The morning came way too soon. We quickly got dressed, finished packing, and then set off to find a café in Dam Square for breakfast. The Dam Square, which was in walking distance from our hotel, is a picturesque square lined with fashionable boutiques, interesting galleries, and gourmet restaurants. It is also home to some of the most stunning architecture in the city. We found a place that boasted it had the best apple pancakes in the city, so we thought we would test their claim. I am not sure if they were the best or not, however I swear to you that apple pancakes alone are worth a trip to Amsterdam! They were that good.
Before we knew it, we were back at the airport and then on a plane headed to Barcelona. I had been to Spain four years prior, but had only had the chance to visit Madrid. During that trip I encountered some of my most frustrating travel experiences thus far, as I had all of my valuables stolen on two, yes two, different occasions. Having said that, I did not let that stop me from revisiting Spain. Every place deserves a second chance, especially one as special as Spain.
I instinctively knew that I would fall in love with Barcelona. Maybe that is why it took me so long to visit — I was afraid that once I was there I would never want to leave? In my mind it was the most perfect place; it was a big city filled with diversity, it had beautiful beaches, and it was centered around Latin culture.
It took about five minutes of being in Barcelona for me to realize that my fear was valid. Barcelona was simply the most perfect city! We arrived fairly late in the day, so exploring would have to wait until the next day. We checked into the posh Majestic Hotel & Spa, located in the heart of the city on the famed Paseo de Gracia. Just steps away from the hotel was some of the best shopping and restaurants, as well as Gaudi monuments. Though the real reason we chose this hotel was due to the fabulous rooftop pool and view.
Not wanting to waste one second more, we departed for Puerto Olimpico for tapas, sangria, and. . .
LOVE Barcelona!!!!! Did you get a chance to go to its many food markets? Boqueria is probably the most popular, followed by Santa Caterina. Speaking of Puerto Olympico, there’s a cool restaurant-lounge around that vicinity. Bestial.
Love that you love Spain! I need to spend more time in barcelona when I get back there!!
STILL dying to go to Barcelona. It’s high time.
Great city!
I’ve never been to Barcelona but it definitely looks like my kind of city!
I love how history and old buildings melt with the modern life in Barcelona.
Barcelona was one of my favorite places to visit as well!
I’ve never been but I’m trying to talk my sister into going for her birthday trip!
It’s so funny but I went to Amsterdam too many years ago to count and the only thing I remember besides the live sex shows……..are the apple pancakes. LOL
Funny, I adore Madrid and abhor Barcelona. To each her own.
Terrific work!!!
LOVE all the photos! Your post makes me want to go to Barcelona 🙂
Barcelona looks fantastic, I need to get myself there some day.
I LOVE Barcelona. I went there in 2003 and I’m dying to go back. It’s architecture is amazing and the city life and atmosphere is so unique and inviting. Try La Rambla, I think you’re gonna love it!
I remember having delicious pastries in Amsterdam, and getting mistaken for Dutch a couple of time.
I’ve wanted to visit Barcelona ever since I saw that movie Vicky Christina Barcelona. All the guys look like Javier Bardem, right? 🙂
After visiting and LOVING Madrid, all I want to do is go to Barcelona!!! Everyone says it’s just as cool but has a totally different vibe. I am obsessed with Espana so I think it would be totally awesome to go back. Seeing your pictures just confirms that!
I’m planning a trip to Barcelona in Early November so I can’t wait to read what more you discover. I’m NOW tempted to book at the Majestic for the views and that swimming pool.
Oh please say the next post is about the tapas and sangria…
Tapas and sangria…two of my favorite words!
I’m hoping that you had better luck on this Spain trip than the last…wasn’t that when your passport was stolen (later in Morocco)?
Barcelona is in my top 5 cities that I LOVE!
What a great trip!!!
Fun trip!!!!!!!
Hi, what a fantastic blog, I have to admit this is really well thought out, this world definitely needs bloggers like you!
Wonderful writing like always!
What an awesome trip!
Super-Duper internet site! I’m loving it!! Will come back again once more – taking you feeds also, Thanks.
perfect post!!!! 🙂
Fabulous post!
Loved this post!
Love it!
Awesome 🙂