This past week I spent mostly in Barcelona still until leaving for Amsterdam on Friday.

Oh how I love Spain – the food, the architecture, the culture, the people. I was fortunate in that Harriet joined me partway through the week and we got to spend a lot of time together. We ate out a fair amount, got gelato and walked heaps. Highlight would definitely have to be the smoked octopus (featured later although the photo does not do it justice) which was the best thing I have actually ever eaten in my whole life. Brie and ham sandwiches also went down a treat. A less superficial highlight was going into one of the most beautiful buildings in the world – La Sagrada Familia. The huge cathedral is still being built 100 years on and features the most beautiful stain glass i’ve ever seen.

I also got to continue spending time with Polly & Brent and do life with them which was great. Polly and I went on a long walk one morning to Tibidabo which is on a mountain that overlooks Barcelona. On top there’s a beautiful old church (like Spain didn’t have enough already) and a vintage amusement park. We went to church a bit again, the beach and generally just enjoyed sitting around and chatting to one another over good food and a G&T.

Friday I flew to Amsterdam where I spent a couple of days by myself in a good hostel which was conveniently located in the heart of the red light district. It meant for a great location despite a few sordid obstacles. Seriously though, Amsterdam is beautiful. It reminded me of Salzburg to an extent but then also had elements of Venice with it’s canals. I probably wouldn’t live there but definitely enjoyed my stay ft. Van Gogh museum, picnics in the park, coffee shops (legitimate and illegitimate), a spot of shopping (oops), long walks, going to the movies, falafel and the flower market. I’m now currently on a train out to Arnhem where I’m meeting Nikki and staying with her for the next few days. Who would have thought there’d be an exchange reunion so soon?! So excited!

UPDATE: have now arrived with Nikki, went out to lunch which was so nice and then onto Utrecht which is like a classier and more beautiful Amsterdam. Saw an Aboriginal art museum, TimTams & the largest church tower in The Netherlands. Lots of Tour de France memorabilia and brilliant architecture. Phone is dead so not going to upload any photos from it sorry.

Barcelona

Arc de Triomphe Barcelona

Lunch with Harriet (feat. my dress) Poor thing lost her luggage in Prague 

Polly treating me to beautiful seafood

The best food I’ve ever eaten

3D frames

If you happen to have a spare hundred Euros, size 41 please! Huge and beautiful dog

Amsterdam

My favourite painting in the Van Gogh museum (not technically by Van Gogh Flowers from Normandie by Henri Fantin-Latour)

Not meant to take photos so sorry about low quality