I embarked on a recent trip to Spain with meticulous planning of the “perfect” two week road trip through Catalonia. The goal was to explore hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations, all the while strengthening the bond with my husband. Little did I know, this adventure would teach me valuable lessons about embracing the unexpected and the magic of slow travel.
A Rocky Start in Barcelona
From the very start, upon landing in Barcelona, however, things veered off course. My husband fell ill from a friend who visited the week before I landed, setting the tone for a series of unforeseen events. At the Barcelona airport, my meticulous planning was challenged when I discovered that the rental car was booked for the wrong day. A stressful phone call with Chase later, we managed to rearrange our rental car plans.
Yet, the challenges continued. Arriving at the car rental counter, we were informed that an International Driving Permit (which neither of us had or had ever needed in all our travels) was required for the rental. Apparently this is a new law in Spain as of the end of 2022. We also discovered that the car booked for us was electric, and couldn’t take us to our desired destination, the Spanish Pyrenees, without a seven hour charging process mid-way through the drive. (You can imagine my mind at that moment – ahhh!).
We faced a difficult decision: pay an exorbitant fee to the rental car company to drive without a permit, or pivot our plans entirely. We chose the latter.
Unearthing Silver Linings
Amidst these unexpected setbacks, a silver lining emerged. Instead of dwelling on the frustrations, we found ourselves enjoying an evening on the beach in Poblenou, an off the beaten track neighborhood east of Barcelona city center. This unplanned detour allowed us to experience Barcelona from a different perspective, opening us up to the beauty of embracing the unknown.
In a surprising turn of events, a friend from Barcelona also extended an invitation to join his family, who are Catalan, in Sant Pol de Mar, a picturesque town on the Costa Maresme. We swiftly adjusted our plans. The next morning, we boarded a train filled with diverse travelers to the charming seaside town. The short ~1 hour train ride allowed us to truly absorb the local atmosphere.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by the quaint streets of Sant Pol de Mar, where our friend picked us up, and graciously offered his car and apartment in Barcelona for our stay while he was traveling for the month. Winding through narrow streets and hilly neighborhoods of Sant Pol de Mar, we gained insight into the lives of Catalan families who had cherished this area for generations. Many families who live in Barcelona vacation there and in other beaches along the Costa del Maresme and Costa Brava, north of Barcelona.
After stopping by his parents home, who retired in San Pol de Mar, we visited a “secret” beach (every local has their “secret” beach unknown by most tourists), where we shared the sun with lifelong friends of our host, and paddle boarded along the Mediterranean coast.
This was followed by an authentic lunch of calamari, patatas bravas (spicy roasted potatoes), and seafood paella (tip – when going to a restaurant that serves paella, you can call ahead to place an order for your lunch reservation to ensure they have it!) with a bottle of wine and followed by a digestif of Chartreuse, highlighting the enriching experiences that arise from the unexpected.
After lunch, our stroll through Sant Pol de Mar allowed us to delve into the heart of Catalan culture, gaining insights that no guidebook could provide. As the day drew to a close, we gathered at a local bar, exchanging stories and sipping beverages that reflected the region’s charm.
Transitioning to our hotel in nearby Calella, we encountered a contrasting landscape that emphasized the value of diversity in travel experiences. Despite my initial reservations about Calella’s bustling atmosphere (every town has the choice to build more infrastructure for tourism or not, which Calella had chosen to do, resulting in more high rises and busy bars compared to San Pol del Mar, which had opted out of further development), a tranquil morning run along the beach, followed by a drive along the lower Costa Brava (Tossa de Mar and a bit beyond), offered a different perspective and a glimpse into our postponed travels to Costa Brava.
Lessons in Embracing the Unforeseen
Lessons emerged from the twists and turns of our journey:
- Embrace Imperfection: Unforeseen challenges can lead to the most memorable moments. Accepting imperfection paves the way for unexpected beauty.
- Slow Travel’s Magic: Taking the time to immerse yourself in one or two places offers a deeper understanding of its essence. Wandering, listening, and learning foster profound connections.
- Unplanned Discoveries: Adventures found off the beaten path often yield the most meaningful encounters. Serendipity guides us to remarkable experiences.
- Adapting with Grace: Flexibility in the face of adversity opens doors to new opportunities and surprising connections.
- Community and Culture: Engaging with locals provides authentic insights into a destination’s culture and history, enriching your travel experience.
- Learning from Detours: The detours you encounter can often lead to profound personal growth and a stronger connection with yourself and your surroundings.
As we departed from the coast for a week of remote work in Barcelona, the lessons learned during this unexpected journey resonated deeply. This introduction to Catalonia taught me that travel is often about embracing the beauty of the unexpected and the unplanned. We often become so wrapped up in planning that we overlook how immersing ourselves in the here and now of a new place ultimately allows the most transformative experiences to unfold.
Thank you for sharing–what an amazing adventure!!