It turns out that we preferred the surprise to be ruined because we had not slept in days and the anticipation was killing us! Still, waiting for Greg's family in their hotel lobby was an adrenaline rush. Seeing them was totally surreal but by the end of the first day it was like no time had passed.
Before Greg's family arrived, our time in Barcelona was very slow-paced and laid back. This was a nice contrast from the prior 7.5 months! When they arrived, however, we took on the role of tour guides, plotting out each day to make sure they saw the highlights of this beautiful city. Architectural gems line each block, the most impressive of which are creations of the brilliant & eccentric Antoni Gaudi. His buildings evoke a fairy-tale world, completely unique to Barcelona.
This transitional time back to our life is emotional for many reasons. Seeing Greg's family was the first moment we realized the trip was coming to an end. Truly a bittersweet emotion because we are excited to go home but conflicted as to how returning to the day-to-day will affect us. Adventure, exploration and the unknown has been our daily grind for the past 8 months. We have become really used to that way of life.
We are experiencing a deep feeling of coming full circle. We left our families 8 months ago saying "what are we getting ouselves into?" Now, we see them again saying "what did we just do?!?" When we were in each place, nothing existed for us except for our immediate surroundings. Now, looking back at all of the places we have been, it feels more like a collective dream.
Watch how you go...
Ian and Greg
Before Greg's family arrived, our time in Barcelona was very slow-paced and laid back. This was a nice contrast from the prior 7.5 months! When they arrived, however, we took on the role of tour guides, plotting out each day to make sure they saw the highlights of this beautiful city. Architectural gems line each block, the most impressive of which are creations of the brilliant & eccentric Antoni Gaudi. His buildings evoke a fairy-tale world, completely unique to Barcelona.
This transitional time back to our life is emotional for many reasons. Seeing Greg's family was the first moment we realized the trip was coming to an end. Truly a bittersweet emotion because we are excited to go home but conflicted as to how returning to the day-to-day will affect us. Adventure, exploration and the unknown has been our daily grind for the past 8 months. We have become really used to that way of life.
We are experiencing a deep feeling of coming full circle. We left our families 8 months ago saying "what are we getting ouselves into?" Now, we see them again saying "what did we just do?!?" When we were in each place, nothing existed for us except for our immediate surroundings. Now, looking back at all of the places we have been, it feels more like a collective dream.
Watch how you go...
Ian and Greg
Reunion outside Hotel Casa Fuster...
La Boqueria...
Gaudi's infamous (and unfinished) La Sagrada Familia...
Gaudi's Park Guell...
Gaudi's La Pedrera...
Gaudi's Casa Batlio...
The Richard Meier designed MACBA...
Raval neighborhood...
Mies Van Der Rohe's Farnsworth House (aka Barcelona Pavilion)...
Palau La Musica...
We had so much fun! It was amazing to see my brother and Ian! I have never hugged my brother so hard before! Thank god they were there with us in Barcelona as they took us all around the city and showed us great sights. WELCOME HOME BOYS XO!
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