The Markets, Architecture, and Life in Barcelona, Spain

In every city where I can find a market, I always make it part of my plans to stop and check out what types of goods are being sold. Some markets, like the one in Nice, have a variety of food, handcrafted goods, artwork, and flowers. Others are more specific to just food or just crafts. The Boqueria Market in Barcelona is a food market where the fruit is stacked high, juices are fresh, the fish looks freshly caught, and you'll see more dried pigs legs hanging than you can imagine. The smells and colors in the market are enough to thrill your senses! Make sure to try a 1 Euro freshly blended juice. They are delicious and perfect for a hot day! I especially liked the papaya coconut blend. The vendors making food there also offer some great traditional flavors and are worth trying for a small snack.

This market offered a better variety of food than all the others I've seen, and if you stay long enough you'll get to see some locals quickly go through and pick items out for a meal. It's interesting to see what Spaniards choose to combine for food, as it is very different from a typical American diet. La Boqueria Market is located on la Rambla street, which is a street famous for shopping and food. La Rambla is also known for its live human statues who are on the end of the street side closer to the pier. The statues are great for taking photos with so drop 'em a coin and join the fun.

After you've satisfied your stomach, take a tour through a section of the city. Barcelona can't be seen in a single day so make sure to allow enough time to explore the city. I definitely suggest checking out some of the houses Gaudi designed like casa Batlló, as well as his park called Parque Guell where you'll see the famous ceramic tile lizard and Gaudi's residence. This park also offers a spectacular view of Barcelona! Admission to the park is free and buses run regularly. 

The Sagrada Familia is also a must see in Barcelona, but getting in is a hassle so make sure to arrive very early if you want a tour. The famed church is frequently undergoing maintenance, as it was when I saw it, so the outside of the church may not have the appearance you expect. However, the Sagrada Familia is still architecturally amazing, enormous, and shows beautiful detail everywhere. Go see it! 

A stop in Barcelona wouldn't be complete without a giant Seafood Paella, sangria, and a night out. My recommendation is Port Olímpic. In that port there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, but I especially liked La Fonda. It was perhaps the largest meal I've had on my entire trip for a reasonable price. If you go with another person, share their 15 Euro paella set menu. You get about 7 or 8 large appetizers, plus paella, plus a drink of choice, plus desert of choice, plus coffee. When I went, the waiter offered complimentary lemon liqueur with cakes as well. You won't be able to eat it all, but it was sure a delicious and cost effective way to try a variety of Spanish food. After your meal, there are plenty of clubs and bars at Port Olímpic to dance the night away! 

Ireland: Dublin's Pubs and People

TravelRest is always trying to make our pillow better, so you can have the most rested, and best possible experience traveling. The first stop TravelRest made on our journey through Europe was Ireland, and guess what was #1 on our packing list? The TravelRest pillow, of course!

The TravelRest pillow isn't exactly the most fashionable accessory out there, but it's sure worth those precious moments of shut eye. If you're a female traveling through Europe on a budget, then packing for your trip may prove to be a difficult task. I used this website to help guide me: http://herpackinglist.com/2011/12/ultimate-female-travel-packing-lists/

Maybe these packing lists will help you out a little too, but don't forget to add the TravelRest pillow to your personal list!

A little tip on getting to Europe: Ireland is a great place to start. Not only is Ireland a country where English is used widely, but it's also one of the least expensive countries to fly to from the US. Aer Lingus is known as one of those airlines with cheap tickets, so check them out. 

Dublin is a city with a dark history, pretty drab architecture, but the pubs and people are spectacular. Every street you turn down has at least one pub if not multiple, and the drink of choice is usually Guinness - what's sometimes referred to as the tall blond in a black dress. If you find yourself in Ireland, you must order a pint of Guinness. Unlike many dark beers, Guinness has a smooth, creamy taste (some liken it to chocolate milk). If you visit the Guinness Storehouse Museum/Factory then you'll learn that it takes exactly 119.5 seconds to pour a perfect pint of the beer. You'll even have a chance to pour a perfect pint yourself and gain expert certification ;) I did!

If you're a solo traveller like I am, then don't be intimidated by going out to any of these pubs. One of Irelands best qualities is the people. Everyone is so friendly and helpful! I got lost in Dublin more than a few times and someone was always kind enough to stop and help me on my way. You can strike up a conversation with almost anyone. Meeting other travelers is great, but try talking to a local, they'll give you an extremely warm welcome and introduction to the country they love calling home. 

Lastly, look up some free walking tours of Dublin. Dublin is easy to travel through by foot and a tour guide can help explain some important historical information about the city and country. 

(If you come to this spot, ask someone about the significance of Lady Justice's facing)

Make sure to learn some gaelic words while you're there too! Sláinte! (pronounced Slahn-cha; means cheers)