This is the first article in our new section Bloggers View where we will be interviewing well known bloggers from the travel industry. In each interview we will be asking them their 3 favourite places in Barcelona and a secret that they’d like to reveal in the Friendly Rentals blog.
Our first interviewee is Enric Cardona, who writes in Viajablog. Read on to get to know more about this true traveller.
1) Biography
Viajablog started in 2005 after a 6 month trip to Asia. The world of blogs in Internet had only just begun and I decided to use this new channel as a way of communicating with my friends, colleagues etc without the need to send emails or make phone calls. When I returned, I received many messages from people who I didn’t know asking how to prepare a long trip. I then started to collaborate with more popular blogs such as El Diario del Viajero (the Diary of a Traveller) After some time working on Viajablog I realised how this could complement other more traditional hard copy travel guides and of course it was information that could be updated instantly.
Time passes and more journeys are added to the blog and Sergi, David and Avistu began to collaborate as well, thus creating a group of editors who share their experiences of round the world trips with a rucksack as a travel companion.
2) Barcelona TOP 3. The 3 places that should not be missed
1. Plaza San Felipe Neri in the Gothic Quarter. This hidden square is just behind the cathedral and is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Barcelona. It used to be a medieval cemetery and during the civil war many executions were carried out and to this day you can still see the where the bullet impacted the wall!
2. Bar Robles is where you’ll find me. A down to earth bar offering great and drinks at everyday prices – a no frills bar! It’s near Gala Placidia in the Riera de Sant Miquel. A great place to have a few drink and tapas after work and no, you’ll not find this one in the Lonely Planet guide!
3. Gracia. This is by far the most popular area for tourists who are in Barcelona for a reasonable length of time. By taking a walk in Gracia you’ll see the tourists hidden amongst the locals, eco-friendly shops and many original small businesses.
3) A hidden secret about Barcelona
This must be el Turó de Galcerán, a small wood about 400m high close to Tiana and Sant Fost north of Barcelona. After walking for half an hour from the car park you’ll come across a small tower from which you have the most amazing views of Maresme, Montserrat and Barcelona. Not far away you’ll find the restaurant called Els Castanyers offering good food at good prices, a perfect place to end a day out.
Thanks Enric! We’ll be interviewing more bloggers offering their expert opinions on Barcelona, one of Friendly Rentals top Destinations! Have you a Barcelona Top 3? Why not share it with us.
