I knew that I wanted to wake up on my birthday in a different country, that I wanted to do something big. I needed to do something; my last birthday party was when I turned 6 years old. My friends couldn’t join me, so it was up to me to celebrate in a big way.
I ended up in Barcelona, Spain because I wanted to emulate The Cheetah Girls. If you saw the movie, there were several scenes where they danced around many of Barcelona’s iconic locations. And I of course wanted to live out my own version of the Cheetah Girl fantasy. A reasonably priced round-trip ticket also helped with my decision.
I was so nervous to be travelling by myself! To calm my fears, I dug into researching as much that I could. I wanted to focus on new experiences, so I read blogs, Instagram posts, and articles of where to go, what to eat, and the must-see attractions. I created a list of what I would do day by day, but still gave myself time to add things or to just relax. By planning some things out but still giving myself time to go with the flow it helped to calm my nerves a little bit.
My mornings were spent in neighborhood café’s. The pastries were just so much better than what I was used too and there were so many new ones to try. A full breakfast was easily less than 5 euros. I ate so many croissants and drank so many café con leches. I would choose my café for the day by walking around and looking to see where the cute old ladies were eating and then join them. Even though I was only there for three days some of the café workers ended up recognizing me. They were so friendly and allowed me to practice my Spanish with them.
I spent my days exploring Barcelona’s Gaudi architecture or walking around aimlessly in different neighborhoods. I bought tickets to see La Sagrada Familia a month in advance. It ended up being one of the highlights of my trip. The basilica is so beautiful even though it is not completed! I originally planned to spend up to an hour inside, but I ended up spending all morning. I just walked around several times and even sat down and soaked it all in. I was truly in awe.
I also spent an entire morning exploring Park Güell, an estate turned park a little bit outside of the city, that was also designed by Gaudi. I enjoyed watching the sun slowly rise above Barcelona. It was as if I was watching the city slowly wake up. I walked along acres of gardens, archways, columns, and beautiful tile work. Each area that I entered used different elements but was still uniquely Gaudi.
I wanted to experience the nightlife in Barcelona, but safety was an issue. I found an AirBnB experience that fit my needs. It wasn’t just clubbing, but hanging out on a roof, eating tapas, and live music. It would be with fellow travelers, so I thought it was a safe bet. When I first arrived, I didn’t think I had made the right decision, but as the night went on, I ended up really enjoying myself. I spent my night with a couple from the UK and a French Rugby team. Turned out that the wife from the UK shared my birthday and came to Barcelona to celebrate as well!
That night I ended up tasting octopus for the first time along with other tapas in a lively pulperia. I also drank absinthe for the first time in one of the city’s oldest bars. I danced to a live band then a DJ in a basement lounge. I can’t remember the last time I stayed up that late having so much fun! It felt authentic and I ended up in venues that I know I would not have found by myself.
On the evenings that I didn’t go out, I felt guilty that I wasn’t out doing something. I felt like the excuses of that I was tired from a day of exploring or that I would get lost at night were not legitimate. My reasoning for that was I’m in Barcelona for my birthday, I should be out celebrating! But I was tired, and I wasn’t making excuses. There was no one putting pressure on me but myself to celebrate in a big way. Being in Barcelona was a big deal and I celebrated in tiny significant ways. I was exploring by myself, eating new foods, and meeting new people. Those little celebrations have a more lasting impact than partying every night.
Next year, I hope I get to celebrate like this again.