Barcelona - Day 1

Yesterday was the Vaga General, or General Strike in Barcelona. With the radical history of the city, it's no surprise that it's residents wanted to express their opposition to the government's proposed reforms (cutting social welfare programs and other right-wing crap).

With most things closed, we walked around and enjoyed the inspiring current of energy coursing through the city. Everyone was outside, and the weather was warm, bright, and just perfect.

We saw the outside of a gothic Cathedral, Barcelona Cathedral. I loved all the gargoyles and was bummed we couldn't go inside.

We laid and napped in the sun in Parc de la Ciutadella, which was filled with palm trees, people relaxing, people selling beer, a giant mammoth sculpture, and even a bunch of citrus trees. It was a dream.

At night we walked around the waterfront, saw the Arc de Triomf, the Columbus Monument (eff that guy), and just sat and enjoyed the view.

We found this awesome vegan cafe right near our hostel, where you can get all different kinds of home-made veggie burgers, salads, sandwiches, cakes, donuts, etc. It was cheap and delicious!

I wish we had more time here. It feels magical in a totally different way from Paris and I am in love with it.