It’s August 29. I am on my way to Barcelona. This is my first solo trip. I know that it won’t be the last.

A friend sends me this scene from the French movie The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain. August 29 is the day of changes.

I have my ticket, my Catalan playlist, and a backpack full of dreams and expectations. Little do I know that expectations almost never meet reality.

My solo travel turns into a journey shared with inspiring people that I meet along the way.

All the “useful expressions in Catalan for dummies” that I prepared for my stay turn out to be completely useless. Alright, not completely. It’s indeed so rewarding to talk to locals in their native language. The problem in Barcelona though, just like in any big, tourist city, is that even locals will mostly use English. I even try to brush up my almost inexistent Spanish that somehow almost always turns into Portunhol.

There is indeed something special about Barcelona. It’s a big city, yet people seem extremely hospitable and easy-going. I believe that it might be a trait of the Spanish culture. I find this quite surprising because I tend to compare the city with other large European cities.

As you can imagine, you can always expect a lot of paella and sangria in Barcelona. A local tells me that the name doesn’t really come from “p’a ella” (“for her” in Spanish), but rather from the Valencian word paella, meaning frying pan. What a deception!

Can I now confirm some stereotypes about the Spanish people? There are only positive stereotypes, I promise! The Spanish look indeed more relaxed than other Europeans. I mean, look at Sagrada Família! That spectacular thing is under construction since 1882. Jokes aside, that only indicates one thing. The final result is expected to be spectacular indeed. No hurry, Spanish people like to take their time.

Last but not least, my conclusion related to the weather in Barcelona. Forget everything you knew about the Mediterranean climate. In August, it rains. A lot.

Walking the streets of Barcelona at night is a priceless feeling. The city smells like sea, food, and freedom.

Is it safe enough? This is one of the questions we tend to ask ourselves when we visit a new place. I’ve been told to be careful, just like in any other city in the world.

However, I luckily never had any issues in Barcelona. I will never forget what my new travel buddy told me after we crossed La Rambla, one of the busiest streets known for pickpocketing. “Do you feel like you weigh less now that we walked on La Rambla?”. Not sure, but as long as I have my phone (and camera), we’re good.

Barcelona taught me the value of freedom, curiosity, and restlessness. The art of passion and thriving. The art of saudade and wanderlust.

Barcelona, until we meet again…

What is your backpacking story?

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