• About
  • Blog
  • Working together
  • Testimonials
  • Contact

Girl Gone Travel

Girl Gone Travel

Europe, Travel
/
August 23, 2013

Riding High in Barcelona, Spain

Enjoyed this post? Give it some love and share!
Share

Lack of sleep is an incredible thing. Go too long and it can be quite dangerous, but hang on to it for those beginning side effects and the world is a pretty interesting place. My teen and I arrived to Barcelona a day before our cruise with the Carnival Sunshine was scheduled to depart.

I wanted to arrive a day early because I had never been to this great Spanish city, and my son had never been to Europe. I never sleep on planes, I try to but just can’t, so I knew that it would be an interesting day for me.

We thought the best way to explore the city, in just one day, would be to take a hop on/hop off tour bus. The cost was about US$32.00 each, an inexpensive option for what you get which is access to three different lines that showcase three different main points of the city. Our ambition was big, but our energy was low. Something I later learned about as well, were the free walking tours that get together in Barcelona (and other parts of Europe), which have received high ratings, have been described as one of the best tour experiences, and really only require that you tip the guide at the end.

Barcelona_girlgonetravelThe stops for the tour buses are easy to find and get to.

Barcelona_girlgonetravelUpper deck baby! So happy! So sleepy!

Because of the jet lag, I remember Barcelona in somewhat psychedelic colors. I was riding high on the top of the tour bus, as the hot sun beat upon us. The haze of sleeplessness took a city of beauty and made it even more fascinating. The most impressive memory of Barcelona and why I can’t wait to return, is the work of art that it is. The architecture, the sculptures, the historic sights; they envelope you every where you go. I fell in love with Barcelona, it’s energy and people, who were all so friendly and generous with their smiles. It’s always a highlight for me when I can speak Spanish freely to everyone, but they almost always speak English as well.

Barcelona_girlgonetravelBarcelona_girlgonetravelBarcelona_girlgonetravelInside view of the post office. The POST OFFICE, people!

The downfall to a one-day visit to Barcelona, while jet lagged especially, is that it’s just not enough. It’s like taking a small bite off an already small sweet chocolate. A mere tasting. What is good about our tour bus experience is that we got to mark all the places to go back to, and got enough of a feeling for the place to not only want to return, but also feel comfortable in recommending it as  destination to others.

Barcelona_girlgonetravelBarcelona is so easy to navigate. It’s a busy city, large in size, but everything from public transport to traffic runs smoothly, and walking the city is a lot of fun and manageable.

Barcelona_girlgonetravel Barcelona_girlgonetravelMercat Santa Caterina was an unexpected find. Delicious, fresh, authentic treats and delicacies for an affordable price.

Where We Stayed

The Hotel Miramar Barcelona, a member of Preferred Boutique, was our one night stay, and I can’t think of a more ideal location not only because of its proximity to the port, but also because of its distance from the city center. I believe the taxi driver called it “the country”, which really it’s not, but it isn’t right in the thick of it all. The views however make none of that matter, especially from the comfort of your balcony. barcelona_girlgonetravelIMG_9686barcelona_girlgonetravelbarcelona_girlgonetravel

The hotel is located just steps away from the gorgeous Petra Kelly Gardens, a wonderful refuge for early morning runs or walks and romantic sunset strolls. We had a wonderful breakfast experience in the hotel’s restaurant, the Forestier, which we enjoyed on the outer deck overlooking the garden. It was easy to walk to our tour bus stop from the hotel, discounted tickets for which we were able to purchase at the hotel’s concierge.barcelonaIMG_9689 IMG_9688 IMG_9687My time in Barcelona felt like a dream. It was short and sweet and full of beauty. We saw a lot thanks to that tour without having exhausted ourselves, and we even got to eat some great food. If I were to return I would spend my money on two things: museums and food (though note that most museums get really busy, really fast – we saw lines for a lot of them) and whether you take a tour like we did, or decide to venture out on your own, you won’t be disappointed. The city sights will entrance you and make you want to take your time, or as in my case, want to make you come back.

barcelonaFlamenco dancers came on board the Carnival Sunshine to send us off as we departed the port from Barcelona. It was beautiful. A must see when in the city.

All photos are property of Girl Gone Travel and may not be used with permission from the publisher. To see more photos check our or Mediterranean adventure through photos follow our Instagram for future adventures.

Disclosure: We received a discounted stay courtesy of Hotel Miramar Barcelona. My teen and I were guests on the Carnival Cruise Sunshine during their Mediterranean voyage. This was one of our stops. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Related

Enjoyed this post? Give it some love and share!
Share
Pin this Post
Share this Post
Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

You May Also Like...

Christmas Tree Hunting in Long Island, NY

December 12, 2008

Fort Tryon Park, Washington Heights, NY

December 10, 2008

Winter afternoon in the Bronx Zoo, NY

December 16, 2008
6 Comments
  • Señora López
    August 28, 2013

    Beautiful trip and so much to see. I went to Spain as part of a package vacation as a teenager with my school and we were herded from one place to another way too quickly. Now that my Spanish is much better than it was back then, I'd love to give it another try at a more leisurely pace. The breakfast looked delicious and so fresh. How great that you got to share this adventure with your son.

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Señora López
      August 28, 2013

      Thank you! Yes, that breakfast was AMAZING. I see that picture and still crave it : )) I do hope you get to visit again soon. Barcelona just needs time to see as much as possible.

      Reply
  • travellersoul76
    August 28, 2013

    Ah Barcelona!

    It is such a beautiful city, I certainly did fall in love 😉

    Your photos are gorgeous! Great details and colors.

    I certainly can't wait to go back. Visca Catalunya!
    My recent post Weekly Photo Challenge: Carefree

    Reply
    • caincarol
      travellersoul76
      August 28, 2013

      Thank you!!

      Reply
  • Ramon
    November 1, 2013

    Barcelona is my dream destination. I just love that city of Spain. I've stayed more than 2 years in Spain but not got any chance to travel Barcelona. Although overall Spain most cities are historic and adventurous. I really like these photos. Thanks girl gone travel for sharing an amazing post.

    Reply
    • caincarol
      Ramon
      November 1, 2013

      My pleasure! I love the historic sights of Barcelona. Hope you make it there soon Ramon! Thanks for reading : )

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Previous Post
Speechless in Messina, Sicily
Next Post
Making Visits to National Parks A Part of Our Culture

Categories

  • Asia5 Post(s)
  • Caribbean17 Post(s)
  • Central America4 Post(s)
  • Europe54 Post(s)
  • North America318 Post(s)
  • Oceana1 Post(s)

About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

Contact

  • caincarol@gmail.com

Follow @girlgonetravel

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! @travisjcain will be painting MARK YOUR CALENDAR! @travisjcain will be painting a beautiful new mural at Elmira’s Mural Fest this year (weather permitting on Saturday, if not on a less rainy day)! Last year he painted this board which was recently on display still at @communityartselmira. 

Hopefully we have a sunny day and you can come out to support Travis and all the muralists that day! See you there!

#elmirany #painter #artist #communityarts
Sometimes it’s like I never left. #newyork Sometimes it’s like I never left. 

#newyork
SHOUT OUT to our oldest, @davidacain_, who carries SHOUT OUT to our oldest, @davidacain_, who carries with him the entrepreneurial spirit he’s inherited from his parents. 

While successfully working in supply chain management for a global corporation based in NYC, he continues to manage and operate his own product, @getcalma, a comforting heated eye mask that is currently on the Amazon top seller list for two years in a row and has a growing consumer following! 

We are so incredibly proud of David and his growing success as an entrepreneur and in his career, and know the future will continue to be bright for him!

To learn more about Calma and make a purchase, visit his website at GetCalma.com. 

#proudmomma #getcalma #entreprenuer #smallbusiness
The time has come to move on from my role as a bar The time has come to move on from my role as a barista at @the_garage_at_rye and towards my next adventure. 

I started this journey with a curiosity for a craft I admired and wanted to learn more about. It turned into a job. Then a serious passion. And now here I am, launching Café Cómodo (KOH-moh-doh), which means “Comfortable/cozy” in Spanish, a pop-up café serving espresso and seasonal drinks at local farmers markets and private events! (@cafecomodony)

Starting yet another business was never my intent…and yet, I fell further in love with the craft, the industry, and the culture.

I owe so much of what I have learned to @seschieber, who took me under her wings and taught me so much (and still does) and who embraced my nerdiness and eagerness with patience and kindness….and in the process became one of my dearest friends. Working alongside her has felt like winning the golden ticket. She further instilled in me a respect for the craft, the industry, and a commitment to always strive for a quality product, even in a world of Dunkins and Starbucks. 

Grateful for @abbdawes, @hannahmariee93, and Amanda who tolerated my clumsiness at the start while I fumbled my way through the register and the various drink recipes!

I wasn’t sure where this journey would lead, and as I look back at these clips I realize how much I have changed in the process. It’s not always a place that impacts you, but rather the people in it.

I will miss the regulars I’ve gotten to know whose names and drink orders I memorized and who I looked forward to serving. 

I’m so grateful for everything I learned, beyond just making coffee, because I know it will help me to further grow as a leader, an entrepreneur, and a team member wherever I go and in everything I do next.

I won’t miss the dark morning wake ups and long drives before sunrise though! 

I’m proudest of myself for wanting to develop a new skill and ✨DOING IT✨ even when it felt awkward, nerving, and impossible. I hope you will follow me on this next chapter and come say hi at the market (and hire me for your next event)!

Thank you to Charlie Hunter, owner of The Garage for this opportunity.

#coffee #cafe #popupcafe
Recently took a moment to slow down and enjoy the Recently took a moment to slow down and enjoy the sounds of this beautiful place I call home. 

#fingerlakes #newyork #upstateny
Barista training = Trial by fire. 🔥 This is the Barista training = Trial by fire. 🔥 This is the way. 

@shellyk_025

#baristalife #barista #coffeeislife

Copyright © 2025 Girl Gone Travel | Privacy Policy | Copyright Notice