Spring has finally sprung in Barcelona! Well, kind of…we had a few weeks of absolutely beautiful weather, but sadly the rain is back and casting gloomy clouds of mist over the city.
But at this point, we’re almost in May so I’ll assume it’s just a temporary setback on the way to the summer months of full-blown sunshine. To celebrate, here are some of my favorites things about springtime in Barcelona.
Parc Güell in Bloom
Gaudí’s fantastical park is always bright, but with all the spring flowers showing off their most colorful attributes, it’s like somebody turned up the saturation to 11. The rolling Parc de Collserola is covered in a lush carpet of fresh plants right now, making the perfect backdrop for the wild park.
In short – this is definitely the prettiest I’ve ever seen Parc Güell!
Let’s Go to the Beach, Beach!
Come on, sing that dreadful Nicki Minaj song with me – after all, it’s beach season! And now is the best time, because it’s just before Barcelona’s beaches get temporarily conquered by hoards of northern Europeans desperate for a Vitamin D fix.
Of course, that also means Operación Bikini is in full-swing, and chocolate has never looked so tempting. But Milka, I think we need to spend some time apart. It’s not you, it’s….wait, no. It’s definitely you. Leave me alone.
¡Qué no pare la fiesta!
Sorry, more terrible party music. But honestly, the warm weather brings out people’s warmer social side too. This month has been one non-stop fiesta. All of my friends are so excited to open up their apartments for spring parties that there’s been a great piso party every weekend for the past six weeks.
I was the rather proud host of a party two weeks ago that’s still getting talked about (turns out the ABC theme is a hit in Spain!)
Tonight, I’m afraid I’ve got to choose between two parties. It’s basically the Sophie’s Choice of Barcelona (only obviously MUCH MORE serious 🙂 ). Still, my choice has been made slightly easier, as I’m pretty sure the police will also be interested in attending one of the parties…
Travel Time
Now that I’m not huddling under layers of sweaters and scarves, I’m much more tempted to consider venturing out of my quarters (it sounds more elegant and less lazy that way). Especially if there’s travel involved.
Which brings me to my final point…I’m going on vacation this week!
Here’s a hint: I’m off to one of Spain’s most famous party destinations, and lo que pasa allí se queda allí (so don’t expect any detailed posts about my holiday). Any guesses where I’m going? All will be revealed on Monday!
But for now I’ll just say that my brain is firmly in the “off” position until….well….erm, perhaps we should hold an adios cheers to my remaining brain cells. 😉 Thanks for all the hard work, and I hope we do business again soon, neuronitas.
P.S. My blog has a Facebook page now! Would you do me a favor and “like” it? 🙂
Besos!
-Jess
Enjoy your vacation Jessica!
Thanks chica!
OOH! I hope your destination is something along the lines of that beach picture… Where is that?! It’s gorgeous! Wherever you go, enjoy!!
Thanks! It’s Formentera, one of the islands by Ibiza, and probably the most beautiful beach I’ve ever seen. I’m going to Ibiza again this week. 🙂
I can’t even escape California to get to California, how’d you get to Spain?
Anyways thanx for the great writeup and photos!
Haha a bit of legwork and a lucky dual passport situation…and here I am in Spain! 🙂
😉 What a dream! A pleasure to follow along.
Are you off to Ibiza, Jess? Have a great time, wherever you are 🙂
I am indeed! 🙂 Thanks very much, Marianne!
You party animal, you 😉
Have fun in… I guess Ibiza? 😉
Thanks! That’s exactly where I’m headed 🙂
Probably off to the Balearic Islands and I see you’ve confirmed it in previous comments. Have a great time! 😀
And I love the Pitbull song Don’t Stop the Party, I don’t care if it’s cheesy!
Thanks!
I love the Pitbull song too…and the Nicki Minaj one. Shh! 🙂
Enjoy your holidays… even if by mentioning a Pitbull song you’ve kind of disappointed me… haha… Have fun! 😉
Hehe I’m sorry! But his lyrics speak to my inner party animal on a profound level – they’re just so perfect for chanting drunkenly. 😉
Iiibiiiizzaaaa! Haha so your life is so awesome!! And hey i enjoy Pitbull’s party music and that Nikki Minaj song (funny story the first time I heard it I was listening to the radio from my prepaid vodafone walking down Avenguda Diagonal from DiR Diagonal) as well so dont feel bad.
Question: I plan on coming to Barcelona at the end of July until the ministerio program starts me in whichever region. A friend of mind has invited me to stay with them, do you think it’s a terrible idea Money-wise? I’m thinking I can try out some of the work ideas you told me about during that month or so in Barcelona…otherwise stay and work a 9-5 full time all summer here in Minnesota. I’m slightly torn and your post is certainly enticing me to go for it! Lol
Haha yeah, his party music is just so catchy I can’t help myself!
Hmm…I had good luck finding work in Barcelona. BUT if you’re coming at the end of July, be careful. A LOT of the English academies close in August, and most people go on vacation then too (so private classes might be harder to come by). If you don’t have to worry too much about cash though, Barcelona is really fun in the summer!
Only thing is missing this spring is the Sun!
I love going to Ciutadella Park after lunch to read and sleep. 🙂
Yes, where is the sun??? It’s been raining so much!
I can’t believe I’m just now discovering your blog….wish I had you as a resource 9 months ago!!!
Haha oh well, better late than never. 🙂 Are you still in Barcelona?
Omg that beach looks amazing. If I took a picture of a beach from here, I’m sure it would make you cry out of pity!
🙁 Aww, I hope you get to a pretty beach sometime this summer!
Thanks! I might actually go see one next weekend. Woooo 🙂 Until then, more beach pics! 😉