Hola from Barcelona!

Another city-stay to see if this one might be the place where we want to visit regularly when we need an escape from the quiet country life. This time, we are in the city of my choosing and have been here now for about three days. 

It is definitely a busy time to be here, which was part of my reasoning for coming at this time of the year rather than the quieter–perhaps more pleasant–period to visit. Like with the May, rainy and spring weather of Paris, I wanted to get a sense of the place during the less “best” times. So, here we are.

Already, for me, I am enjoying my time here more. The beach nearby gives it more of a relaxed feel. Everything feels very walkable, though the buses and metro are easily accessible. M has felt it’s a bit dirty everywhere, which I suppose is somewhat true, but it feels somehow acceptable. The livability aspect is most definitely higher here for me. 

What does that mean? Strangely, I cannot quite put my finger on it. Perhaps, it is the overall energy being more down-to-earth, less pretentious, more accessible physically and mentally. Although the city seems big, it really isn’t. We can walk to just about most areas in the center within a 30-min jaunt without needing to get on the subway or bus. Yet, if we wanted to catch public transport, it is very easy to get. So, all of those elements are a plus to me. Additionally, everything still feels “older”, more local or more in the past. I mean, I saw a Little Caesar’s pizza shop nearby and I can’t even remember the last time I saw one of those!

Anyway, it’s still early days, but I feel relaxed. Our Airbnb apartment is a good size. The outdoor terrace helps, and it has modern luxuries like A/C and an elevator. I barely notice the neighbors, which also makes it feel like our own space. M says he’s perturbed by how comfortable I am in a small apartment when we have such a large villa and land around us at home. Of course, I spend most of my time inside the house there, so it really isn’t that much different overall.

Other great things to me are the fact that I do not need to get in my car to go for a coffee, or pick up something quick from a shop. I can also easily access stores for retail therapy, or go for a wander to take in the architectural wonders of buildings and city-planning. I feel much more stimulated and a part of the larger world.

Yet, at the same time, I do appreciate the smaller workings of a town. It’s nice to have community and to be a so-called big fish in a little pond. Still, I think I might be like a salmon, anadromous, swimming upstream at times, going from fresh to salt waters depending on purpose and goals. Not sure that analogy works, but hopefully you get the gist.

So, that seems like a good place to stop for today. More to come as I take in all the city has to offer and continue to balance life, writing, and fun!

~T 🔥🐉♋️