España: Te Amo .. Y .. Estoy Contigo!

Are you craving for the warmer climate of Europe's Mediterranean? Are you already thinking of your Summer holidays for next year? I suggest Spain, but not the usual haunts that attract the mass market holidaymakers! I had the chance to visit the region of Catalonia, which is home to the outstanding city of Barcelona. Choose to fly from Birmingham Airport, where Monarch Airlines flies directly to Barcelona El Prat Airport so there's no excuse! There's a whole new Spain waiting for you to discover, but it's not going to wait for you forever!

Barcelona is the perfect city to experience a slice of Spanish sophistication! I traveled to Spain's cultural capital during the first week of July this year and feel like I'm still in love with this city now in October. Captured to the left is 'La Rambla' where the best alfresco dining options are ripe for the picking. Finding your bearings in this part of town is really easy as most of the main streets crisscross with 'La Rambla' so getting lost is pretty much out of the question. Barcelona has many tales that pickpockets are on the lookout, but during my time I didn't come across any harm and felt safe at all times!

Escape the dreariness of Mother England to experience 'Plaça de Catalunya' to be part of the action in and amongst the vibe of Barcelona's heart. Keep your ears open because Spanish isn't the main language spoken within this region of Spain for Catalan is widely spoken, its more like a dialect but don't let the locals hear you say that! Keeping with the foodie theme take a stroll along 'La Rambla' where you shall find a wondrous market known as the 'Mercat de Sant Josep la Boqueria'. This market welcomes you with a whole host of pungent and alluring aromas, get lost within the many aisles of this endearing market where even the fish section looks very appetising! Need I say anything more about Barcelona being the perfect Summer getaway for 2014?! 

Need I be so careless not to mention another reason why to visit Barcelona. For the great Antoni Gaudi, architect and genius has left a rich treasure chest of places to admire in Barcelona. Captured to the right is 'Parc Guell' a stunning work of art that stands over Barcelona's unique city skyline, its a picture postcard view for sure! I'm hope you've heard of the 'Sagrada Familia?' I suggest to visit this Gaudi themed point of interest last due to its complexity and its knack for getting seriously busy. Back to the park, I could of stood there all day without a care in the world. Te Amo 'Parc Guell!' 

A house made of bones? I know it's a peculiar term of phrase but artistically the 'Casa Batllo' was believed to be crafted out of bones. This former stately home was once the residences to one of Barcelona's richest families that preserved this architectural wonder, helping it become the museum it stands to serve as today. I don't usually entertain museums but I was astounded by the beauty that this building inhibits! Get down to the 'Passeig de Garcia' to experience the house that never had a construction plan but turned out to be spectacular! The icing on the cake has to be the 'Sagrada Familia' meaning 'Sacred Family' in English this cathedral towers over Barcelona with its Gothic designs, setting the tone for Barcelona's unique flare of architectural icons. This magnificent place of worship has been a work in progress since 1882 its projected to be completed in 2026! Get to the 'Sagrada Familia' early if you can to beat the queues so you can make the best of this marvel of architecture! Barcelona is most definitely the best!

I wasn't quite finished after I had spent two days in Barcelona, I simply had to see more of this heavenly region of Spain! Take the Renfe Media Distancia train bound for Valencia from Barcelona Sants Station to Tarragona. Spend the afternoon walking around this historical and culturally rich town, be amazed by its understated beauty and let it touch your heart! Captured to the left is 'La Plaça del Font' the courtyard that took me back to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico! This small oasis of calm is made up of many rustic eateries and is the home of the 'Ajuntament de Tarragona' council headquarters. It's a place that is sure to set the tone for a day's worth of premium sightseeing! It just shows that invasions can be beautiful because this blueprint for a whole new world looks sensational!

Step back to Roman times by taking some time out to see the 'Tarragona Amphitheatre' as it has great views overlooking the Mediterranean sea! Tarragona does have a quaint beach but let's leave the sun-worshiping for another time. Take a stroll down 'Rambla Nova de Tarragona' to be at the center of the action for this is where the locals do their shopping and its the perfect way to be at one with 'Balcon de Mediterraneo' translating to the 'Balcony of the Mediterranean'. Tarragona isn't the grandest of places but it has a special small town feeling that take the stress away from Barcelona even though things don't get to stressful their either. Lunch time in Tarragona is a special time for a bite to eat at one of the the side-street restaurants that have the best lunch deals teamed with the best ice cold 'Mahon' beer to enjoy during the midday summer sun. I really know where I would rather be right now!

Bow down to Sitges, the Queen of the Seaside! This fabulous beach town is definitely somewhere over the rainbow for its Catalonia's premier Gay beach destination. Take some time to  rest and really get to know Sitges, its got everything you need to enjoy the days lazing on the beach amongst the 'Beautiful People!' Rainbows are the code in Sitges for all things fabulous, everyone is welcome in Sitges! During the day its a must to see 'St. Bartomeu Church' to catch the best vista of the beach. Enjoy one of the delicious restaurants through many kitsch side streets. Better still there's always time to be a 'Material Girl' in Sitges as their's a never ending collection of boutiques that sell the best of everything fashionable! 

As the sun sets on Sitges the party truly starts! Hit 'Carrer Bonaire' for the best nightlife in town, where you shall find 'Queenz Bar' and 'Prestige Strip Club'. I would wholeheartedly recommend 'Queenz Bar' for the music is fabulous and the local drinks taste strong, its definitely the place to be! Things don't liven up until later on so it gives you the chance to have some dinner at one of Sitges's top beachfront restaurants before dressing to impress so you can marry the night! I won't lie I had an amazing time in Sitges in July of this year, I wouldn't rule out a return visit in the future! But how can you reach Sitges? Take the 'Rodalies de Catalunya' train from Barcelona Sants Station to Sitges Station, the journey only takes around thirty minutes and ticket prices are very reasonable too. Choose Sitges to conclude your alternative Spanish trip that doesn't have to cost you the earth. So, it begs the question? Have I tempted you to book your next holiday to the heart of Catalonia?

Spain: I Love You ... And ... I Am With You !!!

Joseph Harrison