The first time I was ever in Barcelona was a few years ago, and it was only for two days and it rained the whole time. And by rain, I meant sheets of water coming at you sideways rain, you might get waterboarded if you open your mouth rain, squall, hurricane, end of days rain, the kind of rain where after being outside for five minutes your clothes feel like you just jumped in a pool.
“Waterlogged” would best describe my previous stay in Barcelona. I had been staying in a hostel as well, so on top of being soaked, along with all of my possessions, I had to try to make the most of my tiny bit of space in a six bed dormitory to dry things off, which is of course what everyone else was doing. The smell of dirty clothes, carried around in waterlogged backpacks, was a combination of body odor and mildew that brought me right back to high school sports team locker rooms. (I will say that I did have a great time in Barcelona, in spite of all of this.)
This time, I checked the weather first, which was beautiful and a much needed break from dreary old London. And I also rented one of many Barcelona Apartments to rent available for short term rental. More and more I think these rentals are the way to travel, you have your own space, but you are in a real building, not a hotel, and it’s cheaper than a hotel.
It turns out Barcelona is even more fun when the sun is shining. People are outside, people smile and don’t huddle underneath awnings. It’s also much more enjoyable to look at famous architecture and squares when you aren’t bracing yourself against the wind and the rain.