How to spend 5 days in a Barcelona

How to spend 5 days in a Barcelona
How to spend 5 days in a Barcelona -

alleys in Barcelona's Bari Gotic My first visit to Barcelona was I fell in love with the city in 06.: the street performers, food (oh, the food! ), lifestyle, history relaxed, people and wealth of activities. Three years later I returned. Then a few months ago, I went back with a friend to show you how great the city is.

And every time I come back, Barcelona surprises and inspires me anew. Barcelona is like Paris, New York or Tokyo - there is always something to do, and you would have to do a lifetime in

But as a tourist, we do not get a lifetime a city to see .. We get a few days, maybe a week or two, if we're lucky. We see, as much as we can, before we move on. So for those who only a short time, what can we do? How can we maximize our time in a place like Barcelona, ​​where just that it as much to see? Now, as I have previously done for Bangkok, New York, Paris, Berlin and Helsinki, I have created a route to help you organize and maximize your time in this incredible city.

Below is my suggested route for your trip to Barcelona to learn you know best and unique attractions, parks, restaurants in the city and more (plus with travel tips too!):

day 1

Barri Gotic
skyline of the bari gotic
the historic center of Barcelona and dates back to pre-Roman times. The area is a maze of narrow streets that turn to one another and open into beautiful squares and squares. Highlights:

  • Barcelona History Museum - Barcelona has one of the best local history museums I've ever been. It has declared an incredible job, the history and the importance of Barcelona, ​​and has more than 4000 square meters of Roman ruins removed in the museum that you can walk through. It is spectacular. There is a possibility, detailed audio guide and descriptive explanations of what you see
  • Picasso Museum -. While I'm not a big fan of most of the later work of Picasso, with more than 3,000 works of art, this museum has a lot to see, and I was happy
  • Gothic cathedral -. in the heart of the Barri Gotic, this Gothic cathedral was built on was a 11th-century church. , You can for sweeping views of the surrounding historic area

Packed take to roof a lift: La Boqueria - This is the famous central food market in the Barri Gotic and one of the best places to grab lunch in the area. (Pay attention to masses of!)

Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art - In the Raval area of ​​the city is the Museum of Modern Art of the City. It has hundreds of exhibits, especially by Spanish artists. If you love modern art, it's worth the trip.

Ciutadella
Parc de la Ciutadella
On the complete other end of the Barri Gotic (it's a nice walk through the historic streets, so enjoy it) the Parc de la Ciutadella is. I was a big fan of this park when I hit it in 09 I stumbled absolutely the art and fountains love here. designed Gaudi, the famous Cascada fountain, when he was a student of architecture. On a warm day, I like to just sit by the fountain and rigid. There is also a zoo in the park and some short hiking trails. Take a bottle of wine, some ham access, and a picnic.

Day 2

Food Tour
iberian ham in the boqueria food market
Barcelona has some of the best food in Spain, and there is no better way to make your to spend the morning as learning about the food culture of the city. I Context Travel Food Tour is highly recommended that you highlight around the Barri Gothic and the food markets where it holds the food history and delights of the region. One of the most informative and delicious tours I have to in a while; It's not the cheapest food tour in the city, but I have everything I paid.

Beaches
the beach in barcelona, spain
No trip to Barcelona is complete without a visit its famous beaches. Once crammed on food, siesta all day on the beaches, work on your tan and relax with all the local people who had the same idea. 1st day was very tiring, so make day 2 to relax.

Day 3

Gaudi
casa milla made bu gaudi in barcelona
Gaudi is Barcelona's most famous architect and the father of modernist architecture is considered movement. His unique style, use of nature, and the catalog of the work draws a lot of attention and visitors to the city. You can his work spread throughout the city, but found in Eixample, you can visit these four major sites:

  • La Sagrada Familia
  • Park Güell
  • Casa Mila
  • Casa Batllo

lunch -. Take a breather (and a late lunch)

tour - While still in the Eixample, you can visit all other modernist movement sites. While Gaudi was the most famous architect of the movement, Barcelona is full modernist style buildings of other great architects. You can identify the building by the red circle in front of them on the sidewalk. You can also take the Context Travel Tour on the move or just download only a mini-guide and do it yourself.

Visit Plaça d'Espanya at night (Thursday)
Place de Espanya magic fountain barcelona
On Thursday Plaça d'Espanya fountains and lights, the road towards Montjuïc Hill line. At the end of the Magic Fountain of Montjuic, which brings on a spectacular light and water show. After the hill go to the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya for an expansive view of the city. This is also a great place to take a date. Uber-romantic!

Day 4

Harbor Cable Car
harbor Cable Car
connects the 1450 meter long harbor cable car with red car Montjuïc and Barceloneta. It starts near the beach on the 78-meter tower and takes you all the way to the mountain of Montjuïc

Montjuïc Hill -. When you arrive on the hill of the cable car, you 'll be able to enjoy a good view of the city and visit the Castell de Montjuïc (a great 18th century fortress), as well as gardens, a Spanish village, and several Olympic stadiums. There is much to do here, so you. Spoiled for choice

Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya
Montjuïc Hill in barcelona
The Catalunyans very regional pride seriously. You are Catalunyans first Spaniard ever. It was no surprise to me then an entire museum dedicated to find art in the region. Since it is on a hill, you can visit the Museum of terrace use pretty epic photos to take of the city.

Day 5

On the last day in Barcelona, ​​relax and just enjoy the city. must visit each city a day where you feel slow and not rushed. Use to do this day, what you want. Suggestions:

  • Hit the beach again - working on your bronze a little more
  • See anything you have not seen - do not get time, a few other sites or museums to visit or walk through some neighborhoods? Spend your afternoon to do that
  • a ton food - you can never have enough food in Barcelona have
  • Drink plenty of Sangria - ditto for sangria

other things to do: many other activities more than the normal image pickup sightseeing
Barcelona hosts:

See a football game
football or soccer match in barcelona
, the first "soccer" game I ever saw in Barcelona. It was Espaynol against Valencia. I I still buy the shirt that day. Barcelona both teams Espanyol and FC Barcelona (one of the top in the world)

Learn to cook -. Since Barcelona such a food-centric city, when the normal activities and attractions bore you, take a food class. There are many one-day cooking classes offered

day trip to Figueres -. This region is the home of Dalí, and you can have a day trip to Figueres, where you can visit the Dalí. Museum, with some of his most famous works

For food suggested you find these places below:

  • Les Quinze Nits, Plaza Real, 6, www.lesquinzenits.com
  • La Fonda, Escudellers, 10, www.lafonda-restaurant.com
  • Allium restaurant, Carrer del Call, 17, www.alliumrestaurant.es
  • Pinotxo, La Boqueria, http: / /pinotxobar.com

you could squeeze in the real atmosphere of Barcelona in two or three days, but five (or six) for the route above will give you enough time to take Iberian ham gorge tapas and sangria, while not rushing. Barcelona moves slowly: Dinner is at 9, you are early in the bar when it is before 2:00, and everyone sleeps late and loves her siesta. And since this city moves slowly, so should you. Sleep late, breaks, eat a lot, do not rush your visit, and just enjoy Barcelona - at a pace Spaniards

!

The 51-hour book-giveaway of quality

The 51-hour book-giveaway of quality
The 51-hour book-giveaway of quality -

how to travel the world nomadic matt A month from now, my book, How to travel the world on $ 50 a day , is published in paperback. For those who do not know the story, I originally offered as this eBook before it was picked up by Penguin Publishing. I worked for a year to turn in an amazing 272-page, 60,000 + -word guide to all things budget and related long-term (hence the title)! The book contains never discussed above tips, tricks and travelogues. There is a lot of information and details in the book that you never see this blog.

I'm really proud of this book. It is to think surreal, I go to a bookstore, will be able and see my name on the shelf. Or that I maybe in someone run my book to buy! Would not that be totally awesome?

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27 More Reasonable photos from my trip to Africa (plus a video!)

27 More Reasonable photos from my trip to Africa (plus a video!) -

Last December, I went to Africa. It was life changing.

Africa is beautiful, breathtaking, and, as I said, as "God's Zoo." I more than 800 photos, which led during my short three week trip. I have a few photos last month, and since I had so many, I wanted something more to share today. There are just too many good. So without further ado Hiking, here 27 more photos to kick-start the day are:

An elephant keeping cool, Namibia

An elephant keeps cool, Namibia

A lone tree in the savannah, Namibia
a lone tree on the savannah, Namibia

Zebras and a giraffe out for a stroll in Etosha National Park, Namibia
zebra and a giraffe for a walk in the Etosha National Park, Namibia

Sand dunes outside Swakopmund, Namibia
sand dunes outside Swakopmund, Namibia. I did not retouch this photo. This is how they actually look! Crazy, is not it? It is like a painting.

Ducks hanging out at the watering hole during sunset, Namibia
ducks at the waterhole at sunset, Namibia

Watering hole in Etosha National Park, Namibia, Africa
waterhole in Etosha National Park, Namibia hang

Stars and the night sky in Namibia, Africa
The night sky. My camera does not have a very sensitive lens, but you get the idea - it's a lot of stars can see the sky

A happy bush guy from Botswana
A bushman of Botswana .. He was happy and full of energy in his statements about the local plants.

Giraffes lounging in the shade in Etosha National Park, Namibia laze
giraffes in Etosha National Park, Namibia in the shade. My guide said that this sight is rare, because when they sit down, it makes them an easy target for thieves. When they sit, they very safe feel.

The red dunes of Deadvlei, Namibia, Africa
The red dunes of Deadvlei, Namibia

The Okavango Delta, Botswana
The Okavango Delta, Botswana

An elephant at the Chobe River
A Elefant am Chobe River

A red sunset in Africa
do not know where this sunset was - but pretty, huh

A lazy water buffalo at the Chobe River
A lazy water buffalo on the Chobe River

The cracked earth of Deadvlei, Namibia
, the cracked earth of Deadvlei, Namibia

Fighting (or kissing?) monkeys at the Chobe River, Botswana
battling (or kissing?) monkey on the Chobe River, Botswana

A crocodile in the Chobe River, Botswana
A crocodile in Chobe River, Botswana

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

The Okavango Delta, Botswana
the Okavango Delta from the air, Botswana

Sandboarding outside Swakopmund, Namibia
sandboarding outside Swakopmund, Namibia

Namibia
Somewhere in Namibia ...

Karma karma karma karma karma chameleon in Zimbabwe
Karma Karma Karma Karma Karma Chameleon .. .

Victoria Falls <br /> <br />
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe / Zambia border

A sunset in Africa at the watering hole in Etosha National Park, Namibia
sunset at the waterhole in Etosha National Park, Namibia

More elephants in Chobe
More elephants walking in Chobe, Botswana

Zebras at the watering hole
zebras at the waterhole in Etosha

Lioness in Etosha National Park, Namibia
a lioness in Etosha National Park, Namibia

And here is a video of some dance in Damaraland, Namibia (it's a bit cheesy, but they have great voices):

I can not wait to get back and explore more of Africa. I merely scratched the surface, but in my short visit, I saw such a variety that I like to see go again ... sooner rather than later, I hope.

An interview with Lee Abbamonte, the recent US Every country in the world

An interview with Lee Abbamonte, the recent US Every country in the world
An interview with Lee Abbamonte, the recent US Every country in the world - to visit

lee abbamonte on a mountain I think this is the week of the interview! On Monday, Dave and Vicky shared why they travel the world, and now Lee Abbamonte said to be over in Libya when Gaddafi was overthrown, and the recent American beings in the world to visit each country. I met Lee at first a few years ago when he stumbled upon my blog, bought my blogging course, and fired crazy emails to me. Since then we have become friends (he's the guy who take the selfie when my great flight had to make an emergency landing), and I wanted his story to share today. Here Lee talks about being the youngest American to visit every country and his love of sports:

How did you get to travel? She worked before in the fields of finance, law?
Yes, I worked in finance for eight years out of school. My goal was to make a lot of money on Wall Street, but a funny thing happened on the way. I studied abroad my junior year in college. This was the first time I ever left in the United States. I went to London, England, and it's changed my life completely. It was the best decision I ever made. It changed my view of the world and on my goals in life in general.

So with this experience in my pocket, I always knew I wanted to travel more. But like everyone, I needed money to finance the trip, I wanted to, so I have a real job Wall Street has worked really hard and did pretty well. Wall Street was a means to an end.

So, in travel work was not always your goal?
Right. Aside from making money in finance and other businesses, I am / was involved with, the goal was to travel just for fun and enjoy my life to the fullest. Working in the travel just sort of happened. I had written a a few stories over the years just for fun for various travel sites. I started in 06 my blog again to keep basically friends and family up to date with what I was doing. Without ever thinking I would do things travel-oriented full-time, it developed only one way I do, more and more things in various facets of the economy, travel and media started.

How did you go about leaving Wall Street for the journey?
Back in the summer of 08 I joined simply my position at a large company Wall Street. Ironically happened right in front of the major declines of several major companies, so it made me look smart, but it was purely coincidental.

My "claim to fame" is that you are the youngest American to travel in any country. Was that the original goal or at some point were you like, "Hey, I was at 100. What is a 100 more!"
During my time abroad in college, I traveled to 15 countries in Europe. During school breaks and immediately after graduation, I took three other long backpacking through Asia, the Middle East and Europe again. At this point I realized I had visited some 50 countries. Knowing I would be a ton of work, my goal is 100 countries by the time I was 30. Anyway what reasons was visiting, I thought it sounded cool. I ended up with about 25 in order to achieve this goal

In 06, I got an email from a friend that there is a record of the most recent was in fact every country to visit in the world. I judged basically how long I had to beat the record and where I needed to go, and thought I would try it. Although I did not get the record, it would still be fun and I would get to see the whole world. It turned out, it was a big decision, and I have so much to the world.

done

lee abbamonte on a mountain

What made you decide to pursue this goal? Did you leave your job to do it?
To be honest, actually doing the challenge, it has to decide to pursue the goal. It's not easy, of course, but at this point in my life and in traveling, I was now or never, because I was there more than half already. I am also very competitive and goal-oriented. Not to mention, I thought it was pretty cool!

Although I have not left my job to pursue the goal. I left the job because I had had it with corporate life at this time in my life, and I needed a break after eight years.

Have you hit this record? At what age did you have to every country in the world?
Yes, I was the youngest American to visit in 2011, each country when I was 32 visit sure to Libya. Technically, because of the addition of South Sudan as a sovereign nation, I am the youngest person in the world to visit each country. However, there is a bit of a gray area, and there are a lot of red tape that goes with the world record-forces in this title claim be, so for now, I go to the "recent American" title, which I still think Pretty cool! Depending on where you look, there are from 25 to 50 people alive and 0 people total known or believed to have on each country. I know that just about all of them

Have you ever picture yourself sedentary
I think I'm calm.? - Although some people will have a different definition of sedentary. I have a great apartment in New York City, have good friends and family, and really am pretty happy. I can do anything basically what I want and work from anywhere. Every day is exciting because I never know what will happen. I love to wake up every day, check my emails and see what is for the day on the agenda, week, month, etc. I see it as money I'm playing with the house, because it was never my intention ,

lee abbamonte on a mountain

They were in Libya when they were Gaddafi's overthrow. Tell us about it!
Libya was the last country I visit had in the world to visit finalize each country. I was originally scheduled for March 2011 in operation, but had begun the Revolution, and it was a no-fly zone, so I had no chance in. Just as the rebels took away as the Arab Spring, I kept an eye on things. I have word that eastern Libya was fully opened by the rebels and the remote eastern border with Egypt was controlled -. Type

I have also heard that, because there was no government in place that they had dropped the visa restrictions and that it may be possible to get in above this limit. So, without really thinking about it, I flew to Cairo and then to a small coastal town called Mersa Mutra that. About 250 miles from the Libyan border

I had no idea what I wanted to do from Mersa Mutra. On the plane I noticed an educated-looking man wearing a suit and a rebel flag pin on his lapel. I asked if he spoke English and when he did, I asked if he could help me translate a taxi or car at the border to arrange; I was willing to pay what it took.

It turned out that this man is a Libyan dissident was who returned for the first time in 40 years to Libya. He came to work for the United Nations and had a UN pass. He told me that he would give me a ride all the way to Tubruk, Libya, in Minivan his brother and obviously to help me cross the border process. I could not believe what I heard and was obviously grateful

Not only did he do just that, but he told me to stay a place in Tubruk, dinner with his family -., Which he not seen had, in 40 years old - and the transport with his friend all the way back to Cairo - this is a 12-hour trip - a few days later. He refused to take a penny. It was amazing how beautiful her family was to me, and I am eternally grateful.

There also was a small thing between some Chinese smugglers and the Libyan rebels on the border caught in a firefight. We had to duck all and fire, the car in reverse, to not shoot. That was pretty scary, and after three hours, we made it through!

What travel advice would you give someone who has never traveled?
My advice would go to someone who has never traveled to Europe. Get a Eurail pass and hit the big cities. to feel get comfortable and see how cool to experience it is another country, language, food, culture, and so on, each time you make a move - all so close together. That should whet their appetite to less developed nations to travel. Also working the beaten routes of Southeast Asia and Australia, but I think take the history of Europe is a little more difficult at home, as they get more than just party on the backpacker circuit.

You are a sports type. Where was your most memorable sports experience in the world?
Sports are my passion. Play or watch; it does not matter - I like them all. I'm happy just to have been to all the major sporting event in the world, such as the Super Bowl, Olympics, Champions League, World Cup, Rugby World Cup, so I'm planning a lot of my trips around sporting events. It is difficult, only one to pick up, but I will say the 01 World Series.

This was the World Series between the New York Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks, held the place 6 weeks after September 11th. I am a persistent, lifelong Yankees fan, a New Yorker, and I also worked in the World Trade Center, as emotions ran high. The middle three games of this series at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx were amazing, exciting and emotional. The Yankees won all three games in dramatic fashion late inning. They went to the Series in seven games to lose, but that did not matter. to be a part of this group in New York, is something that I will never forget.

lee abbamonte in the maldives

as much as an American traveling, you have your friends have a hard time understanding your lifestyle?
I have to be lucky, very good group of friends, many of whom love to travel and have traveled a lot with me. Those who travel not only know that it is a part of me and love my stories on my website to read, but it is even better hearing the uncut, no-protect Stories in person! I make time for my friends always. I was going to visit, wherever they live, welcome at any time to New York, and I never miss big events. If you lose sight of your friends and family, what will you have left?

If you want to read more of Lee's stories, read his blog, visit his Facebook, or watch Fox and Friends on Monday morning, as he does a travel segment.

Unusual location of the Month: The Cathedral of Junk

Unusual location of the Month: The Cathedral of Junk
Unusual location of the Month: The Cathedral of Junk -

The Cathedral of Junk is exactly what it sounds like: a bunch of garbage built in the shape of a cathedral. It was started in 1988 by Vince Hannemann and has grown over the years through donations from people around the city and the world. Today it contains more than 60 tons of garbage. A number of years, the city of Austin, Texas, trying to close it, saying it was too much junk and safety concerns. (The neighbors thought it was an eyesore.) So Vince and an army of volunteers compared with the structure down and put it in code, the page could remain open.

Last month, when in Austin, I decided to visit me because, well, Austin is weird, and better, what to do in a strange city, regarded as strange a thing?

It does not take long to discover the cathedral, and I found I most of the time spent in conversation with Vince, to ask questions, I'm sure he is sick of hearing and just watching people with the Junk play. This site definitely is for those who have some fun with an active imagination

Here are some pictures of the .:

the Cathedral of Junk in Austin, texas main entrance
the Cathedral of Junk
[Cathedralthe Cathedral of Junk's tower of junk in Texas
the Cathedral of Junk
the Cathedral of Junk in Austin, texas
the Cathedral of Junk in Austin, texas
the Cathedral of Junk in Austin, texas
the Cathedral of Junk in Austin, texas with many visitors
the Cathedral of Junk in Austin, texas

During my visit I found out that a lot of people come here with their children; many were running all over the place and believe play a joyful time with makeup. I found out that this place is very popular with locals, because you occupied your kids for an hour or stay two.If You are in Austin with your family, come here. Your kids will love it.

And if you are traveling without children, come here definitely. You will still love it. I have.

, you can visit the Cathedral of Junk in 4422 Lareina Drive, Austin, TX. Admission is free (donations are accepted), there are no set hours, and it is not open every day. With a set schedule, Austin thought he was a "business" and then he would have to follow all possible rules, so you just hope for the best when you go.