If someone were to ask me what I love the most about Barcelona, I would most certainly reply “Gaudí!” in a heartbeat.

Hark back to those precious, sun-drenched days where the only agenda I had in mind was to explore the city of Barcelona to my heart’s content. Time was a limited commodity yet there was so much to do and see.

I recount wandering along the Playa de la Barceloneta where locals and vacationers basked in the radiant sun, some eagerly working on their tan while others frolicking in the sparkling, turquoise water. I recount checking out food stalls and interesting shops like a curious child along the bustling Las Ramblas. I recount finding shade in the lush foliage from the blazing sun and watching the world go by at Parc de la Ciutadella. I recount gracing the top of Montjuïc and capturing the breathtaking view of the city’s seaside vista. I also recount sitting down amongst chatty diners at a packed tapas restaurant, treating myself to some of the freshest seafood I’d ever eaten.

It’s not exaggerating to claim that every neighbourhood you wind up in Barcelona, you’ll likely find something new and charming.

What brought my literal sense of the word ‘extraordinary’ to a whole new level was none other than Antoni Gaudí. His architectural works had fascinated me to my core and to witness them in person was a dream came true. I spent a good full day at Park Güell where visitors from all walks of life gathered to marvel at what this incredible human being left behind.

The entire park looked like something that came out of a fairytale. From the intricate mosaics lining the undulating benches to the impressive hypostyle hall anchored by 86 columns to the enigmatic porticos that blended into the surrounding natural environment, fine details gripped every inch of this place. Enthralled, I enjoyed every minute of my time examining every nook and cranny of the park as well as just touching the broken ceramics, the mosaic-covered dragon near the park’s entrance and every texture of this otherworldly place.

Gustave Flaubert summed it up pretty well: “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world”. My time in Barcelona was nothing short of humbling. Every city in the world has its rich history and culture and Barcelona is no exception. To be in the presence of Gaudí’s masterful creations and to be able to physically connect with the painstaking craftsmanship that went into each one of them was truly an experience of a lifetime.

Barcelona had me hooked the moment I stepped on its earth and this brief trip reminded me why I love travelling so much. These photos now serve not only as a mental portal for me to reminisce about the unforgettable days I spent there but my resounding love for this city’s arts, architecture and infectious way of life.

Photography by James Yang