Spain is Everything I Dreamt of and More

I would’ve never guessed that I would visit Spain, with its sun-drenched landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural history. But last week, I had the incredible opportunity to take a short vacation to Barcelona, Girona, and Sitges. I was experiencing firsthand the magic of a country that had long fascinated me.

My fascination with Spain began in high school when I was gifted the book “Slightly Out of Focus” by the legendary photojournalist Robert Capa. His photographs documenting the Spanish Civil War turned him into a hero of mine and significantly influenced my desire to become a photojournalist. Capa's work conveyed the emotions and realities of war, making Spain a land of historical significance leading up to WWII. My fascination only deepened after reading Chuck Yeager’s biography, which detailed his escape from the Nazis by hiking over the Pyrenees Mountains after being shot down in France. These stories painted a picture of Spain as a place of resilience, beauty, and adventure.

Walking the cobblestone alleyways of Barcelona, Girona, and Sitges was like stepping into the pages of history. In Barcelona, my wife and I viewed Antoni Gaudí's architecture. The spires of his Sagrada Família left me in awe. So did the architecture of the Barcelona Cathedral and the various churches we poked our heads into.

In Girona, the medieval charm of the old town was captivating (portions of Game of Thrones were filmed there). The narrow, winding streets and the ancient stone walls are home to thousands of years of history. Standing on the Onyar River's bridges, I watched the colorful reflections of the houses on the water's surface, creating a scene I could never have imagined.

Sitges offered a different kind of beauty with its serene beaches and vibrant arts scene. We had a great time exploring bakeries and local shops. We also enjoyed a fantastic breakfast overlooking the Mediterranean.

A highlight of the trip was visiting with locals while exploring local cafés, eating tapas and sipping cava.

This trip to Spain was indeed the experience of a lifetime. I am already saving my pennies to return someday.