Where to go :: Barcelona, Spain

As you all know by now, I spend the summer in Italy. This year, as in many years, Frank and I planned a road trip. This year, I wanted to take Mimi Thorisson's Manger Workshop in Medoc, France in Bourdeax. So I looked at the map and decided that a trip to Barcelona, Spain would work nicely into the week. I was also interested in visiting Chateau Gudanes for a possible Style + Photo Workshop location. The chateau is located at the foot of the Pyrenees mountains, not the south of France which is Provence, very near the Spanish border, in fact. I determined its location would be a perfect halfway point to Medoc, France and work right into our driving plan.Canete is a must for TapasBarcelona is a place I have always wanted to visit. With all my traveling, I can't believe I have never been. It's a lively city with amazing food and wine and is known for tapas (small bites), ham (Jamon Serrao), and fresh fish. It's a gin drinking country, so my favorite cocktail, a Gin & Tonic, was a must. Visiting the Picasso Museum was a thrill; he's one of my faves, and then heading to Gaudi Basilica, the Sagrada Famila, was incredible. To be honest I did not love it. It's one of those structures you either love or hate. It's a very controversial project in Barcelona, but it is a sight to behold nonetheless.We were true tourists tromping all over the city and taking in the quaint streets and the endless graffiti. We could not get over how much energy this city emotes. I highly recommend a visit.We also loved our hotel. It was chic and small, and the staff was incredible. It's tucked into a side street in the Gothic part of town. Hotel Mercer was delightful.Check out Mimi Thorisson's Manger Workshop in the next post! xxphotos via: me