Barcelona, the city of art, architecture and design.

To walk through Barcelona’s old city is a daunting task; it almost takes you back to medieval times, especially Barri Gòtic, which is the Gothic quarter. Personally the idea of Gothic has never been appealing to me, but as I stood in front of the Sagrada Familia church I couldn’t help but take my time to look at the detail.

The Sagrada Familia church is still a way from being complete but already this immense piece of architecture has such a major presence. It is dark and gothic and for me haunting, as if you are waiting for some evil character to stalk you while you stand there hypnotized. I later discovered that the building of it had started in 1882 and that it is projected to only be finished in 2026. That is 144 years of Gothic monstrosity in the making.

My very own place…
I forced myself away from the Sagrada Familia church and continued on my way back to my luscious accommodation. I find that staying in your own apartment when travelling is the best way. Ok, so you don’t have somebody who makes your bed every morning, or room service to see to your every little desire, but you have total freedom.

I’m not a morning person, so for me, not having strangers around when I’m still trying to wake up is total bliss. To have your own apartment when you’re travelling made me believe that I have my very own overseas haven, that I was living in another country – a true escape. I felt like a local. Every morning it was off to the local café for my regular Spanish breakfast, which is coffee, a slice of toast (ok two slices) with apricot jam and churros. Churros, now that is what I call a breakfast treat. A sweet pastry to get you energised for the day.

A cultural afternoon…
After my nutritional fill-up I headed to the train station and began my journey to Figueres. After an hour and fifteen minutes of interesting sightseeing, more inside the train than outside, I eventually arrived and headed straight to the Dalí Museum.

Now my knowledge and more so, interpretation of art is shocking, but I do know that I like Salvador Dalí’s work. Now this museum is not exactly your typical average museum. To begin with, Dalí created this museum himself and called it The Dalí Theatre-Museum.

The original building was practically destroyed during the Spanish Civil War which gave this artistic genius the idea to build his own little trophy case. This was by far the most captivating museum I’ve ever been to. It almost feels like you are walking within a piece of art.

The nature of this museum is that it almost forces you to take your time to enjoy and take in every detail. What I liked most about Dalí’s work is that the longer you looked at it, the more you would see. My favourite was the painting of his wife, Gala, called Galatea of the Spheres. I spent most of my day looking at this piece, its detail was mesmerizing. After a really laid back stroll through the remaining rooms I eventually headed back to Barcelona for a well deserved supper.

A Spanish dinner…
The train ride back felt like forever, but I think it was more my lazy mood than the trip itself.

Back in Barcelona I decided to try the café close to my apartment for a real Spanish dinner. Seafood served with rice and green salad, and then of course a light desert of flan (Spanish vanilla custard). As I was indulging in my last bite of desert I couldn’t help but notice that the closer the clock came to midnight, the busier the street became.

The Spanish are known to be night owls, something that I had no difficulty in joining. I started with the local barman, who explained to me with his heavy Spanish accent, that it was nothing unusual in their culture for the family to go to bed only after midnight, that it was the norm. As I filled my glass with more red wine I joined in the festivities of the locals, trying really hard to keep up with conversation. But all was forsaken because the Spanish talk with the same passion they live life, to the fullest.

After I lost count of my wine intake I decided that it was time for me to head back to my own place, to the comfort of my own Barcelona apartment. It really is the best way to enjoy your time away from reality.

Accommodation that makes it feel like it’s ordinary. That this really is part of your life, that you own your own home away from home.