Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, the city that mixes gothic, haunted, classic with modernism, clean, organised and of course funky, chic, inspiring and always (!) bustling.

Two years ago I came here for the first time, on another one of these occasional solo-trips, and fell in love with the city. Couldn't place a finger on any one specific thing, more of a perfect mix. 

Like last time I stayed at the Saint Jordi Sagrada Familia, a (skater) hostel about a 5-10 min walk from the Sagrada Familia church and next door to the Estrella beer brewery (free samples Wednesday nights ;). 

This time I opted to try a single room and they put me in an 'apartment'. Sharing our own living room, kitchen, two bathrooms and a lovely little balcony but with my own little private room it was just what I needed for the last leg of my me-time. :)

My preferred way of discovering new cities is a quick glance at the map, picking a general direction, and walking until I get lost and wrapped up in my surroundings. This was no different. 

Day one involved a lot of walking that led me downtown (past another shopping treat) and through both La Rambla, the Gotic quarters, and past too many striking facades to count. And a rather dodgy pedicure (go by recommendation only, anything else is probably not a good idea. Period!). 

Last time I never got a chance to see the inside of Gaudi's Sagrada Familia, and admittedly figured I wasn't missing much (after staring at the striking outside how much more could he really have had in store?). How wrong I was. Worth a visit as no words or pictures can fully describe what you experience and see standing inside there. 

Hat's off to a master of creativity and art.  (PS pre-book your ticket online to avoid 2+hour cues in the sunshine).

After all that walking around it was time for some relaxation, so  us temporary flat mates headed to the beach for a BBQ, chilled drinks and funtimes. 

4th of July happened to be in full swing, and the US camp had put their flag down to make sure everyone could find the party. 

xo xo 

'P'

Milan, Italy

Summer time!

After moderate sunshine but seriously stunning views I was finally headed to real good old summer. Italy and 30C+ degrees! 

First time in Milan, I had purposefully underprepared in my research in an effort to stumble over the gems of the city. 

Little tip though, coming in by train can be a bit intimidating for a solo traveller. As I was purchasing my tube tickets I had four different 'helpfuls' come up to assist, all of whom I very clearly turned down, but when the machine gave my change back one of them went as far as to push me aside and grab the coins. Not impressed!

Once you get central and have a chance to stroll around sans-luggage you quickly become aware of the beautiful architecture, buzzing vibe, and extensive shopping this city has to offer. 

A little note needed on the hostel Ostello Bello too which was recommended both by a local friend and @Hostelz.com. Absolutely Fantastic! 

Literally. I have never stayed in a Hostel this well run and organised. Clean, cute, spacious (hotel feel despite the 8 bed dorm I stayed in). Incredibly friendly (but not intruding), sociable and knowledgable staff. Quirky and chic, modern and sweet, noisy (in the best ways) and local (it doubles as a local hang out cafe). 

There's also a buffet in the main lounge from 19-21 that's apparently a local tradition (buy any drink and you can eat however much you want from their pick'n'mix dishes. Absolutely great and it brings the travellers together in a comfortable space. 

All in all I cannot recommend this beautiful hostel enough. 

Onward then. The Duomo was perhaps the first thing that really caught my eye (hard to miss really). Stunning at day and night, but remember to cover up if you want a peak inside. The piazza opens up to a multitude of cafes and restaurants and flows out into shopping streets and the Da Vinci museum and statue. 

Again, I had come purposely un-prepared so decided to trial one of those dubbed-decker bus tours you find in every city. Verdict - great way to see a lot, but the guide tape could've used some work. 

It was another great few days and the pictures above barely scratch the surface of all the beautiful things I saw (not to mention all the lovely people I met). Upwards and onwards, with a 4:45am wake up call it was airport and Barcelona time!

xoxo