Apr 18 2011
Of course I went to Hennes & Mauritz (a.k.a as H&M was billed on my credit card). Now that we have one in Canada it’s not so exciting to visit one abroad. The prices have gone up and the quality has gone downhill since my first New York City H&M shopping trip in 2006. That being said, I still bought the skirt from the last post, a dress and shorts all with pockets.
No No
Yes Yes
Do you shop at H&M?
Apr 14 2011
I was right about not having much internet time and access in Barcelona!
I had such an amazing time that I attempted to stay longer than my 4.5 days but alas a cheap flight was not to be found. Upon arrival my CouchSurfing location did not work out. Sure it was close to Park Guell, and on google maps it doesn’t look bad but it was actually 4 blocks up a very steep hill, and then her apartment was 4 stories underground, no internet, smelly and she wouldn’t offer me a key (just stay here for 2hrs and I’ll be back), lesson totally learned. I ended up at Mambo Tango on Paral-lel close to everything for my first ever hostel experience. The people I met were amazing and fun and I barely slept with so much to do and so many roommates. Yesterday I slept 1.5hr on the plane and then 10hrs once I arrived home in Amsterdam, ahhhhh felt so good. I took 400 pictures in Barcelona so I won’t be getting to that today, but here is me after biking up to Castell de Montjuic.
My Barcelona smiles are the biggest.
$ Budget $
I am trying to travel affordably, so that I can stay in Europe as long as possible.
For 4.5 days in Barcelona I spent; €97 flight, €84 on hostel, €94 cash.
Total €275 or $390 CAN/US$
My splurges were the €13 entrance for Nasty Mondays at Apolo, €13 for tapas and wine at the top rated Quimet i Quimet, €10 Picasso Museum and €6 for a 24hr bike. Other than that I was walking the streets, taking the metro to hot spots, grabbing a bite at the bakery or supermercat, making 6 pitchers of sangria for €5 and not buying souvenirs.
Top Tips
Take bus #46 or the train to/from the airport instead of the A1/A2 and save €8 for an only 7 minute longer commute.
Ask accommodations staff and other travels about there plans, there are so many free/close to free things to do.
The Barcelona Tourist Guide is a very thoughtful website, read it a couple days before you go.
My Barcelona Map
Red lines were walked, blue lines were biked.
Apr 09 2011
Barcelona
I decided to try out CouchSurfing.Org and I’ll be staying with a host right by Park Guell.
I am sure I will be able to get a photo this amazing!
Since I am not too sure what my internet access will be like for the next four days I’m extending the current giveaway.
If you’ve been to Barcelona and have any tips I’d love to hear. So far I’ve got a Lonely Planet walking tour of Barri Gotic ending with the Picasso Museum and I have a few beaches in mind to visit. Oh and I am only bring a small bag, it can even fit under my seat on the plane.
