Barcelona's Back Alleys & Bad Paella: A Drummer's Dizzying Dispatch
okay, so… barcelona. right? everyone raves. sunshine, tapas, gaudí. and yeah, it’s all that. but i’m not here for the postcards, am i? i’m here for the grit, the weird corners, the places where the pigeons look at you like you’re the tourist. i just got back, and honestly, my brain feels like a cymbal crash.
I’m a touring drummer, you see. I’m used to chaos. But barcelona… it’s a different kind of chaos. It’s beautiful chaos. It’s the kind of chaos that makes you want to write a song about it, then immediately forget the melody. I was here for a gig - a corporate thing, ugh - but managed to carve out some time to wander. And wander i did.
First things first: the weather. i just checked and it’s… a bit breezy right now, with a hint of that salty sea smell. hope you like that kind of thing. It’s not scorching, which is a win in my book.
Okay, let’s talk food. Everyone says paella is a must. Someone told me that the paella near *La Rambla is a tourist trap, and they weren’t wrong. It was… fine. Bland, even. I ended up finding this tiny place in El Born - Can Culleretes, apparently the oldest restaurant in Barcelona - and the escalivada was incredible. Seriously, look it up. https://www.culleretes.com/en/.
I spent a lot of time just… walking. Getting lost in the Gothic Quarter. It’s a maze, honestly. You’ll end up somewhere you didn’t expect, guaranteed. I stumbled upon this little courtyard with a fountain and a cat sleeping in the sun. Pure bliss.
“Don’t trust the pigeons. They’re judging you.” - Drunk advice from a guy near Plaça de Catalunya.
My gear list for this trip was minimal, obviously. I was lugging around a laptop, noise-canceling headphones (essential for surviving corporate events), and a ridiculously oversized tote bag filled with snacks.
*Headphones: Bose QuietComfort 45 - lifesavers.
*Portable Charger: Anker PowerCore 20000 - because my phone dies faster than my enthusiasm for small talk.
*Reusable Water Bottle: Hydro Flask - gotta stay hydrated, even when you’re wandering aimlessly.
*Phrasebook: Lonely Planet Catalan & Spanish Phrasebook - i tried. mostly failed.
I also spent a ridiculous amount of time in vintage shops. El Raval is your spot for that. Found a killer leather jacket for like, twenty euros. https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=vintage+clothing&find_loc=Barcelona,+Barcelona,+Spain
“The street art in Poblenou is where it’s at. But watch out for the security guards.” - Overheard gossip from a local artist.
If you get bored, Girona and Tarragona are just a short drive away. I didn’t make it to either this time, but they’re on the list for next time.
I’m still processing everything, to be honest. Barcelona is… a lot. It’s loud, it’s crowded, it’s beautiful, it’s chaotic. It’s a city that gets under your skin. I’d go back in a heartbeat. Just maybe skip the paella near La Rambla. Seriously. Check out some reviews on TripAdvisor before you commit. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g189991-Barcelona_Province_of_Barcelona_Catalonia.html
Oh! And something a local warned me about: pickpockets. Keep your belongings close. Seriously. Don't be a statistic.
I'm already dreaming of going back and exploring more of the Montjuïc* hill. Maybe even taking a flamenco class. Or just sitting in a cafe, people-watching, and trying to remember the melody to that song i wanted to write.
Anyone else been to Barcelona? What were your favorite spots? Hit me up in the comments! https://www.barcelonaturisme.com/en/
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