Question: What has been your favorite trip so far? Why?

Written by: Alfred Amasanti

Most American students in Europe go on a week-long party for Spring Break, usually on a “cruise” along the sublime Greek Islands. If you’re looking to get wasted, it’s a great idea, but you can do that back home, too.

I decided to go to Spain for the first time in my life, and tour across Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona. Needless to say, it was by far my best trip to date.

Madrid was majestic in every sense of the word. Whether you were just strolling along the streets or visiting the Royal Palace, you really felt that this was the city of the Spanish kings.

I still cannot comprehend how the kings could live with so much glamour around them, as I spent my whole visit of the palace in a state of complete awe.

One curious thing about Madrid is that everything in it is preceded by the adjective “royal;” even the football team is named “Royal” Real Madrid.

After doing some rather intense sightseeing – we pretty much did everything there is to do in Madrid in two days – we would always get some bocadillo, or ham, which you simply cannot leave Madrid without trying. If you believe the locals, it’s the best in the world.

Valencia was a nice change of pace from Madrid’s chaos.

In Madrid, the streets would be flooded with tourists, whereas life in Valencia seemed more laid back.

The city itself was incredibly beautiful and harmonic. Valencia is home of paella, a must-try rice dish.
Sadly, we arrived one day too late, and the festival Fallas had just ended. During this festival, one of the largest in Europe, families dress up in medieval clothing and celebrate for a period of four days.

Each of them produces a whimsical wooden construction that is burnt down on the 19th and is the main event of the festival.

Maybe it was because I saw the sun for the first time in a week, or maybe it was because I rented a bike and took a ride down the beach, or perhaps I was just mesmerized by Gaudi’s incredibly surreal buildings, but Barcelona was my favorite.

Participating in tip-based tours is a great way to get to know a city and earn a lot of the locals-only knowledge. For example, I saw where Picasso lost his virginity and where the executions were carried out during Franco’s regime; you simply don’t find that in a guidebook.

If you ever go, try to find a single straight line or a right angle in the Sagrada Familia, Barcelona’s idiosyncratic cathedral. I can guarantee you will fail.

Lastly, I wanted to mention just how great hostels are at networking. While I was in Madrid, I met some kids from Bryant studying abroad at Barcelona.

When I arrived at Barcelona, I looked them up and they cooked me dinner and pointed out everywhere I needed to go.