a REAL Beach, hello half naked ladies!!

Day three in Barcelona and by this point we were soooo exhausted from the last few days. Everyone wanted to go to the beach, and I wasn’t arguing. So as soon as we got up (this time we woke up for breakfast and then went back to bed) we headed to La Familia, the famous church designed by Gaudi. It is one of the most famous attractions in Barcelona.

Some history: it was designed by Gaudi in the last 20 years of his life. It has been under construction for around 100 years, and when Gaudi died in 1926, construction did not stop. The inside is expected to be finished this year so that services can be held inside the church. The outside is expected to be finished in 2030 (I don’t think that’s going to happen. There are currently 4 spires as you will see from the pictures and the design calls for 18).



When we arrived it was obvious that this church was different from others we had been to. First, there was a huge line to get in. Second, the outside and inside were unlike any church I have ever seen before. It had a modern look to it, with a kind of Disneyland/Candyland feel. I think pictures are the only way to really see what it was like to be inside the church.



The church was absolutely amazing and after wandering around for a bit, Jade and I were ready for the beach. The boys had to go back to the hostel quickly, but because Jade had to leave later that night we headed straight there. We had no sunscreen, towels, or food, but hey we wanted a BEACH. As soon as we got there we took off our clothes and laid them down as our towels. We then took turns swimming in the Mediterranean Sea (saying it makes me so in aw!!). Jade decided to go topless for a bit, given that most of the girls there were topless. I couldn’t do it, and I didn’t want my babies to be burned!! So I opted for the top and worked on getting the rest of me tan. The boys showed up about an hour later (with some towels, yay!!) and we all laid around and went swimming. It was great. The weather was perfect and I could not have asked for a better way to spend an afternoon.

Time for my comparison of California vs. Spain beaches. I’m not a beach snob and do love all beaches, but I did miss the beach from home. First, our beach is way less crowded. Could’ve been that we were at a beach near the city center, but I’m used to Huntington with tons of open space. Second people are topless. Could be good, could be bad. I think just different. Third, NO WAVES! I love the California waves and being able to frolic and swim and get tumbled over and surf and boogie board and all of that. That was definitely missing from my beach experience. As soon as I go home, one of the first things I will do will be to go to the beach.



After the beach it was time for Jade to leave. We headed back to the hostel, packed up her stuff and headed to the bus station. We managed to find our way without getting lost and I said my goodbye. It was so nice seeing her, and I can’t wait to see her when I get home.

I then went back to the hostel (my first time in Barcelona by myself, I somehow managed to find my way without the boys) and took a nice shower and relaxed for a bit. The boys got back from the beach and we headed to dinner for more tapas!! This restaurant was very nice, and had a long selection of tapas. We each ordered 2, and some sangria. The sangria was soooo good. It was sweet and fruity and so refreshing! I ordered chicken and sausage tapas. The boys ordered seafood once again. And I agreed to try everything. I actually enjoyed some of it, especially the razorbacks and the shrimpies.

After some ice cream (Olivier ordered 5 scoops for almost 6 euro. I think he misunderstood us when we said ORDER JUST FOR YOU), the boys wanted to go to the beach and I wasn’t arguing. So we headed off to the beach!!! I loved it once again, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. At one point these big trucks came and cleaned up the entire beach so we had to wait on some benches. It then started to rain. So we headed back to the hostel. Our earliest night (2 am) but still great. After some noises from the peanut gallery (we heard some people having their own physical pleasure...) Time to sleep and get ready for another day of touring around.