2024 Tour Day 10: Barcelona
Today was bittersweet; we are sad to end tour, but we went out with a bang (literally, there are still fireworks going off from Sant Joan)! We split up into two groups today: some adventures to the beach and swim in the Mediterranean and some enjoyed a walking and photo tour of a major avenue in Barcelona, Paseo de Gràcia.
I was in the group of students that went to the beach. We ventured to the Metro and successfully navigated through transfers until we made it to Bogatell Beach in Poblenou. It was cloudy and the water was very chilly, but that didn’t stop us from jumping in! Swimming in the ocean was a long anticipated outing for many students, and it did not disappoint. Groups enjoyed their time by playing football, ships across the ocean, lying on the beach, and playing chicken in the ocean.
After our morning of fun at the beach, we were very hungry. My friends and I went to a delicious restaurant called Alice Secret Garden. It had been recommended to us by a guide and when we went in, it appeared to be completely empty. Despite the interior of the restaurant being beautiful and atmospheric, all the action was on the patio, which was full of plants and aesthetic decor. I had the best chai latte I had ever had in my life, no exaggeration!! We ordered toffee and banana pancakes, carpaccio, and slices of cake. Everything was delicious. It was a tough call, but I think it was my favorite meal of the trip (the chai latte may have been the deciding factor)!
Since the entire afternoon was free time, my friends and I wandered around a bit and decided to return to the hotel for a much needed nap. We ventured to the Metro again, this time without guides. Surprisingly, we made it back to the hotel. The Metro system is pretty slick in Barcelona. My friends and I have been on many metro systems in Europe, America, and Canada, and Barcelona ranks very high in our opinion!
For our last dinner, we ate a group (four-course!)meal at Restaurante Salamanca. It included Calamari, a lot of various meats, tapas, paella, and delicious crème brûlée. Tapas are small dishes that can be shared with a table and they are meant to emphasize the social aspect of dining. It was a delicious meal, complete with Fanta.
The night concluded with a heartfelt speech from Maestro and a thanking of the many people who have made this wonderful trip possible. I am sad to leave, but comforted by the fact that I will hold onto amazing memories from this trip. We are all so grateful for the opportunity to share music with the world and to have had a very meaningful time.
-Milly, bass
