Another successful birthday trip and a great way to celebrate year 31! I fell in love with Spain just as everyone said I would. My friend Grace, who joined me on my birthday trip last year, came on this trip as well. We visited Madrid, Barcelona and Seville. Madrid was my favorite hands down and I honestly could see myself living there one day. The food in Spain was incredible especially since I have to keep such a strict diet here at home in The States. The first meal I had was pizza. I have missed pizza so much. We also tried paella but honestly I didn't love it. But the markets in Spain are on a whole other level. The food is so fresh and so many options. Our hostel in Barcelona was right next to a massive open market. I want to move to Spain for the food alone.
In Madrid, we saw Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, San Miguel Market, Park Del Retiro and the infamous Prado Museum. Which I was very hungover for since we stayed out until 5am that night before enjoying Madrid's nightlife. We want to buy the Airbnb we stayed in. Perfect studio in such a great location. There was so much we didn't get to see but saw enough to just love it.
We took the bullet train over to Barcelona where we stayed at a hostel in the Gothic Quarter. Great location and could walk to so many things. We walked to the beach although it was further than we thought. Barcelona is known for having topless beaches so we participated. It felt so freeing not wearing a top and honestly it didn't even feel weird. I have to admit I wasn't impressed with the beach though, the water is cold and rough and you sink trying to get in and out. The water also is very murky and the sand is coarse and uncomfortable to lay on. The beaches in Florida are honestly much better. We also experienced the club scene in Barcelona and the beach bars were cool but the club that was five levels and all different genres inside a huge warehouse now thats worth a stop. We couldn't have gone to Barcelona without seeing Park Guell and the very famous La Sagrada Familia. That church is insane and photos don't do it justice. Overall we liked Barcelona but very touristy and Madrid had a much better vibe.
Then we flew to Seville, the home of Flaminco dancing and where every street is photo worthy. Our Airbnb was amazing here, we loved the open floor plan loft. We saw a Flaminco show and had endless Tapas at a local restaurant. We also visited the Alcazar and saw a cathedral. Had the best pasta and wine. But the best part of Seville, aside from the picturesque streets and food, was the Setas de Seville aka The Mushroom. It's a giant wooden structure made up of all different lights. Walking under it is cool but going up to the top and watching the sunset was truly the best way to end our trip. Highly recommend if you're in the area.
This was the longest trip I've ever taken at 11 days. And we planned it all ourselves which actually is a lot of work but I'm proud of us. We're already talking about ideas for next year's birthday trip. London, Scotland, Italy, South Korea and South Africa are all top picks. My next international trip is to Bali in October!
Here are my photos from Spain...
Madrid:
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