Sure Travel Journey Vol 5.2 Autumn 2019 | Page 26
• E N
R O U T E
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S O L O
T R A V E L
Barcelona has Roman
roots stretching back more
than 2 000 years, and
everywhere you look
is a bizarre clash
between modernity
and ancient history
But there are lonely moments, too. You
soon realise that life at home goes on
without you, and that you’re not needed
as badly as you thought you were. Where
is everyone and what are they doing?
you can’t help but wonder. But gradually,
inevitably, you let go and immerse yourself
in the experience.
What I realised most while travelling
alone in Barcelona is that you experience
the world and know it through others,
be they foreign or familiar. And the most
important humans, those that give the
most meaning to your life, are the ones
that you love and are devoted to. The
ones back home. Being alone for a little
while reminds you of that – and hopefully
ensures that you return safely, to where
you belong.
Above: The iconic Sagrada Família church, designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.
life as an electrician in the cold shires
to become a photographer on the sexy
shores of the Med.
He complained constantly about the
Catalans, citing their hostile treatment of
foreigners. I discovered that the Catalans
have their own language and a separate
identity to other Spanish people and are
fighting for independence. The rebellion
has been brutally crushed by the Spanish
government, with many activists and
artists being jailed for their open support
of the movement. The red, yellow and
blue flags in many windows of Barcelona
homes signify support for an independent
Catalonian state.
Another perk of travelling alone is
having absolute autonomy. No plan is
needed, no debating or haggling over
every decision. You can go wherever you
want, eat whatever you like and go home
when you’re tired. I ate tapas and drank
beer on the beach. I spent hours doodling
in my notepad and contemplating life.
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