First Time in Spain

Culture Shock

The best words to describe my first and final impressions of Barcelona, Spain.

After the quarantine period of COVID, I was just happy to be taking an epic cruise trip.

I had a credit from a cruise canceled during this period so the trip basically paid for itself.

Even after all my planning, I had forgotten about the bucket-list blog I wrote two years ago.

Plan A was a transatlantic cruise out of Tampa. I missed the flight!

Plan B had me flying to Barcelona round trip. The plans were number 3 and 5 on the list.

The first place my feet touched down in Europe was Morocco.

It was a several hours connection, but it makes me feel good to count it. 

That part of the trip was uneventful for the most part.

Welcome to Barcelona

In America, we are coddled and led along so gently in everyday life.

We’ve even made Spanish an official second language in areas where deemed appropriate.

So in my mind…European countries would have the same standard. I mean they’ve been gladly accepting and welcoming the American dollar for decades. 

It all made sense “in my mind”!

This is where I had a rude awakening. There is no help. No translation. You’re on your own.

*Tip* Ensure you have WIFI at all times (esp for Google maps/Google translate) and use Whatsapp (its free) for calls and texting*

I had confidence in my intelligence to get me by but boy did I feel dumb!

Don’t attempt to navigate the train stations unless you speak Spanish, feel comfortable with Google maps, or don’t mind getting lost. 

In my further delusion, I pictured European train stations like your average local Greyhound. No mam!!!

Those things are huge and grand. As in Grand Central Station in New York. The perfect maze especially if you don’t speak the language. 

I’m the type of traveler that does my research. Few things catch me by surprise.

But I blame COVID as we have become so prone to do.

I think my brain was still fuzzy and rusty from the long travel hiatus.

Guide Me Please

I will never go to Europe (Barcelona) without having a pick-up & drop off excursion!

I got lost too many times to count and ALL the cobbled stone streets in Barcelona look the same. Trust me on this! 

My tour guide from day one said to avoid restaurants with big picture menus. That’s all La Ramblas had so I was scared to eat when on my own. 

By the time, I received his WHATSAPP recommendations, it was too late. I was only there three days.

Sadly, I turned to Micky D’s when in that area. I wish I could’ve tried more Spanish food but at least I stuck to the familiar!

My hotel on the other hand was in a residential area and I ate at a local cafe called Restaurant l’oucomballa. They had tapas but not traditional dishes. The pizza was really good!

Rome2rio offered me conflicting bus info to my hotel so I ended up just getting a taxi. I also had a whole luggage set with me so it probably worked for the best!

Once you follow the airport signs, you’re led directly to the taxi queue. I purchased my Hola Barcelona card online but had to retrieve it in the building across and outside the airport.

**Though I had my luggage connectors, the airport does have free luggage carts. 

After being ignored and skipped, I was finally assigned a taxi.

At first the Middle Eastern driver seemed rude in how he addressed and proceeded to rush me but it may have been another cultural difference.

Once settled in, he initiated small talk and the ride turned pleasant. 

*Cabs are metered and it was about $50. 

Out of frustration with rising hotel costs, one night I booked a sight unseen Priceline deal and it ended up being outside the city center.

After looking at estimated cab fares on Rome2Rio, I decided public transportation would the better cost effective method. 

Good thing there was a tram nearby.

It was very reliable and connected me to a train that would take me into the center. 

Traveling While Black

Looking back, I had read about a large majority of Black travelers experiencing racism in Spain.

Unfortunately that comes with the territory (“Black” skin) everywhere. 

In my excitement of returning to travel, I forgot everything negative I had ever read or heard about Spain. 

Once I collected my checked-in bags, I went in search of food. (Shout out to Royal Air Maroc for delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks! )

Micky D’s turned out to be my first meal in Barcelona. The options weren’t all that at the airport!

After eating, I can’t recall if it was a small soda or ice cream I got to-go but I know they didn’t have the right cup and I had to ask for a lid. 

Before exiting the airport, I decided to use the restroom and didn’t have room for the cup and I hate taking food/drinks in bathrooms.

I saw a tiny ledge sticking out of the wall outside of the bathroom and placed it there.

The cleaning lady appeared and I gave her what I thought was the universal “Is this okay? I’ll be right back.”

 I come out of the restroom and my cup is gone. The cleaning lady’s whole disposition is now hostile and it’s clear she threw the cup and it’s contents away.

I was livid!!!

I expected common courtesy and decency since there was a language barrier and I couldn’t communicate about leaving the cup. 

She was smart though because she had an officer in eyeshot and he was the only thing that literally stopped me from emptying all of her cleaning products. 

I actually paused for a split second (as he spoke) to consider if jail would be worth it in a foreign country I had only been in for less than a hour. 

Anhyoo, I’m the nicest person you can meet. But my petty side is definitely just as extreme.

I could not make sense of why she threw my drink away. It was pure nastiness! 

After 14 hours of travel, she was about to get a taste of my fury! And did I mention I hate waste!

I think this first impression of Barcelona clouded my whole trip! 

Lasting Impressions of Barcelona

By the time I checked in to the hotel, I was hungry again.

Hesperia Sant Joan Suites was nothing fancy but it was clean, spacious and the bed was comfortable. Those three are top tier requirements for me.

It also had a kitchenette with utensils but I had no plans on using either. 

The front desk gave me directions and I went on a search of paella. Mind you, I never met a paella I liked, but I figured getting it from Spain would be the final test. 

Most restaurants in that area only served tapas (small plates of fried food) and I wanted something more filling like rice. 

I learned Spanish people usually ate rice at lunch and it was evening hours. 

I met the nicest woman Yvonne, who was a (Venezuelan) transplant. She translated for me and treated me like an old friend. Huge difference from “cleaning lady”. 

As she smoked, she told me she didn’t start the habit until she moved to Barcelona. 

As a member of the “Smoke Free Class of 2000”, that was another aspect of European culture to get used to. 

So I ordered paella and a sangria, of course. Taberna Don Blas had a small indoor dining area and of course (as in the European fashion) outdoor dining.

The paella portions were only served for two. I ate and drank what I could to the host’s dismay. 

The meal confirmed that I did not like paella. I was never a sangria fan either but that glass won me over.

One out of two…not bad!

There was no way I could’ve finished both. They probably expected me to linger as in the European way.

But this American took as much time as she could and stopped when she was full. 

Montserrat

Montserrat (serrated mountain) was the only excursion I booked with hotel pick-up and drop-off.

If I knew better, all of them would have been that way.

The guide was late but he was in constant communication. 

I met some cool people on the tour and Vincent was amazing.

If you want to see the Black Madonna, there is a separate line and you may have to ask.

I almost missed out because I thought the guide would mention it and it was the main reason for choosing excursion. 

The grounds of Montserrat are breathtaking and the history, no less. I was awe- struck to see the rare Black Madonna. 

*Mountainous roads are tight and winding*

Though I’m not Catholic, I’m sensitive enough to acknowledge the reverence assigned to a place of worship.

Along with their majestic beauty, I love the peace and sacredness of basilicas. 

We skipped the boys choir to have more time in Barcelona. 

Our guide took us to a local spot for lunch (Restaurante Lepanto) and it was budget friendly and delicious. Eleven euros for a 3 course meal with wine.

Sagrada Family Barcelona

The next stop was the Sagrada Family. It’s facades alone will have you unable to look away. There’s the new and lighter contrasting with the Gothic.

You have to see it in person…

The inside…I don’t think I ever looked down. It’s ceiling is magnificent.

There’s no doubt that this a place set aside to worship God. A little piece of heaven to revere. I didn’t want to leave!! 

We drove to the Gothic Quarter to walk around and see the outside of the Barcelona Cathedral. 

Barcelona is truly a photographer’s dream. You can’t take a bad picture there.

Every alleyway is amazing!

I can’t mention Spanish architecture without Antoni Gaudí. He was an architect before his time. Even today, I don’t think any one can put him in a box .

He’s in a class of his own and his brilliance was limitless! 

He’s responsible for Park Guell and The Sagrada Family. Those were the only two works I got a chance to visit.

La Ramblas

My walks along La Ramblas were both refreshing and a bit overwhelming. This was May 2022, so seeing crowds still took some getting used to.

This was definitely a perfect people watching spot. Be careful as you would anywhere for pick-pocketers. I walked in day time and at night.

I passed the flamenco show (City Hall) during one of these walks so that’s how I was able to return to it that night.

The Flamenco show costs about $20 via Viator. I didn’t add the wine but there is a bar there.

It was definitely worth it. 

I ate ice cream to my heart’s content, took pictures, and walked the whole strip in both directions.

The market (La Boquria St. Joseph) is right along the Las Ramblas strip. It’s closed on Sundays.

It’s a MUST DO. If you can name it…they have it in abundance. The fruit cups were my fave…so fresh and tasty!

There was ready made food, fresh seafood and butchers, nuts, dried fruit etc.

Gives “kid in a candy store” vibes. 

Park Guell

Don’t be like me and go to Park Guell without a ticket!

I knew they only accepted timed tickets but it was hard to choose a time since I didn’t know how long it would take to get there.

Of course I took the LONG and HARD way with so much walking on hilly terrain and stairs. 

By the time I made it to the gate, they were sold out. And that gate did not sell tickets.

I didn’t even have WIFI to get other tickets so I returned the following day.

Either use a tour or buy tix in advance and follow the directions on there. They’re not exact but be observant. Most likely the people ahead of you are going there too. 

Park Guell was worth the hassle. It’s a beautiful sprawling park so bring your walking shoes and prepare to get them dirty. 

I would also bring wipes/toilet paper.

They have a store that sell refreshments and vendors selling water. 

Arc de Triomphe Barcelona

I booked an Airbnb tour that ended up being a disaster! It made me not want to use them ever again.

I should’ve used good ole PayPal as payment because neither my bank nor AIRBNB wanted to give me a refund. 

 I got lost over and over and just decided to find the Arc myself. 

*Check train station stops to help with finding popular spots*

The Arc de Triomphe connects to a park. Its the perfect place to relax, exercise, picnic or like me…take pictures.

Many people only know of the one in France.

Looking back, I took an epic trip but didn’t realize it ’til after since I had so many obstacles!

I will be blogging separately about the other Europe cruise ports but this trip kicked my butt!

Would I ever return to Barcelona? Probably not.

I AM open to other cities in Spain. 

~Poof…Bee Gone

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