A Trip Through Spain

Barcelona, Spain

Our journey through Spain began in the vibrant city of Barcelona, where we arrived after a long flight via London, exhausted but eager to explore. True to our backpacker spirit, we opted for the bus over a taxi to our hostel, navigating the crowded public transport with full backpacks—a delicate balance of trying not to send a fellow passenger flying! Our destination was Plaça de Catalunya, conveniently close to our hostel, but the challenge was finding the right direction. Alex, having visited Barcelona before, was confident he knew the way. With me trailing behind, we circled the square multiple times in the sweltering sun until finally spotting a familiar landmark and darting down a side alley—an early indication of what would become a recurring theme in our travels.

Our accommodation was a simple apartment within Hostel Itaca, featuring four double rooms with a shared kitchen and bathroom. The location was ideal, nestled close to the bustling Las Ramblas and within the atmospheric Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter). The convenience of a kitchen was essential for us, especially with Barcelona’s incredible food markets offering fresh, local produce that begged to be cooked and savored.

Barcelona is a city that invites exploration. We walked for miles, soaking in the sights, with the Sagrada Família remaining my absolute favorite. Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece, still under construction after more than a century, is a breathtaking fusion of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. Its intricate facades and towering spires are like nothing else in the world, a testament to Gaudí’s visionary genius. We also explored the historic harbor, following the route of the ancient Roman walls that once encircled the city, and spent time in a beautiful palm-fringed square, where history and modernity blend seamlessly.

Despite its beauty, Barcelona has its downsides, the most noticeable being the pervasive smell of urine—a result of a local habit that sees the city’s streets as a public convenience, especially in the summer heat. The odor was a constant reminder that even the most picturesque cities have their flaws.

On our second day, the miles of walking took their toll. I woke up with blisters on the soles of my feet, a painful consequence of prioritizing fashion over function when choosing walking sandals that matched my backpack. But with our next destination calling, there was no time to dwell on discomfort. We boarded a train to Perpignan, just over the border in France, sharing the journey with a group of American students who seemed blissfully unaware of their location in Europe. Our journey north included an unexpected passport check at the border, a reminder that despite the European Union’s open borders, old habits sometimes linger.

Aínsa, Jaca, and San Sebastián

After some time in France, we re-entered Spain with friends for a week-long road trip through the Pyrenees and northern Spain. Our first stop was the charming town of Aínsa, a beautifully preserved medieval village perched on a hilltop. The town’s ancient stone walls and narrow cobblestone streets transport you back in time, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and rivers. Aínsa’s history dates back to the 8th century, and its old town is a designated Historic-Artistic Site, recognized for its cultural and architectural significance.

From Aínsa, we continued to Jaca, a town steeped in history with its ancient citadel, a pentagon-shaped fortress dating back to the 16th century. The citadel, originally built to defend against French invasions, is now a fascinating museum, offering insights into the region’s military past. Jaca’s old town, with its mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, is equally intriguing, and we spent our time wandering its streets and sampling the local cuisine. One memorable experience was trying the area’s famous apple cider, a traditional drink with a unique, tangy flavor—though I must admit, it’s not something I’m eager to try again.

Our journey then took us to San Sebastián, a city renowned for its beaches, culinary scene, and cultural festivals. Unfortunately, our visit was marred by a massive storm that brought torrential rain, soaking the city and dampening our spirits. To make matters worse, the town was overrun with rowdy British tourists on stag parties, turning what should have been a relaxing seaside stop into a chaotic experience. The pintxos (tapas) that San Sebastián is famous for were, in our opinion, overpriced and overrated, leaving us disappointed. We decided to cut our losses and move on after just one night.

As we made our way back toward France, we spent a night in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a picturesque town at the base of the Pyrenees. This fortified town is the starting point for the French route of the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage route that has attracted travelers for centuries. One of our friends had begun their own Camino journey from here a few years earlier, making our visit especially poignant. Despite its beauty, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is highly touristed and quite expensive, a reminder of its popularity among pilgrims and tourists alike.

In the end, our journey through Spain was a mix of highs and lows, filled with unforgettable sights, cultural experiences, and the occasional challenge. From the architectural wonders of Barcelona to the historic towns of the Pyrenees, Spain left a lasting impression on us—a country where the past and present collide in the most fascinating ways.