This morning started with a familiar routine as Mike’s alarm at 7:30 signaled that we would linger in bed until 8:30. I decided to kick off my day with a four-mile run from our hotel in Plaça d’Espanya to the Olympic Park. The run was invigorating, featuring a rewarding uphill that offered stunning city views, along with encounters of locals walking their dogs and athletes engaging in sports like rugby, cricket, and tennis.
After freshening up and enjoying a hearty breakfast, we departed for a bus tour at 10:00, guided by the knowledgeable Anna, who shared intriguing historical insights about Barcelona. As we traversed the city, we got off the bus to explore famous sites like La Pedrera and Casa Batlló, many of which were constructed for the 1929 World’s Fair and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Lunch followed, where we indulged in a delightful spread of tapas and fish. I particularly enjoyed a tapa featuring grilled bread topped with tomato sauce and olive oil and sampled fried eggplant discs. Trying mussels for the first time turned out to be a pleasant surprise, despite their unusual appearance.
The day took an educational turn as we visited Freixenet Cava, where we were treated to a tour of their wine cellars. We learned about the meticulous process of making sparkling wine, starting with high-quality grapes grown in the region. Interestingly, natural factors, including local soil and altitude, contribute significantly to grape quality, with climate change altering harvest schedules in recent years.
The process of crafting cava involves crushing these grapes, fermentation in large containers, and finally bottling. Automated machines have revolutionized the production speed, allowing for efficient handling of thousands of bottles. We were also briefed on how to separate the yeast sediment and maintain ideal fermentation temperatures.
Freixenet is recognized as a major supplier of cava, particularly in the U.S. After the informative tour, we enjoyed tasting two popular varieties of Cava—a fitting end to our visit.
The evening brought us to the Olympic Stadium for a Champions League match featuring FC Barcelona against French Ligue 1’s Brest. Despite Lamine Yamal’s injury absence, the match showcased a thrilling performance with Lewandowski scoring a quick penalty goal. Barcelona secured a decisive 3-0 victory by the end, lifting spirits despite my mixed feelings about Manchester City’s disappointing draw against Feyenoord.
Overall, the day was filled with unforgettable experiences, from running through scenic landscapes, exploring Barcelona’s rich history, tasting exquisite cava, to witnessing an exhilarating UEFA Champions League match—all contributing to a memorable adventure.
This trip serves as a reminder of the beauty of travel and how it enriches our lives through new experiences and cultures.