Barcelona, part 1

I promised to make a post about my trip to Barcelona but because the picture flow would be so unbearably huge, I decided to divide the pictures in two posts. In this first post I will go over the cultural aspects of Barcelona, shopping will follow in the later post.

It was my first time in this colorful city and I must say, if you have never been there, it’s definitely worth a visit! The architecture is what Barca is most known for but I’d say food and atmosphere should come next. I’m already missing it so much; walking on the pretty streets, eating Spanish omelette and other delicious tapas with sangria at midnight, getting to know the friendly locals, and admiring all the art the city has to offer. Spain seems so relaxed and warm, and I’m not just talking about the temperature.


Shirt: Monki
Biker shorts: MTWTFSS
Shoes: MTWTFSS
Chain strap bag: Spirit Items
Studded bag: Zara
Ring: Kalevala Koru

I visited most of the sights that this city has to offer: the beautiful buildings of Gaudi, amazing parks such as Park de la Ciutadella and Park Güel, the mountain of Mont Jüic with its beautiful castle and a spectacular view over the city, and of course the Poble Espanyol – a little village that replicates the different architectural styles of Spain. It also offers the interesting art pieces pictured below. Unfortunately I didn’t have time to visit the Picasso museum nor Salvador Dali’s but I guess you always have to leave something for the next time, so that there will be a next time.


T-shirt: Gina Tricot / DIY slashing
Vest: Zara
Shorts: Second hand Levi’s / DIY bleaching and cutting
Sandals: Dinsko
Sunglasses: Monki

 

Here are some useful traveling tips for those who are interested in visiting Barcelona:

– The summers are hot so wear something light with comfortable shoes: you will do lots of walking, trust me.
– Buy bottled water and bring it everywhere you go, it gets hot! The tap water is filled with chlorine and is undrinkable (I got a damn rash on my neck just from taking showers, yuck!).
– Sightseeing is fun but be aware that there are usually long queues ahead during the peak seasons. If you have time, visit the local attractions by metro (it’s cheap) and about 1-2 sights/day is tolerable. If you are in a hurry, use the tourist busses. I must warn you though, they are quite expensive.
– Visit at least all the Gaudi buildings, Park de la Ciutadella and Mont Jüic. From the beaches I would recommend Icaria, it’s less crowded and very clean compared to the popular Barceloneta.
– Lunch hour in Spain is from 1pm to 4pm and dinner usually starts after 8-9pm. It is not strange sight to see people enjoying dinner or tapas at midnight either.
– You must taste the tapas such as the Spanish omelette and pan con tomato. So yummy! Wine (and alcohol in general) is really cheap in Spain, so ordering a pitcher in the table is totally afforable. Eating out in general is quite affordable.
– A local told me that Barcelonians are known to be “cheap”, so tipping in restaurants etc. is not mandatory. However, we did leave a little tip each time, just because the food was so damn good.
– There are pickpockets in this city but I didn’t encounter any during my stay. Just be careful and don’t leave your belongings unattended, and you’ll be fine.
– Be aware of the siesta, it happens during 1-4pm closing some of the shops etc.
– Spanish people don’t speak English too well so practice some Spanish basics before you go!

Midsummer Night’s Dream

Hi, I’m back! Barcelona was truly wonderful and I will post about it and all the shopping very soon, I promise. Now, however, I’m in Sweden and spent the midsummer here with my aunt and cousin. Today I’m off to Finland and back to the oh so boring normal life. I wish life could just be one big holiday with no obligations such as work. At least I will get two more weeks off when July turns to August.


Blazer: Zara
Sweater: H&M
Top: Zara
Skirt: Monki
Leggings: American Apparel
Scarf: Acne
Shoes: Vagabond
Bag: Saddler
Ring: Kalevala Koru

In transit

I’m blogging from the lovely Stockholm, Sweden where I spent the past weekend. Tomorrow we are heading to the sunny Barcelona in Spain. I’ll be back in a week with loads of pictures, of course. Here are some random shots from Stockholm: a Glass Candy gig at Debaser and the nice gardens at Djurgården. And yup, I have done already quite a lot of shopping…





First outfit:
Shirt: Dhu Duong for Weekday
Jeans: Cheap Monday / DIY slashing
Bag: Spirit Items

Second outfit:
Jacket: JSFN
Sweater gardigan: All Saints
Top: MTWTFSS
Jeans: Cheap Monday / DIY slashing
Shoes: Vagabond
Bag: Saddler

Cover me

Last night Deerhunter was playing at Tavastia in Helsinki and I went to see it with myboyfriendRanna and her boyfriend. The show was really good and the singer Bradfod Cox really has a talent in stand up comedy with his strangely funny in-between comments and manoeuvres. In the end the band let audience members play the instruments while the the band was beating the hell out of the drum set. A good show indeed, I recommend checking them out!

I wanted to wear something suitable for an indie rock gig, so I went with all black and a drapy “oat meal” colored cardigan that a colleague of mine has ordered from All Saintsbut didn’t want to keep for some reason. She must be crazy because this is the most comfortable cottony thing ever! I was so glad that it fit me and it’s precisely my style, too. Hey, a new color addition to my wardrobe!




Bathroom shots are a must!


Cardigan: All Saints
Top: Sunday Sun
Skirt: MTWTFSS
Tights: Random, DIY slashing
Shoes: Skopunkten
Bag: Spirit Items
Ring: Kalevala Koru