Waegook Tom

A Blog About A Globetrotting English Teacher

Spain

From Atlanta to Catalonia: Exploring Barcelona’s Hidden Gems this Xmas

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When you think of Barcelona, what images does it conjure up?

The fairytale wonders of Park Güell? Gaudi’s stunning architecture at Sagrada Família? The funfair at Tibidabo? Picking up a bargain at Las Ramblas? Lionel Messi?

Admittedly, Spain’s second largest city is as famous for its architectural triumphs and sporting heroes as it is for its position as one of the major cultural and economic centers in Europe.

It’s a wonderful city jam-packed with things to see and do, which is why we recommend swapping Atlanta for Catalonia this Christmas and jetting off to Barca for a holiday with a twist.

But first …

Flying from the world’s busiest passenger airport can throw up its own challenges, so to make sure your journey from Hartsfield-Jackson gets off to the best possible start, we recommend pre-booking a parking spot using the Atlanta airport parking comparison service Looking4.com.

Not only will this save your blood pressure, it’ll save you time circling the airport trying to find a parking spot—and you can even opt for a meet and greet service, which means you can drop your car off at the terminal. Magnífico! (as they say in España).

Now … on to the other important stuff …

Poblenou Cemetery

Fair enough, it’s not the cheeriest start to your trip, but the stunning architecture of Poblenou Cemetery is enough to raise your spirits (no pun intended). Located in calle de Taulat, the first cemetery here was opened in 1775.

Check out the two sections of the cemetery, with egalitarian burial niches at the front and monuments and mausolea at the rear, reserved for Barcelona’s wealthier residents to erect expensive reminders of where they lie.

Dine in the Dark

Unless you’ve been kidnapped, held hostage and blindfolded, it’s doubtful you’ve spent much time eating your meals in darkness.  However, at Barcelona’s Dans le Noir, you can break with tradition and engage your other senses as you sit down to some expertly prepared food.

Embark on a sensory journey as your perception of taste and smell are flipped on their head, with a unique atmosphere radiating through the restaurant. If it sounds odd, that’s because it is, but it’s an intriguing way to dine out for the evening.

Enjoy a Sub Zero Drink

Ever dreamed of sipping tasty cocktails while temperatures dip between -2°C and -10°C? When you get to Barcelona, you can make that dream a reality thanks to Icebarcelona. Located in the Condal City, it offers the world’s first ice bar situated on a beach.

Designed by internationally renowned artists, this extremely cool hangout is frequented by locals and tourists alike. The experience lasts for around 45 minutes, which is plenty of time to take a few snaps before checking out the shores of the Mediterranean.

Now it’s over to you …

Do you have any unusual attractions you’d like to visit when you head to Barcelona? Please let us know by leaving a comment below.

A Guide to Visiting Spain this Winter

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Spain is often seen as one of the best destinations for holiday-makers to rest their heads. With an extensive coastline and a history that has roots deep in the past, there is no wonder people turn to Spain when they are looking for their dose of sun and culture. Arguably the most loved part of Spain is its ability to attract year-round great weather. This means that dreams of beach holidays or sipping on sangria in the sunset can be achieved during the winter months. This makes for the perfect break from bleak British weather, but you should always make sure to follow some foolproof tips when it comes to planning your trip.

Make the most of the beaches

Visiting Spain without indulging in one of its many beaches is a mistake that should be avoided. With stretches of golden sand and the chance to enjoy fresh seafood, there is no wonder that Spain is known as a hub for beach holidays across the world. Though there are many beaches on the mainland, some of the best for winter getaways can be found on island archipelagos like the Canary Islands. To ensure you escape the crowds of winter sun-chasers, a trip to the smaller island of Fuerteventura is recommended. You can put the jewel in the crown of your trip by browsing villas in Fuerteventura, which can add luxury and a sense of privacy to your trip. Unwind in a villa, rather than an impersonal hotel room.

Visit iconic cities

Although beach retreats are an unmissable part of Spain, you should still take the time to explore some of its most famous cities. From the sightseeing capital of Madrid to the architectural haven of Barcelona, there is something here that everyone can enjoy. If you are hoping to see the true Spain, you should take a trip down to the south to Seville. Here, you can see ancient buildings and cobbled streets, where the weather is notably sunny for most months of the year.

Indulge in Spanish cuisine

In terms of culinary delights, Spain has an array of options for you to try on every day of your holiday. For example, if you order a drink in a traditional Spanish bar, you are likely to have a plate of tapas brought out for you to snack on. If you are hoping to fill your stomach at lunchtime, you should try the Valencian marvel of paella, which often includes tender chicken thighs and fresh seafood. At any time of the day, a glass of cool sangria is perfect when you are hoping to cool down, but there are also many vineyards dotted around the country that offer you the chance to try local wine.

Take a dip in nature

There are some people who hope to escape to Spain during winter to experience the landscape without the blazing summer heat. With unique spectacles like the pink lake at Torrevieja, to the towering volcano at Teide National Park, there is something here for every nature lover to enjoy. Ideally, you should still aim to bring sunscreen with you on your trip, as spending so much time outdoors means you may be at risk of sunburn, even in winter.