When I spot the stunning, picturesque edifices of Park Guell’s Monumental Zone, any disgruntlement I possessed—owing to rousing before dawn to procure free entrance to the exorbitant landmark—dissipated. In the golden gleam of the sunrise, Gaudi’s renowned monuments shimmer warmly. I feel a sudden burst of displeasure. I’m not ready to leave yet. I chuckle wryly. Then again, I don’t think I’ll ever truly be ready to depart this paradise and return to responsibilities and pressure.
    I force myself to...

    La Rambla is sheltered from the sweltering sun by gigantic trees with thick, peeling bark. It is a pleasant enough street to ramble along, being as lovely as it appears in pictures, but I can’t overlook the outrageous prices and the droves of boorish tourists they were intended for, nor the inebriated (yes, already) pickpockets staggering behind their oblivious victims. 
    I stride swiftly past all of the action with a box of churros from Granja Dulcinea in my hand, preferring...

    I yawn, stretching my arms up over my head. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I grab my phone from off the bedside table. I leap off the bed in shock when I see the time. How is it already 11:24?
    After quickly dressing and brushing my teeth, I depart the hotel, taking the metro to Eixample. From the station, I walk to Brunch and Cake, a restaurant my older sister highly recommended.
    I order their black brioche with smoked...

    First on my itinerary is to explore Gràcia, a neighborhood of Barcelona littered with Antoni Gaudi’s masterful works of art, and following a quick breakfast at the café across the street from the hotel, I embarked on the trip.
    On my way, I pass the Plaça de Catalunya, a delightful, little square with wood benches and towering trees. Only a few people took up the seats, enjoying the morning sun on their faces while they nursed a cup of coffee...