The moment I fell in love with Barcelona...

I'm not sure when exactly I fell in love with Barcelona, but I sure have.

During the past four days, there were enough moments that endeared this European city to me. I love how its personality is so distinct from the other cities I've visited. Perhaps it's the perfect weather; or maybe its breathtaking architecture. The beautiful people was a huge plus; the sumptuous food a huge factor.

Obviously, it's a combination of all of those. But I'll have to thank Lenovo and the local team who helped organized our tour here for bringing us to extraordinary places only Barcelona could offer.

Yesterday, I got to know about Antoni Gaudi, a Spanish Catalan architect, whose work include the Sagrada Familia church, which we got to visit. I could think of many superlative words to describe the magnificent church, but they won't be enough. The whole time I was looking at the church, I was wondering how the Spanish people had managed to conceptualize--let alone build something so beautiful. (The Sagrada Familia, actually, is still under construction; about 70% complete)

We also passed by Park Guell, which used to be a private property that is now public domain. It's a beautiful place, which features many architectural wonders that Gaudi had whipped into reality. Apparently, he was not a fan of straight lines, so columns and pillars were either leaning left or right. No pattern is ever the same. And he re-purposed several materials like old tiles and plastic bottles. Like I said, amazing!

Off we went for lunch in a restaurant within the Olympic Park, the name of which I can't recall at the moment. But I do remember how ridiculously full we were because of the super delicioso food they served us, mostly seafood. Uh-mazing!

And then came the most fun activity we ever did here--ride an electric scooter around La Barceloneta, a sandy beach teeming with people who are running, biking, or just relaxing by the shore, enjoying the cool sea breeze.

But us? We were riding them scooters like a boss! Yet again, we were like a bunch of school children having the time of our lives. And we were!

Continuing a hectic day, we were shuttled to the FCB Stadium, where many of the huge football matches here are done. I have  to admit, I am not the biggest fan of this sport--I can name one or two players but that's about it. Nevertheless, I tried to absorb any info I could gather because I understand how close to the people this sports is. There was a time, our guide told us, that there were only two TV channels in Barcelona. One is showing bullfighting, the other football.

But the most meaningful highlight of the day, I would say, is our introduction to the castells or human towers. Basically, it's a Catalonian tradition that has been passed on for generations in which people stand on each others' shoulders so they could go higher (up to 10 levels). It's team work that has brought joy to millions of Catalonians over time.

That wraps up my first visit in Barcelona. What a wonderful experience. Life-changing even, perhaps. Lots of happy memories. Lenovo, gracias por traernos aquí. hasta la próxima vez! :)

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