Welcome back for the next installment in Adventure Awaits: Traveling the World with Alex and Ani! This week, Rachel discusses her parents’ visit and a truly memorable trip to Paris, France.
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I returned home to Barcelona after the weekend in Switzerland. I settled back into my regular routine of attending classes, going to different cafes with friends, and spending time exploring the beautiful city of Barcelona further. While in Barcelona, I was eager to get traveling again and see even more of the world.
I was fortunate to have my mom, younger sister, grandpa, and cousin visit in Spain for about a week and a half. Seeing my family really helped ease some of the homesickness that I would feel every so often. I had a blast taking them around as I showed them all my favorite places in Barcelona.
When my family arrived, so did the beautiful weather. It was time to shed my light winter jacket (winter in Barcelona doesn’t compare to the harshness of the winter in New Hampshire) and say hello to sundresses. The sun shone brilliantly and we didn’t waste any of our time indoors.
During one of the first days that my family was in Barça, we took a car tour that included nearly all of my favorite places: The Gothic Quarter, Plaza España, Park Güell, la Sagrada Familia (one of Gaudi’s masterpieces), the beach to see the Mediterranean, and Camp Nou (the stadium that the FC Barcelona fútbol club plays at).
My family and I were also able to take in a game at Camp Nou. FC Barça squared off against Osasuna. Barça absolutely crushed Osasuna by a score of 7-0. Lionel Messi, one of the world’s most renowned players, became the club’s top scorer in history with 3 goals that day. It was really special to see and it made it even better to share that moment with my family.
Not only did I get to see a FC Barça game, but I got to say “Oui, Oui” to Paris and cross another country off my list. Aubrey Hepburn said it best: “Paris is always a good idea.” My family and I decided to take her wonderful advice and rode the high-speed rail from the Barcelona Sants Station to Paris. The train ride itself had been an experience of it’s own. I had watched the beautiful countryside of both Spain and France flash before my eyes. I became captivated by the view of the vineyards and wine country, crossing through the Pyrenees mountain range, and the gentle sleepy towns that we passed by.
When I stepped foot in Paris, I realized just how much of a contrast to Barcelona it is. It doesn’t even compare in size to Barcelona and there are so many more people. It was different in it’s architecture, history, food, language, and the people who live there give the city an entirely different type of flavor than cozy and sweet little Barça.
I wanted to waste no time at all as soon as we stepped off the train and see everything. I’m someone who doesn’t like to sleep that much when I am in a new city or have a lot of downtime. I want to go, see, and do everything and get lost in a new adventure.
On our first full day in Paris, we ventured to the Louvre to hang out with Mona Lisa for a bit. I found all of the art in the Louvre stunning. It is a museum that you need to spend a lot more time than just a few hours as you wander down it’s halls and into the different rooms. I could have spent days there!
We also went to the top of both the Eiffel Tower and the Arc De Triomphe on the same day. I really enjoyed seeing the city from such heights because it gave a better perspective. You’re able to see how all the land is laid out and can see so much from many different angles.
My view from the top of the Arc De Triomphe.
Ever since I was a young girl, I had always dreamed of being able to get the chance to see the Eiffel Tower. I never imagined being there with both my Grandpa and Mom. It was exciting to have an opportunity to see them while I was abroad and it made me appreciate everything they do for me so much more.
Not only did we go to the Eiffel Tower and the Arc De Triomphe, but mom and I spent a lot of time walking the city on foot. After the Louvre, we parted ways with the rest of our family and attempted to find our way to Notre Dame de Paris. On our journey to the famous cathedral, we stumbled across the Love Lock Bridge by chance and walked around La Seine.
We chose against taking a cab back from Notre Dame after having a very filling lunch in a café. We stopped to try macaroons and had a cup of coffee, before somehow managing to walk the three miles or so back to our hotel without getting hopelessly lost. Even though Paris was a completely foreign city, I found myself comfortable.
The weekend in Paris had been amazing. It was something that I will never forget. I had a difficult time saying goodbye to my family after we returned to Barcelona and they had to return to the states. However, it wasn’t long before I found myself traveling again, this time on my three-country spring break trip to England, Ireland, and Scotland with friends from my school.
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Excited to see where Rachel’s journey takes her? Be sure to check back next week for more Adventure Awaits: Traveling the World with Alex and Ani!