So I got to spend a week in Barcelona with my other half! It couldn't get any better than this. So, he is my guest blogger today! Traveling is amazing, traveling with the one you love is EVEN BETTER.

So without further ado I welcome blogger Jon!

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I feel privileged to take over the blog duties for a city that has always intrigued me.
Bienvenido a Barcelona, and thank you for having me!

A less-than-memorable transatlantic flight was certainly not the way to start our date in Spain!
I landed in the muggy heat of Barcelona early Friday afternoon. After being met by the most beautiful tour guide around, we deftly navigated the metro and shortly we arrived at our apartment.
I promptly took advantage of the customary mid-day "siesta" to allow myself to recoup from the flight. When in Rome, right?
Arising from our slumber, we found late evening to be a perfect time to pick a local pub and enjoy some Tapas. A glass of Estrella washed down the croquettes, calamari, and chicken wings perfectly!

Day two was a day at the beach. Literally. We walked through Porto Olimpico and scouted the best Paella spots on our way to the sand! With a game-plan established, it was time to relax! A few drinks, sangria de cava, and a giant plate of "Gambas" was the perfect light lunch! (*shrimp, camerones, or prawns, lol). We stayed just long enough for my ultra-Caucasian skin to sizzle as Josephine deepened her already golden bronze glow. All in all, the beach wasn't incredible, but it was a nice way to spend the day. (*Besides, having the most beautiful girl by your side is always nice!) Later that evening we bounced down the row of clubs and bars before settling in at a great Irish pub with a live band. The drinks and music flowed until the sun nearly caught us! 4am... time to go!

Sunday morning attacked us after only 3 hours of sleep as we boarded a bus to Figueres to explore the world of Salvador Dali!! Without even entering the museum, one word came to mind.... "WEIRD"!!! After exploring his museum, I gained a greater appreciation for his artistic ability, but did not change my mind about him being WEIRD!! A leisurely stroll through the 13th century castle he purchased for his wife in Púbol and the attached 10th century church filled us with the wonder of days past. We rounded out the day at yet another beach to soak in the Spanish sun!

Monday was spent just the two of us touring the city of Barcelona. We visited La Rambla and its many memorials as well as buildings designed by Gaudi. We finished our day by experiencing the excessive, impressive, grandeur of La Sagrada Familia. What a breathtaking work of art. Absolutely a must-see! Monday night took us back to Porto Olimpico for the biggest and best dish of paella we could find. We enjoyed champagne, wine, a sheep's cheese plate, RIDICULOUS paella, and some nice treats for dessert. This, of course, accompanied by a caballero serenading us with his guitar! All in all, one of the best meals I've ever experienced!

Tuesday was the get-away day. But we don't do anything small...... so we started out by visiting Parque Guell. This park on the outskirts of the city exemplifies the design of Gaudi and gave us a beautiful place to relax and soak in the culture. We followed this by touring the Camp Nou stadium where FC Barcelona and Messi play! Being able to stand on the pitch, tour the locker rooms, and sit on the 1st team player bench was absolutely unreal! We'll definitely fly back to experience a game! A short metro ride home, some leftover paella, then off to the airport one more time.

So, after 5 days, countless train rides, beaches, paella, tapas, museums, buildings, memorials, and the respectful, lovely people of Barcelona.... I have realized this... Spain is beautiful. But aside from that, there is no place I'd rather be in this world than by the side of my love, Josephine.

La Sagrada Familia and its never ending construction

Looking up into the soon-to-be tallest cathedral

Dalis museum. The eggs on top represent reproductive organs of both male and female, and the spots on the walls are his favourite bread...because why not....yup weird.

The sculpture in front of the museum, gives you an idea of what to expect

Walking through park Guell and admiring the famous tiles

Where the players run out onto the field. There is a prayer room on the right, and they played crowds cheering as you walk down to get the atmosphere.