Remembering Barcelona

I know it sounds strange, but in all of my travels the place I've connected with best is Barcelona. I first visited the city as a high schooler, and immediately fell in love with its vibrant, fast-paced culture and its old-world charm. It's a modern city nestled up against Spain's dynamic past.

And both times I've been there, I've ended up at the McDonald's in the Plaça de Catalunya, quite against my will, I'll have you know.

But seriously, is McDonald's the American embassy or something? Sheesh. Do me a favor, guys: Put down the Big Mac and explore the local eateries when you're abroad. You can thank me later.

Since that first trip to Barcelona, I've been trying to put my finger on what it is exactly that draws me so blissfully close to Spain's culture.

Honestly, I think a big part of it comes from the way the Spanish live. I love that the energy of the city ebbs and flows between rush hour and siesta, and then culminates in a nightly celebration of music, food, and light in the Plaça. Sure, the city is busy like New York or Chicago. But the Spanish do busy with style. The city has the energy of New York but the relaxed, methodical rhythm of the Rivera. While siesta confused me the first few days I was there, I soon got very used to the idea that a midday break from the stress of work was a fact of life.

And then there's Barcelona's quirky atmosphere. The city is amazingly diverse; on the Las Ramblas end, there's the port and beach. Then you've got the interest of the Plaça's high-end stores and eateries. (On a side note, that's where, during my high school trip, I saw my very first Afghan war protest: hundreds of naked people were riding bicycles down the street. While we Americans stood back in shock and--admittedly--interest, the Spaniards around us seemed to just roll their eyes and go about their days, like it was just another Tuesday. How the naked cycling was going to put an end to the war, I'll never know.)

But I digress.

As you worm your way through the busy streets of Barcelona, you'll find yourself staring up at the impressive architecture of Gaudí, especially La Sagrada Familia, which was once known as "the Unfinished Cathedral," due to its on-again-off-again construction. (I think it's done now...if you know, chat with me in the comments.)

La Sagrada Familia ("The Unfinished Cathedral")

I remember riding through Barcelona, mouth ajar, too impressed even to raise my camera to snap a picture. This is actually the only photo of the Sagrada Familia I have from either trip. I know, I know, shame on me.

I wish I could go back to Barcelona very soon. My second and most recent trip there came in the form of a weekend getaway while studying in the south of France. I was so great to get a chance to visit the city again, and I hope it wasn't my last time doing so.

Since I don't have many photos to share with you, I hope my recipe highlight for Spain will do. I remember sitting down at a little restaurant nestled neatly into Las Ramblas, so quaint that if it were not for the smell of paella wafting down the street, I would never even have noticed it. I ordered the paella with the help of my professor, Luis, who speaks Spanish. I kept quiet and tried my best to look very Spanish (not successfully, I'm sure) as Luis rattled off our order to the waiter.

When the dish came, I was in love. Paella, if you're not familiar, is a devilishly delicious concoction of rice, sausage, seafood, and sometimes chicken, all introduced to each other by saffron, one of daintiest things you'll ever have in your spice cabinet. It's so good, it even gets its very own pan!

I'll remember the taste of that first paella forever, but I'm sorry to report that I doubt I'll ever be able to reproduce it. Sigh...a girl can try though!

Next post: PAELLA!