05.05 A Week in Barcelona

So, what happens when our family decides to meet up in Barcelona last minute?

When it comes to travel and holidays, my family has planned each day until the sun's UV drops down in the “un-tanable” zone. However, this spontaneous Spring Break was a little scruffier. Yes, of course, the UV was taken into consideration each day to allot my sister and me a prime tanning window. Still, aside from the ideal wakeup times and regroupings from our different abodes (we did not stay together… adding to the spunk-spontaneity), each day was open for suggestions. 

Aside from my dad, who can go with any flow, especially in a place where he is just happy to be in, the rest of us had a slightly palpable edge of needing to do something with our time together. I won’t speak for other families, but it is difficult for the Stockwells to just be with each other without incentives. So, before I psychoanalyze my family dynamics, all I’ll say is that our impromptu trip, the meeting of the minds, was a much-needed expansive* experience; one that must be seen through to reap the benefits. 

*My word of the year

With all that being said, here are my tapas-style bits and bites of my week in Spain:

Barcelona:

To Experience:

The Gaudi House

A must-see from the outside; recommended to tour the interior but not necessary

The National Museum

The exterior is better than the contents of the interior exhibitions IMO

Cascada Monumental

Magical fountain, located in a park; surprisingly not touristy; Barbie Fairytopia

Park Güell

A lovely ergonomic park, notes of buskers; walking shoes recommended

Flamenco Show

Fiery and full of energy, find a quality performance

The Gothic Quarters

Full of twists & turns; one side is better than the other; get lost (but know your way back)

To Eat:

Boro Bar

A must-try Hidden Gem; 

Recommended dishes: Patatas Bravas, Coconut Ceviche, Grilled Octopus

Bar Del Pla

Crowded but worth the hype;

Recommended dishes: Vietnamese Salmon, Anchovies, Russian Salad

Frizzant

Health & Wellness cafe/studio

Recommended Goodies: Chia Balls, Kimchi, Matcha Latte, Banana Bread

To Shop:

Gimaguas

The only store IRL; worth a visit

House of Rowdy

Curated thrift; only store that sells Susmmie’s Jewellery IRL

To Stay:

Casa Bonay

Hip & Trendy; rooftop; cafe; clean and simple

To Avoid:

Mercat De La Boqueria

Overwhelming & Overrated; large notes of pick-pocketing and inane tourists

Mallorca:

To Experience:

Cala de Deià

Rock beach; waterfront restaurant; central to hiking routes

Recommendations: get to the beach early before the crowds

Vallademosa

Historical cobblestoned town; slightly overrun by tourists; magical hidden streets

The Coastline

Vehicle needed — drive slowly, as surprise bikers may arise around the curvy corners

To Eat:

Restaurant Nama

South-East Asian; fresh food; eco-atmosphere

Recommended dishes: fresh rolls, green chicken curry, kimchi

De Moniö

Farm-to-table cafe; menu changes daily; handmade goods

Recommended dishes: matcha latte, carrot cake, gazpacho

Cafe Deià

Casual lunch fair; elevated Spanish dishes; friendly staff

Recommended dishes: Patatas Bravas, goat cheese salad, cucumber salmon

Restaurante Xelini Deià

Unique interior, classic tapas, good energy

Recommended dishes: Patatas Bravas, calamari, anchovies, octopus 

To Shop:

Obsolete Deià

Boutique, local jewelry selection, expensive quality clothing

De Moniö

Owners handmade artisanal jewelry, pottery; and glassware

Panela Open Art Studio

Beautiful minimalist interior; only sells a few tidbits

To Stay:

Hotel Es Moli

Ideal location for quiet escapes; pool; sea access (upon request); gym; breakfast buffet

To Avoid:

Palma

Overcrowded, touristy; notes of trash and trashiness

Port de Soller

Slightly trashy; touristy; overhyped

I definitely need to come back to Spain and experience the country in more depth, but I’d say this was a great start to a potential European love affair. 

;)