I arrived in sunny and warm Barcelona yesterday after a short 2 hour flight. Once I landed, my trek on the train, metro and walking to the apartment took about as long as the flight, now that I think about it. I’m getting pretty good at maneuvering underground transportation.

I’m staying with Ben and Alana (two friends from California who are vacationing here). This trip is sandwiched in between a visit from Brenda and Kristen’s upcoming visit, and I am in friend heaven! It’s exciting enough to check out a new city, but when it’s with good friends, it makes it that much more special.

After some beach time yesterday, we caught up over tapas and a lot of wine (obligatory first night of vacation ritual) at a local place down the street from our apartment. It was our great idea to get up at 7 and check out the Crossfit gym downtown today. After a sweaty workout, we happened into a cute little lazy hotel with a breakfast buffet and Wifi, which was just what we needed.

We wandered through the streets of the Born area and took in the architecture, the Cathedral, the Rambla, the Starbucks. I am really loving the feel of this city. It’s kind of beach bum mixed with urban; the buildings are gorgeous and all of the alleys are charming.

We ended up at a gorgeous piazza for a glass of sangria before going back for some late afternoon beach time. The salty sea smell, sand in my sheets, sitting outside and laughing with friends. Getting my last little fill of summer. A perfect and needed recharge.