Over our free weekend in the program, my friend Justin and I thought we would maximize our time by going to Barcelona, Spain. Since we had four full days of freedom (Thursday through Monday), we knew we wanted to see and do everything this lovely city had in store for us—from stunning landmarks to exhilarating adventures. We got a beautiful hotel situated directly next to the beach, with an awesome oceanfront view that immediately put us in vacation mode. Waking up every morning to the waves and sunshine glistening on the water certainly made this trip feel like a dream.
We hit the ground running on our first day. We toured the city, strolling through energetic streets filled with one-of-a-kind architecture and pulsating energy. One of our highlights was a visit to the legendary Sagrada Família, a work of art that left us in wonder at its detailed design and history. That night, we rewarded ourselves with a 5-star steakhouse, enjoying one of the finest meals I have ever had. To close out the day, we strolled along the beach, sunset-watching while taking in the ambiance of Barcelona’s nightlife. Day two was full of adventure. We began the day by jet skiing, racing across the bright blue waters with giant smiles on our faces. We then rented bikes and saw more of the city at our speed, finding hidden gems we otherwise might have missed. We couldn’t help but go back to the beach for a few hours before setting off on a sunset cruise, which was one of the most relaxing and picturesque parts of the trip. The night concluded with another upscale dinner by the beach, followed by a sampling of Barcelona’s vibrant club scene.
Our third day was, hands down, my favorite. We took a full-day trip that included kayaking, cliff diving, and snorkeling along the beautiful coast. Cliff diving was unforgettable—the rush of adrenaline was amazing, even though it was equally terrifying and exciting, but I’d do it again in a second. The day was complete with laughs, breathtaking views, and memorable moments in the water. The only negative? The sunburn we both came home with. It was so bad at one point that even sleeping hurt, but to be honest, it was a small price to pay for such a wonderful experience.
Barcelona provided a lifetime of memories—exhilarating experiences, breathtaking views, delectable cuisine, and continuous laughter with a wonderful friend. The trip opened my eyes to the pleasure that is derived from moving out of routine and completely exposing myself to a new destination.
It looks like you and Justin had a blast in Barcelona! If I went on a trip like that I don’t think I would want to leave!
That looks like a fantastic experience Justin! I love your pictures, especially the jet ski one is a great action shot. It’s great that you were able to take full advantage of everything the city had to offer!