Walking on cobbled streets can actually be fun instead of agonizing when you have the right foot gear.  For men, one shoe that is highly recommended by European and American travelers alike is the Keen Finlay, that can purchased in the US at mall stores like The Walking Company, or from an online retailer like Zappos, or here at REI.  Never scrimp on comfortable shoes if you are going to be touring a city with cobbled streets.  If you don’t feel like going through the process of breaking in a new pair of shoes before your trip, it would be better to wear some athletic shoes that already fit you well, maybe New Balance or Nike walking shoes, so that you don’t end up with a foot injury derived from poorly fitted shoes when its too late to do much about it.  Also, don’t worry about looking like an old fuddy duddy:  wear orthotic support inserts in your shoes if you can find them.  You’ll thank me later!

There is no experience to quite match that of being in Barcelona and taking the day slowly, drifting in an out of shops or stopping for Tapas toward evening time.  There is a lot of freedom for those who decide to truly get off the automobile crowded paths and go it on foot.  It may be that you will walk in excess of five hours per day, all told, but you will get the reward of a view unlike that of the passing car passenger.  You will be able to take some of the most glorious photographs, and enjoy a side of life in Barcelona that you might never have known existed, otherwise.

• Paella is a rice dish native to Spain.  The first paella recipes are thought to be from Valencia, but the Barcelona version is just as incredible.  Fresh seafood, meats, rice, and safflower combine with some other spices for a unique tasty meal.
• Mel i Mato is a dessert that is served up in an earthware pot to bring out its delicious flavors.  It is made of cheese curds and honey.
• Patatas Bravas is a potato dish that is typically served as tapas or appetizers.  The potatoes are fried so that they are nice and crisp and is not just a Barcelonian speciality, but a dish that can be found all over Spain.
• Another popular dessert in Barcelona is Poma al Forn.  This dessert recipe is one that is usually handed down in families and it involves caramelized apples in a pie crust.

You will surely find that most of the food in Barcelona is not only well-prepared but also fun to eat and delicious.  When you plan your trip, make sure that you also plan to experience some of the culture by tasting and trying foods that are typical of the area.

If you are in great shape while vacationing in Spain or Europe, you’re going to feel a lot better on the plane, in your hotel or cottage, in your clothes, and while spending long hours on your feet shopping or enjoying the sights of the city or countryside. Here are a few of Jillian Michael’s great tips for making small changes that can add up to large health improvements.

If you are not convinced that the culture, arts, and night life of Madrid are for you, then you just do not know enough about it. Each time I visit Madrid I find that there are so many things that I missed on my previous visits. My love for the town and the rich history behind it is so captivating and entrancing. In the video below you will see some points of interest and other great places and things to see and do in this amazing place. Trust me, you will love Madrid as much as I do.

The Sagrada Familia is a huge Roman Catholic church that is in Barcelona.  In fact, it is one of the most visited monuments in Barcelona to this day.  Gaudí took on the project of the Sagrada Familia one year after the project had already begun, but he found a way to truly transform it and make it an incredible masterpiece.  The unique modernisme style and the fact that it will still be in construction for many more years makes it one of a kind in all senses.  When Gaudí died in 1926 only one-forth of the project was completed and still the work continues.

The Plaça Reial lampposts in Barcelona, and not huge architectural feats, but they are interesting and exquisite nonetheless.  Designing the lampposts was one of Gaudí’s first jobs.  You can see how inspired by the city he really was in the design and detail of the lampposts.

In 1904 Gaudí was asked to do a renovation to an already existing building the Casa Batlló.  His main changes were made to the outer facade of the building, and the work that he created is not only well-known, but well-appreciated by all types of people.

A couple of these friends are taking a month trip to Europe to visit Italy, France, and then coming back through Spain to visit wineries all over those countries.  They will even make a stop in Argentina, the fifth largest wine producer in the world.  I must say it sounds like a great plan indeed.  I came across this infographic that shows the world’s top wine producers and consumers and I found it to be interesting.  You will too, I’m sure!

Las Ramblas was my favorite street there.  The shops, restaurants, and people were all so wonderful.  I plan on spending many afternoons there when I am in town to take it all in.  The street performers and exhibits are enough to keep me entertained for hours.

Of course, the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona is another part that I just love.  The cobblestone streets and the art history make it almost seem surreal to be in a place where Picasso once roamed.

I am getting so very excited for this trip.  To celebrate my going away I found a video that features all sorts of sites and scenes of Barcelona.  Take a look, and maybe you’ll become inspired to visit for the first time, or go back again to travel Barcelona!