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WHAT A RIOT!
Travelling with friends is a whole different dynamic than travelling with family or with a partner.
It seemed unavoidable that our trip turns was going to be filled with a series of mishaps, complications, and unending laughter.
It is a crazy adventure and one that I have not experienced in a while.
The last time I went on a trip with friends was in May 2011….come October 2015, here we are, six friends heading out to Barcelona for a destination birthday. Four of us flew from Vienna, two from London.
The plan was to meet at Barcelona El Prat Airport, then head over to our Air BnB Apartment. Needless to say, our plans didn’t turn out to be so simple.
I left my darling hubby and little one and embarked on my two-hour flight from Vienna with two of my besties, and headed off to Barcelona. The flight was great. We talked for the duration of the flight even though it was 06:30 am and we said all we were going to do was sleep on the flight.
Arrival in Barcelona would bring on the adventure! We couldn’t find the rest of our “crew” at the El-Prat Airport. After almost two hours of searching, looking, turning on roaming, sending text messages, Whatsapp, Facebook messages in order to find each other, we finally made our way to the apartment. Got there at 11:30/12:00, our check-in was at 15:00, but at this point nothing could faze us.
We were hungry and ready for TAPAS TAPAS TAPAS!
It was 25 degrees (centigrade) outside, sunny, and I felt a sense of calm wash over me. I had hardly slept for three days before this trip, wondering if I was doing the right thing for leaving my baby at home for TWO NIGHTS!!! I know it seems like a short time, but for a new mum, and likely all mums, the first time away from your child, no matter their age it was going to be tough!
So grateful for a supporting hubby who knew I needed a break. OK – back to the story.
We had lunch at Trobador at Rambla Catalunya. For me, the food was a 6 on a scale of 1-10.
It is at times hard to figure out how much food will actually be served on the Tapas plate. Having been to Barcelona before, I knew that at times all you get are little finger bites, other times it is a plate large enough food to fill you for a few hours!
Walked around, took pictures of some of the sights along the way, went back to our apartment and relaxed. Stopped briefly for our group selfie.
That night, after a few more miscommunication, false directions from the receptionist, and a crazy walk and taxi ride, we had dinner at Boca Chica, in the heart of Barcelona’s Eixample.
The website does not do the restaurant justice for its’ grandness, but definitely worth going to if you are ever in Barcelona. Make reservations as you won’t be seated without.
This restaurant was a recommendation of a friend of a friend. The restaurant is very…..antique, unusual, and the bathroom is the best place in the establishment. Sounds crazy, but it is the truth!
I LOVED the tapas, however the main course was very mediocre. In my opinion…..overpriced, but worth it for the ambiance!
Boca Chica has four floors, we ended up missing out on a floor because the place is so big. We had drinks after dinner in the Lounge, which we confused for the Bar. Too many cocktails maybe – it did turn out to be the better choice though.
Did I mention that one of us set the menu on fire with the candle placed on the table? OH GOSH!
Beautiful Barcelona At Night
Our last day in Barcelona was spent sightseeing on the Hop On Hop Off bus, which was a great way to see the main sights of the city. There are two routes, East and West, so depending on what you want to see, you make your choice.
We chose the East Route which takes you to the Gothic Quarter, the Aquarium, the seafront, Agbar Tower, the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.
Of course, you cannot visit Barcelona without seeing the Sagrada Familia!
Sagrada Familia
Although the final stages of construction are still underway, the beauty of this building is beyond fascinating, over 100 years since its foundation stone was laid and 90 years after its designer, Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi died.
We also visited the Park Güell which is absolutely gorgeous if you visit on a day with great weather and sunshine. Greeted by the Gaudí dragon fountain at the entrance, you can take a beautiful walk through the park with stunning gardens and amazing scenery.
We met this guy on the way up – he insisted on a kiss – this is a close as he got.
Did you notice that he is just sitting there in the air?
Once you get to the top the park, you find a terraced area with a wonderful view of Barcelona City.
We had a great day out, went on a quick shopping spree then headed back to our apartment.
Dinner was more relaxed as we were all exhausted. I decided on taking an early flight home on Sunday, I missed my boys too much. So first thing in the morning I headed back to Vienna, while the others stayed on for a last full day in Barca, before heading home on evening flights.
They had a blast at the beach – and I got to come home to hug and kiss my boys again.
HAPPY!
Read About My Other Trip To Barcelona Here
Have you traveled with friends recently? Or planning to? Please share your experiences or funny moments with me in the comments section below.
36 comments
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I love Barcelona! The vibe and the city’s architecture are incredible. And with friends even better and more fun!
Traveling with friends can surely make or break the relationship. Stressful times can be difficult but so worth it to experience the world together!
This sounds like so much fun! I don’t have a kid of my own but I left my husband behind as I went to Tulum last year with my friends. I love him and the experience would have been wonderful with him there but there’s something special about sharing experiences with your friends. I’ve never been to Barcelona but I’ve always wanted to go!
Sounds like you had a great time! I always worry about setting menus on fire with those little candles, it’s hysterical that someone did that!
What fun you had traveling with friends. I haven’t taken a vacation in years!!!
I have the best memories of travelling with friends, definitely something I want to do again!
This trip looks incredible. How lucky you are. Glad you have good friends to do this with. Barcelona looks beautiful. More pics please.
I’m sure you made a great decision for some ‘you’ time. Every mom needs it, and deserves it. Glad you were able to go with friends- looks like an awesome experience.
Travelling with friends is always fun. Especially when there are lots of different personalities.
I have yet to take a vacation with my friends. Isn’t that sad? But this post gave me lots of inspiration. Barcelona looks absolutely beautiful and I cannot wait to visit. Thanks for sharing!
When you get a chance to vacation with your friends, you will have a blast Briana! Hope you get to do it soon.
Seems like you had a great time.. Travelling with friends is always fun 🙂 Barcelona is so beautiful added this to my bucket list . Thanks for sharing wonderful information.
Wow! Looks like it was an awesome time — not just visiting Spain, but spending time with your besties! I’m super jealous. Hopefully I can travel soon too!
I love travelling with friends! You make such fond memories and have laughs unlike any other 🙂 I enjoyed your photos. It looks like you had a wonderful time!
Traveling with friends would be a blast! I haven’t done it in years. This place looks fun! And now I want some tapas.
Traveling with friends is a very memorable moment. Sagrada Familia is love. I’d love to visit this one too with hubby. Me and my friends don’t always plan our vacay because the more weplan it, it is often cancelled ha-ha so when we’re all together that’s it we just decide on the spot where to go and that is always a crazy and fun bonding 🙂
Traveling with friends would definitely come with mishaps but tons of laughter as well! I myself tend to choose the group of friends I travel with because I prefer the on the go travel style whereas other friends of mine prefer the chill type of travel 🙂 I think it’s best to travel with people you’re sure to have fun with for the entire trip. Next step is to collect more travel buddies!
I agree! Traveling with friends will definitely come with mishaps but tons of laughter as well 🙂
I love how you enjoyed your trip with your friends. Been traveling with a friend also, and that what makes our travel trip so unique and memorable sometimes it is not the money you invest but the memories you treasured and share. Lucky you for founding your friends that you will really get along with and will love your company. Btw, I never been in Barcelona but when I will have a chance, will really go there.
Oh how I love travelling with friends. Given that you were able to do lots of stuffs. I think it was very amazing to have some time to walk together and have fun!
Traveling with friends is indeed fun and memorable especially if you are in a group and its your first time to visit such place. Its doubly fun with everyone in the group cooperate to try for the first time new delicacies or activities. Looks like you had such great experience. More travels to come!
Discovering new places with friends is indeed fun and memorable especially if you travel in group. It can be real enjoyable as well if you will do things for the first time like tasting new delicacy or trying the zipline, for instance.
Travelling with friends is certainly the best activity one can try. You don’t just travel with them but you make good memories too! How I wish my friends could spend at least a 2 day vacay abroad but unfortunately, it’s quite expensive. But if ever, I’ll surely grab the opportunity to spend time with them at least once in a while.
Boca Chica sounds super fun. The way you described it, seems that one visit is not enough. You and your friends looked like you had a blast. Trips are crazier and more fun when spent with friends.
I agree that travelling with friends are a lot more exciting! Me and my friends have plans to visit Baguio City here in the Philippines on July and we are pretty excited about it! Glad you had a great time!
Hi Ainie – I am so excited for you that you are going to travel with your friends, I would love to hear all about it when you are back. Have fun and take lots of pictures.
Hi, Sheri. What a nice adventure you had. More than anything else, it is the company of friends that makes your trip special. It is the mishaps that makes for endless tales later on in life. 🙂
Yes Robert – The stories we get to tell later are the fun parts because you get to travel back in time while telling the story and relive the mishaps and drama in a light and funny way.
I think traveling with friends is a lot of fun as long as you have common goals. If someone wants to shop while another person wants to go tour the country, I think that could be hard to have a really fun trip! I love being with people who have similar interests as I do so that I feel comfortable stating my opinion and seeing what I want to see. It sounds like you had a great trip with friends!
Yes Alison, this is one of those times when you have to choose your friends carefully. You cannot travel with certain friends, it will only bring stress and drama. Some friends are great to travel with because you are guaranteed an amazing time. You need to be free around those who you surround yourself with.
Wow! Looks like such an amazing trip! I haven’t tried visiting another country with a bunch of friends, I hope it goes smoothly though hehe. And I must say, Sagrada Familia WOW. Ommmyyy, we were meant to go here a few weeks ago while we were in Europe, sadly we didn’t get to stop by, such a shame! It would’ve been amazing 😀
You would have loved in Johna. If you get to go back, try to see it. The restoration might even be done by then!
Loved hearing about your trip, sounds like you enjoyed yourself for the most part! I would love to go to Barcelona one day! 🙂
That sounds really fun! I haven’t traveled with anyone else except for my mother when I was a kid, so it’s difficult for me to imagine. But Barcelona is a great city! Isn’t La Sagrada Familia amazing? Maybe you can bring your whole family when your son is older.
What a fun trip!