
- Green Spot
- Quinoa Bar
- Biocenter- I loved the Tapsas here and ate there for three nights.
Exploring Gaudí’s Architecture in Barcelona
Of course, no trip to Barcelona would be complete without a visit to the iconic Sagrada Familia. I spent an entire morning wandering through Antoni Gaudí’s architectural masterpiece, marvelling at the intricate, almost other-worldly design. The sheer scale and ambition of this unfinished cathedral left me in awe.
In the afternoon, I headed to Park Güell, another Gaudí gem perched high above the city. As I climbed the mosaic-covered steps and took in the panoramic views, I felt a deep sense of wonder and appreciation for this truly unique corner of the world.
Wrapping Up an Unforgettable Journey
Before I knew it, my 8-day adventure in Palma and Barcelona had ended. But let me tell you, those few days were jam-packed with so many incredible experiences that I’ll cherish forever.
From the stunning architecture and rich history of Palma to the vibrant energy and world-class cuisine of Barcelona, this trip had it all. I left Spain with a heart full of amazing memories, a camera roll overflowing with photos, and a stomach that was very, very happy.
If you ever can visit these two incredible cities, don’t hesitate to go! Trust me, it’ll be an adventure you’ll never forget.
So, after my incredible 8-day adventure in Palma and Barcelona, I was all set to head to Germany. I had a British Airways flight booked, my bags packed, and my travel playlist ready. But, as fate would have it, my journey didn’t go as planned.
Cue the drama: I got to the airport, handed over my passport, and the lovely check-in agent looked at me and said, “You don’t have a UK visa.” My response? “But I’m not staying in the UK!” Even a quick layover counts, and without that magical visa stamp, I wasn’t boarding that flight.
Cue the panic—and then the frantic Googling.
But hey, why let a little visa issue ruin the adventure? My cousin, who lives in Germany, quickly hatched a plan B: FlixBus to the rescue! And thus began my unexpected (and rather epic) road trip across Europe.
The Scenic Route: From Palma to Germany via Switzerland and Lyon
With my British Airways flight a no-go, I hopped on a FlixBus that night and embarked on an unplanned but totally awesome journey. First stop? Switzerland! Rolling through the Swiss countryside, I got to soak in those postcard-perfect views—snow-capped mountains, charming villages, and endless green fields. Not bad for a last-minute detour, right?
Next up was Lyon, the culinary capital of France. I may have been en route to Germany, but I couldn’t pass up the chance to indulge in some serious French cuisine. From freshly baked croissants to mouth-watering cheeses, I ate through Lyon before hopping back on the bus.
Finally, after what felt like a grand tour of Europe, I made it to Germany. Sure, it took a little longer than planned (and involved a lot more bus time and toilet breaks), but the journey was packed with unexpected sights, delicious detours, and plenty of travel stories to tell.
The Moral of the Story?
Always double-check your visa requirements, folks. But if you find yourself stranded, remember that sometimes the best adventures come from unexpected setbacks. My European road trip may have been unplanned, but it ended up being one of the highlights of my travels. And hey, I can now say I’ve done a mini tour of Europe—all thanks to a little visa mishap!
Next stop, Germany, and then India! But let’s hope I’ve got all the paperwork sorted this time.
Link to my previous blog: https://kirthikavishwanath.com/2023/10/03/geithoorn-venice-of-the-north-%f0%9f%87%b3%f0%9f%87%b1/
Great job on crafting such a detailed and insightful guide for exploring Palma and Barcelona Krithika!