Photos by Annie Kamio ()
Welcome to virtual vacation video series where we can explore destinations from the comfort of our homes.
Join us as we take a short visual journey to Barcelona, Spain.
The great thing about this destination is that it is easily accessible from almost anywhere in the Pacific theater and getting there can be relatively inexpensive thanks to many budget airline options in the region.
Located in the northeastern coast of Spain, Barcelona is a beautiful port city with the second largest population of the nation. The city is filled with a unique Catalan culture along with eye-catching architecture and artwork by Antoni Gaudi, Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso, which coexist within the cityscape. The city’s well-organized Metro system offers a safe, convenient means of travel for visitors to tour. Enjoy the modern fashionable cafes, boutiques and souvenir shops that make Barcelona an attractive and great gateway.
Some of the must-see spots in Barcelona include:
• The Basilica de la Sagrada Familia - Designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia is an uncompleted Catholic church and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church has been under construction for a whopping 140 years. A tour of the interior will reveal the minute and elaborate features, and climb up the tower which combines gothic and curvilinear spiral staircases. The church basement offers a detailed account of the history of the building and it’s fascinating architect.
• Mercat de Sant Josep (La Boqueria) - This expansive and popular market is in the city center. Mercat de Sant Josep opened in 1836 and is still a great spot to stroll and get a feel for this vibrant city. Browse over 200 stalls offering colorful, fresh fruits, vegetables, seafoods and various souvenirs while sampling some traditional Catalan dishes for sale. Be sure to drop by stalls for dry fruits, as they are very colorful and tasty.
• Parc Güell - This UNESCO World Heritage Site was designed by Gaudi and is an extraordinary garden on steep hill. The buildings, staircases and fountains of Parc Guell will awe you with elaborate mosaic designs and features. Originally this area was established as a luxury British-style residential complex but was converted to a public park in 1922.
A visit to Barcelona would not be complete without sampling paella, a delicious local rice dish. Paella is cooked in a large, flat round pan and consists of saffron-flavored rice, and plenty of local meats, seafood, and vegetables. The dish highlights the delicious fresh Mediterranean vegetables and seafood Barcelona is famous for.
I hope you enjoyed our virtual visit to the enchanting Barcelona in Spain and that perhaps it's inspired your next trip. Stay safe and get ready to travel with us in our next video. Thanks for watching!
