A Visit to Barcelona, My Spanish Heritage Kindled Within

There are so many reasons why in my first ever trip to Europe, Barcelona is at the top of my list beside London and Paris.

First, I am a Fil-Australian who grew up with so much Spanish influence around. A visit to Spain would test how strong the affinity I have about my cultural heritage. I still have vivid memories from my childhood eating my grandma’s home-cooked paella and her own version of sweet and spicy sausage like the Spanish chorizo.

Churros with the thick chocolate is a favourite dish that I have come to know only recently, and I am desperate to experience its authentic taste.

La Rambla

Second, Barcelona’s coastal location offering a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea satisfies my love for the beach. The sight of the sparkling blue open water reminds me how insignificant we are in the bigger scheme of things and I feel so lucky to be here in this lifetime taking in all the wonders of this earth has to offer. The matching clear blue sky is a far cry from the mostly grey overcast weather that lingered during the prior days that we were in the city of London.

Picturesque View from the Rambla Del Mar Bridge

Third, Barcelona is world famous for its distinctive and modernist style of architecture, thanks to the personal contribution and influence of Gaudi. Quirky buildings and structures bearing unorthodox style ubiquitously placed all over the city are eye-candy delight for someone like me who have taken a couple of years in university studying architecture.

Family Photo In Front of the Sagrada Familia

Barcelona is one of the major fashion capital cities in the world, and in fact in 2017, it’s been ranked as one of the top three, after New York and Paris*.  Visiting Barcelona will not be complete without shopping. Passeig de Gracia offers high end shopping, the Portal de l’Angel, just off Plaza de Catalunya, will not also disappoint with its mix of clothing boutiques and accessories shops.  My favourite was Mango, and I must have shopped  from number of outlets of this fashion franchise throughout the city of Barcelona, and then another last minute purchase at the airport.

Shopping Galore: Mango, Passeig de Gracia

The comfort food, the spectacular sights of nature in an urban setting, the beautiful weather, and the fashion-forward, affordable shopping experience, for me, Barcelona secured its top place as holiday destination  that I would go back to in a heartbeat.