Don’t Travel Like a Local, Become a Local in Barcelona

One of my favorite activities when I travel, is observing locals and their way of life. Especially big vibrant cities are like the stage with countless movies going on at the same time. The introverted part of me enjoys being surrounded by people without interacting with them much. From time to time I prefer to stay in the anonymity big cities promise us, and get inspired only by watching others from the distance.

Each city has its own pace and character and we don’t get to know it by just visiting or sightseeing. Nothing compares to the walk around the city with no rush, little aimlessly, absorbing the specific energy only this city has.

 

 

In Barcelona, I’d spent plenty of time discovering new streets and corners, and, especially, watching people in different situations, doing all sorts of activities. The photos I share with you here I captured one Sunday, going slowly from my airbnb home to the beach. I took a book with me, but didn’t even open it. I was too busy by all the stories of the Barcelona people around me.

The Barceloneta area of Barcelona, located by the beach, is my favorite place to spend a free afternoon. Well, not only mine.  If you want to feel the spirit of this city, I believe you should go there. Citizens of Barcelona are very outdoorsy, even in winter time, typically driving skateboard, bike or scooter, unless they surf or relax on the numerous terraces.

 

 

The next step from being an observer, is to become a part of it all. Being not only a visitor, but rather one of THEM. I didn’t go so far to step on the skateboard, but I did enjoy the relax on the beach and a glass of wine at one of the terraces, feeling like home. Without any worries for I should hurry to follow all the trip advisor’s tips. For me, this is what “travel like a local” really means.

© Photos –  Daniela Rifai