Wanderlust in España ❤️🇪🇸

With love, from Spain

Greetings from beautiful Barcelona.

Well, I’m (unfortunately) no longer there, but I began typing these words in that wonderful city by the sea. Over eight days, the people of Barcelona — specifically within the cozy neighborhood of Gràcia (meaning “grace”) — demonstrated warmth, charm and hospitality. I left with a full, grateful heart.

I love how Barcelona parents giggle as they walk their children to school. I love how patrons say “buenos dias” (good morning) at cafes. I love how most of the city stops around 1 or 2 p.m. for a collective break, or siesta. I love how the streets of Barcelona brim with energy, history and stunning architecture that emphasizes nature and culture over whatever the current design trends happen to be.

Narrow, winding alleys open into bustling plazas, where centuries-old architecture meets modern life. You can stroll past a cathedral, hear the echoes of a street musician’s guitar, and then find yourself in a cozy café sipping cortados, all within the span of a couple of blocks. That blend of the old and the new makes Barcelona enchanting.

Most striking was the flow of life there. It’s a city that seems to value balance—work and leisure, tradition and innovation, solitude and community. Mornings are relatively brisk and productive, afternoons slow, and evenings are reserved for lingering over wine and conversation. Elderly couples walk arm in arm. Children kick soccer balls against ancient stone walls after school. Laundry lines create a patchwork of colors overhead.

In Spain, nobody seems to be in a big hurry. The place encourages you to savor the moment and live fully in the here and now. Barcelona didn’t just welcome me; it taught me something about how to live. And for that, I’m grateful to all of the locals who were so kind, as well as my dear friend, Deb, for hosting me while she visited her daughter, Nicole, and granddaughter, Amélia, who have lived there for more than a decade.

Barcelona feels like a collection of small villages that have grown together organically over centuries. In Gràcia especially, you're never more than a few steps from a local bread shop, a family-run paella restaurant, or a tiny plaza where neighbors gather for evening drinks. No towering skyscrapers, no boring suburbs — just mom and pops, art galleries, and multi-generational living arrangements.

The city’s sounds also tell a story of community. Church bells mark the hours and function as reminders of a neighborhood's heartbeat. Evenings bring conversation flowing from tapas and jazz bars. Street musicians add their own notes to the whole warm feel, connecting strangers on their way home from work and school.

Perhaps what I'll miss most is the city's relationship with time. In Barcelona, meals aren't rushed. They’re celebrations, whether it's a double espresso and croissant at the corner café or a lengthy dinner that stretches for hours. And the locals seem to understand something that many of us have forgotten: Life's richest moments happen in the pauses, in the spaces between our carefully planned activities. I'm taking that lesson home with me, along with memories of long meals and wonderful interactions with baristas.

A few other things that resonated with me:

• Pedestrian-friendly streets: Barcelona's compact streets, especially in neighborhoods like the Gothic Quarter and El Born, are designed for walking. The narrow, winding lanes limit car traffic, eliminating most noise. Reduced car traffic in many areas allows for maximum pedestrian and cyclist mobility. Overall, it’s a tranquil place to walk. I averaged about 18,000 steps a day.

• Stunning architecture: The city's architectural landscape is incredible. Antoni Gaudí's creations, such as the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló, are detailed and creative. The city is a living gallery. Many architects emphasized natural light and curves to reflect the real world, eschewing the modern desire for squares and straight lines.

• Lively public spaces: Barcelona has all kinds of plazas where locals and visitors gather to enjoy the city's lively atmosphere.

• Seaside beauty: On the Mediterranean, Barcelona offers a perfect blend of city life and beach relaxation. The city gets over 300 days of sunshine annually.

• Cultural richness: From world-class museums like the Picasso Museum to vibrant festivals, Barcelona is a cultural treasure trove. The city's Catalan identity is proudly celebrated through its language, cuisine, and traditions.

• Culinary heaven: Oh my. Maybe my favorite part. Barcelona's food scene is a feast for the senses, from traditional Catalan dishes like pa amb tomàquet to fresh seafood and bustling markets full of fresh vegetables, cheeses, meats, wine, bread, and olives.
  

  I’m no expert, but all of that walking, olive oil, healthy food and family time/connection is probably what makes Spain one of the healthiest countries in the world in terms of life expectancy:

  

  
  

Barcelona has captured a permanent place in my heart, and I look forward to exploring Spain again, including Barcelona, Seville and Madrid. There were so many precious moments: the morning cortados, the evening strolls, the small kindnesses that made this city feel like home. The people there can teach you to slow down, look up, and really live.

Barcelona no longer feels like a destination on a map — it’s a reminder of how life ought to be lived and savored.

Celebrate your gifts,

Matthew