GAUDI ♦/♦ BARCA

Gaudi and Barcelona are two things that go hand in hand. The 20th century architect has left his footprint all over the city - we encountered Gaudi everywhere from the Sagrada Familia, to Parc Güell and Casa Batllo. Beautiful.

We spent a sunny Valentine's Day enjoying a picnic with excessive amounts of delicious cheese and bread in the colourful grounds of Parc Güell. Still can't believe it's Winter time. Can't wait to visit this charming city in Summer...

Favourites from Gaudi: his mosaics. So choppy and colourful ~ /◄∆ \/∆ ▼|♦ ~► ∆ \▲ \ ♦\ ~

BARCELONA

Sangria, tapas, cerveza, siestas, vino, paella and sunshine. Wintertime in Spain = 19ºC. Beautiful old buildings reaching high above narrow alleyways. Catalonian flags draped over balconies. Groups of footballers zigzagging across the sand, bringing the beach to life, even in Winter. 

Jess & I spent a delicious afternoon with tapas - cheese, chorizo, cheese, roasted tomatoes and capsicums, cheese, chilli and some more cheese. YUM.

Oh, Barcelona! Your delicious food, deceptively alcoholic bevs and winter sunshine have warmed me to the core. Muchas gracias.

TATE MODERN

Spent the afternoon with Picabia, Mondrian and Flavin at the Tate Modern - the perfect escape from icy cold London. The Tate is definitely up there on my list of favourite galleries. Always a tonne of incredible works to see, and it's all too easy to while away an entire afternoon within it's many galleries. Had an amazing view across to St. Paul from the gallery's balcony.

Last day in London, and a day very well spent.

CAMDEN MARKETS

A trip to London could not be complete without a visit to the Camden Markets. Jess & I braved the wintry chill that's swept across London, meandering through the maze-like array of stalls selling everything from jewellery to dreamcatchers, wellies to clocks made of melted glass bottles. Pizza and crepes were a necessity to warm ourselves up, sitting on the motorbike seats looking out over the canal.
Money spent £££ : too much.

Much love for you Camden, always.

LONDON ~ PART II

Hired Barklay's bikes and cycled around London, made easier as we're still in left-hand-side-of-the-road mode. Sunny (but freezing) weather meant a lovely ride through Hyde Park, topped off by hot soup and tea overlooking the lake. Stopped by Harrod's for some window shopping on our way home, followed by endless cups of tea before hitting the hay - jet lag's rough. 

On another note, the London Underground puts Melbourne's public transport to shame. It may be expensive, but it is so efficient & easy to get your head around. Lift your game, Melbourne.

LONDON

After 24 hours of no sleep, pressurised cabins and plane food, Jess & I arrived safe and sound in London. The temperature in Melbourne was sitting at 40ºC when our flight took off - the temperature upon arrival in the UK at 6ºC. Nothing like a 34ºC temperature drop to shake off the jet lag... 

Our first days were spent wandering in the winter sunshine. London is as beautiful as ever.

Happy days :~)

TSCHÜSS MELBOURNE

After months of organising, it's time to head back to Europe. Looking forward to a year studying in Berlin and exploring every corner of my new home. Also can't wait to visit new places, as well as head back to a handful of my favourite haunts..Paris, Budapest - I'll see you both soon.
Fingers crossed I have the time and motivation to keep this blog alive for my entire trip, however long it may end up being... Wish me luck!

Tschüss