photojournal

PLACES, FACES AND SPACES

A light-hearted photo journal of my favorite memories, places, and experiences abroad.

There truly is nothing like spring in spain; salty air, 70 degree weather and the tree lined streets bustling with life. From the very beginning, Barcelona welcomed us with open arms into her beautiful city.

Before leaving I had done a few google searches about the city and seen a few pictures from acquaintances on social media who had study abroad in Spain. I really didn’t know what to expect. However, any fear of living in a big city quickly dissipated once our taxi pulled out of the airport.

BARC E ANOL

Though the size of the city is comparable to chicago, the local markets, easy public transportation system and friendly people made it seem much smaller. Positioned between the Mediterranean sea and the Montserrat mountain range, Barcelona has something to offer to everyone who comes to visit. Three months in Barcelona passed in a flash. During my time there I got to see countless iconic art works, visit amazing monuments, hike after work, try new foods, visit cities across the coast of Spain, and swim in the mediterranean sea whenever i pleased.

On long weekends, my roomates and I would see how much we could cram into a backpack catch a 6 am friday morning flight somewhere exciting. We rode bikes around Switzerland, explored the island of Majorca, visited the casino in Monte Carlo, and ate amazing food around France. Three day trips turned into lifelong memories.

I am so grateful for the independence and curiosity this past summer has brought me. Here are some photos of the beautiful moments from this trip.

SAGRADA FAMILIA

One of the most famous architectural landmarks in the world and probably what most people know barcelona for, the Sagrada Familia towers over the surrounding buildings in the historic Gothic Quarter. The inside of the Cathedral is breathtaking and deserving of all the fame it receives. However, the awe doesn’t stop there. Under the famous Sagrada Familia, basement tunnels house models, diagrams, and artifacts collected over the hundreds of years of construction. It was fascinating to see the replicas and drawings that informed this nearly 145 year long construction project.

Some locals actually oppose the ongoing construction of the Cathedral. Our guide explained that the housing market in Barcelona is competitive and residents are already having difficulty finding apartments in the city. If the next phase of construction is approved, the 2 blocks surrounding the Sagrada Familia will be demolished. The world famous building looks out of place surrounded by affordable apartment buildings, parks, and markets. Locals worry about the effect this construction would have on current and future residence of the surrounding area.

TURÓ DE LA ROVIRA

Overlooking the entire city of Barcelona, Turó de la Rovira makes a great spot to share some wine and bodega cheese with friends. The bunkers were once used as a Iberian settlement, then turned into a defensive vantage point in the spanish civil war. Now the area is surrounded by a flourishing neighborhood and serves as a popular attraction for those visiting barcelona.

BARCELONETA BEACH

At the edge of the city lays Barceloneta Beach. This extensive beach is a popular tourist destination and is always crowded. If you manage to find a empty spot it’s a great place to enjoy some food, sun, and time with friends. Beware of the waves if you decide to go for a swim!

While in Barcelona we got to experience “La revetlla de Sant Joan”, a spanish holiday celebrated on June 23rd. It is comparable to America’s fourth of july. The beach is covered with people who came out to see the fireworks. In Spain, they are much less cautious with the distribution of fireworks and the scene was quite chaotic. My favorite part was all the street vendors set up surrounding the beach.

THE GOTHIC QUARTER

Packed with historical architecture, close to the beach, and filled with amazing unique shops and restaurants, the gothic quarter is one of the most charming districts in barcelona. The gothic quarter is often credited for being the catalyst of modern day barcelona. The romans first settlement was established in the gothic quarter, which has continued to grow and influence the city to this day.

MUSEU NACIONAL D’ART DE CATALUNYA

One of first monuments we got to see upon arriving was the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. This museum is positioned on Montjuïc Hill, overlooking Plaça Espanya and the main port of Barcelona. Inside the museum is home to many historical catalan paintings as well as an exhibit wing that features various new exhibits

ALL A DNUOR

GIRONA

The ancient city of Girona is about two hours outside of Barcelona. The fortified medieval city is known its narrow winding roads surrounding the Girona Cathedral. Fun fact- Game of Thrones was filmed in Girona and local were hired to play extras during the production!

INTERLAKEN, SWITZERLAND

WEISSENAU CASTLE, SWITZERLAND

Tucked away and barely visible behind the trees, the Weissenau Castle is easy to miss if you aren’t careful. Luckily my friend spotted the top of the castle from the bike path and we pulled over to check it out. It is unclear when exactly this castle was built but it dates back in historical writings to 1298. It saw many shifts of power throughout its day functioning as a Wissenowe castle, an abbey, and part of a large market village. Stairs have recently been added on the inside tower so that one can enjoy the tremendous views from the top.

LAKE THUN, SWITZERLAND

THE END