I started my day in Barcelona with Mike’s 7:30 alarm, fully aware that we would remain in bed until 8:30. After some time, I decided to go for a four-mile round trip run from our hotel in Plaça d’Espanya to the Olympic park. The run took me up a steep hill, where I was treated to breathtaking views of the city, encountered dog walkers, and passed by athletic fields for rugby, cricket, football, and tennis, along with a large track. I returned just in time for a quick shower and breakfast at the hotel.
At 10:00, we set off on a bus tour of the city, joined by a local guide named Anna, who shared fascinating insights about the area’s history. We got off the bus to explore on foot, stopping at iconic sites like La Pedrera and Casa Battlo. Many of the stunning structures we admired, along with various sculptures and parks, were constructed for the 1929 World’s Fair and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
After snapping photos of these landmarks, we headed to lunch, where we enjoyed delicious tapas, followed by fish for the main course. I developed a taste for a particular tapa featuring tomato sauce and olive oil on grilled bread, as well as a delightful dish of fried eggplant discs. I even tried mussels for the first time and was pleasantly surprised by their taste despite my initial reservations about their appearance and aroma.
Post-lunch, we visited Freixenet Cava’s headquarters for a tour of the wine cellars. We learned about the intricate process of making sparkling wine, starting from the selection of over three types of high-quality grapes grown in the region. The grapes flourish in specific altitudes and soil types that naturally aid in cultivating quality. Interestingly, they do not irrigate the fields, relying solely on nature, though global warming has caused earlier harvests in recent years.
The winemaking process involves a careful crushing of the grapes, with the first press yielding 60% of the premium grape juice used for wine. The secondary press produces lower-quality juice, sold off to other companies. Then, sugar and yeast are added, and the fermentation process begins, followed by bottling and a lengthy aging process for the sparkling quality.
I found the mechanized process of bottle shaking, which separates sediment and optimizes fermentation, particularly fascinating. Freixenet produces millions of bottles annually and is a significant supplier to the U.S. After the tour, we had the opportunity to taste two of their most renowned cavas. Although I’m not a fan of alcohol, the knowledge I gained made the experience worthwhile.
In the evening, we attended the Champions League match at the Olympic stadium, where FC Barcelona faced off against Brest, the runners-up in the French Ligue 1. Even though Lamine Yamal was sidelined with an injury, striker Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring with a penalty, and Barca secured a 3-0 victory, including another goal from Lewandowski and a strike by Dani Olmo. While I celebrated Barcelona’s success, I felt a bit down watching my team, Manchester City, blow a 3-0 lead against Feyenoord, resulting in a disappointing draw after six games without a win.
The atmosphere at the match was electric, with fans decked out in Barca merchandise. It was a memorable day as I attended my first Champions League game, a thrilling experience I will always cherish!
Overall, my day in Barcelona was filled with exploration, delightful cuisine, and memorable moments as I embraced the excitement of live football. Despite the ups and downs of my team’s performance, remembering the vibrant culture and warm community of Barcelona offers hope for continued adventures and experiences.