Summing Up Life in a Word Cloud

Summing up Barcelona in a word cloud.

Favorite Memories

People keep asking me what my favorite part of the trip was. And so many things were incredible, it's hard to say. But the answer I usually give them is our first night in Paris. Derek and I found a cheap twist off bottle of Bordeaux (but a white) at the store and took it down to the banks of the Seine at Pont Neuf. For the record, this concept is actually pretty popular - don't expect an empty river. But we had a great time.

The view from the river was gorgeous. Trying to capture it in pictures was challenging (aided by the cheap wine), but still.

After a few hours by the river, our night devolved into Disney songs. It's hard to capture the whole experience in words - an experience deeply colored by the person I shared it with - and I mean that in the best way possible.

But I hope this inspires people to go out and make the most of where they are and who they're with. It only took a few Euros to have an experience we'll never forget.

Are you lost?

We are never lost.

Like Vegas But Better

Sometimes the best things you find on a trip are those you overhear from those around you. While at the beach in Barcelona (more on that later), this girl from Australia recommended the fountain show at Plaza de Espanya. When we took a bus through Plaza de Espanya on our way into the city from the airport, we didn't notice any big fountains, so we were a little dubious. However, when we followed the crowd off the train and into the plaza, the scene just kept getting better and better.

The fountains at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas are renowned, but they pale in comparison to these. With the Museu National d' Art Catalunya rising up in the background on Montjuic, the scene was gorgeous. The fountains were choreographed to music, with the water continually changing color throughout. The light show in and of itself was impeccable. The water changed to colors I didn't even know were possible.

We climbed up to the Museu, sat on the steps and looked out at the whole city below. It was beautiful - an unforgettable part of an amazing Barcelona trip.

You're Never Far From Home

Every trip is also filled with small world moments. And while our trip may not have had any crazy coincidences, my favorite one was when Derek encountered a fellow Ohio State graduate and supporter in front of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. The man and his wife were part of a tour group, and, though they live in Dallas now, they used to live in Columbus.

With matching outfits several thousand miles away from home, Buckeye pride was certainly strong - especially when Derek and the man recited the cheer: "O-H-I-O."

The Most Beautiful Fountain In The World

Every trip is filled with hidden wonders, and our trip was no exception. Hot and tired while wandering through a park in Barcelona in search of the Spanish version of the Arc de Triumph (which pales in comparison to the one in Paris), we stumbled upon the most beautiful fountain in the world. Grecian and majestic, it was like being transported to another world.

We would be remiss if we didn't share its beauty with you all.

Words of Wisdom on Budget Airlines in Europe

One thing quickly discovered on a trip to Europe is the beauty (or lack thereof) of budget airlines. Vueling, EasyJet, Ryanair... these companies help make seeing so many countries in one trip possible without spending a ton of money. At the same time though, their no frills approach may come as a shock to those unprepared.

Our flight from Amsterdam to Barcelona was no exception. While incredibly affordable (around $100 for a 2 hour flight), the flight was also less than comfortable. Want to sit with the person you're traveling with? Pay extra. Used to being served a drink on the flight? Even water costs more. Leg room? At 5"1, even I felt cramped.

Adding to the enjoyment of the flight, the people around us did not stop talking the entire time, making the nap I desperately needed much less possible. And, as the line formed for the bathroom in the front of the plane, I marveled at how different this was than traveling in the US. (Shoes remained on, body scanners were almost nonexistent, and the toughest customs I faced were when I came back to the US).

But on the other hand, despite the no-frills approach, the flight was only $100. You do the math.

Only in Amsterdam

The first stop on our trip was Amsterdam. Despite the rain, we still were able to see a lot of the things that make Amsterdam so unique:

Poggled visits the sex museum in Amsterdam. "Smoking allowed. No cigarettes." - ahh Amsterdam... Where you don't need to choose between smoking and drinking... And where the stores actually advertise magic mushrooms.

Note: We did not participate in any illegal activities, but find it amusing that such activities are legal and public in Amsterdam. Prostitution is even legal and regulated.

We Take Flight

Two and a half weeks ago, my boyfriend Derek and I headed to Europe, planning to blog our experiences and show everyone the world. The experience was definitely a little different than I imagined it would be, but no less fun and fulfilling. Over the next few days and weeks, we'll be consolidating our experience into a series of blog posts. Our hope is that you'll enjoy them all, see the world, live vicariously through us, and keep coming back for more.

We visit Buckingham Palace - London, England