Barcelona: Park Güell, Food & A Journey of Rewriting History
Returning to Barcelona without him felt daunting, but as I wandered through Park Güell, savored Peruvian street food, and explored Gràcia’s hidden corners, I realized something: the past doesn’t have to haunt us—it can be rewritten.
A Nervous Return: Revisiting Barcelona Without Him
This weekend, I was invited to lead a seminar. In Barcelona. I was nervous because the last time I was in this city, I was with Lucas. How would it feel to walk these streets without him?
After just three hours of sleep, I catch a 6 AM flight. I arrive in the city feeling exhausted—though, in a way, that helps me avoid getting lost in overthinking. I still have a few hours before my course begins, so I head to Park Güell. After all, what better way to spend two hours than wandering through Gaudí’s oasis? One of “The things to do in Barcelona”!
Park Güell: Gaudí’s Dream
A bit about the Park Güell history: The park was commissioned by the wealthy entrepreneur Eusebi Güell, a great admirer of Gaudí’s work. Gaudí began planning it in 1900, designing the landscape with organic shapes and vibrant mosaics. The entrance is marked by the famous mosaic salamander. Originally, the project was meant to be an exclusive residential area for affluent families. However, due to its remote location and steep prices, buyers stayed away, and the project failed financially. After Güell’s death, the city of Barcelona purchased the site, and in 1926, it was opened as a public park.
The weather in Barcelona is beautiful, and after a long winter, the first warm rays of sunshine feel like a hug for the heart. By 11 AM, the park is already packed. Musicians play, people gather by the ramp that offers a stunning view over the city. I hear the chatter of parrots that settled here decades ago—their calls fill the morning air.
Park Güell – Golden sunlight filtering through the trees, casting a warm glow over the colorful mosaics and organic architecture of Park Güell.
A Foodie’s Delight: Where to Eat in Barcelona
Slowly arriving in Barcelona, I venture into the city and stop for lunch at a Peruvian restaurant—Toma Ya Street Food. If you wonder, where to eat in Barcelona, this is the place to go! The sweet potato fries alone are fantastic. Normally, they don’t impress me, but these, served with a type of sheep’s cheese, are simply incredible.
The lunch menu includes two dishes and a drink for a fair price. But everything I try blows me away. I choose ceviche made from sea bass, marinated in tiger’s milk with smoked paprika, and a beef dish with rice—so tender it melts on my tongue. It may look simple, but every bite is an explosion of flavor. Absolutely phenomenal.
I continue walking towards Gràcia neighborhood, known for its 19th-century boulevards and pedestrian streets lined with small boutiques, galleries, and indie cinemas. Surprisingly, I’ve never been to this part of the city before.
Peruvian Food at Toma Ya Street Food – Crispy sweet potato fries, ceviche & beef
Rewriting the Past in Gràcia
When I was in Barcelona with Lucas, we mostly stayed in the city center and around the harbor. Back then, those were a few unexpectedly harmonious days—so rare for us. We listened to jazz in nightclubs, wandered through the city at night. I was afraid the streets of Barcelona would bring back old memories, stirring up pain. But instead, I find myself discovering new places in this city I know so well—rewriting the past as I go.
In Gràcia I wander from one plaça to the next. The cafés are packed with people enjoying the spring sunshine with a café con leche. Children play, running across the square, while pigeons try to snatch up fallen croissant crumbs—taking advantage of the scene unfolding around them.
I stop by A Casa Portuguesa for a piece of cake. The display is filled with so many incredible options that I once again struggle to decide. This time, I try something new: a lime and basil cake, its cream unbelievably smooth. It tastes just as good as it looks—fantastic.
A Moment of Closure: The Road, the Memories, and Moving Forward
After my walk and the seminar, I board the bus to the airport. Suddenly, memories resurface—the bus passes by a familiar spot. Ah, Lucas and I rode our motorcycle down this road, I think. And just like that, the thought is gone.
I’m surprised by how easily I let it pass. No heartache, just a quiet melancholy. Nothing more. Could it be that I’m finally leaving the past behind? Does that mean I’m denying what we had? Does it mean it no longer matters, just because it doesn’t hurt anymore? No. I dismiss the thought.
That relationship was and will always be meaningful—despite the pain. It had its purpose. And yet, today, I can look back with warmth, without reopening old wounds. Yes, we once rode down this road together. Today, I’m here alone. And that’s okay.
Be well,
Vaselisa
If you like following my journey, subscibe to this blog, you will not miss another post or destination.
