Getting Messi in Barcelona

After a very short flight I arrived in Barcelona! I caught a train to Playa Catalunya which was close to my hostel. I quickly dropped my stuff off and made my way to Camp Nou to watch the mighty Barcelona! It was such a good match as Barca beat Lyon 6-0! Afterwards I went back to my hostel and met a couple of French guys who were going on the pub crawl so I couldn't refuse.

Camp Nou

The next day I had to move hostel as they were fully booked. I checked in to Hostel Nilo at the bottom of the famous street La Rambla. I personally didn't like La Rambla that much as it's far too touristy and lots of people trying to sell you cheap sh*t! The side streets just off La Rambla are where you find a more authentic and cool Barcelona. Lots of little shops and restaurants which are great. That evening I went on the pub crawl again...Definitely need to sort my life out! The clubs here are really good and a lot of them are on the sea front which is perfect!

Sea front

I want one of those chickens!

Picasso sketches engraved on an art museum 

The next couple of days were spent exploring La Rambla and also going on a free walking tour. The weather was a bit cloudy so there was no point checking out the beaches. I spent a lot of my time in an amazing pizza place. Slightly addicted.

La Rambla at night

Creepy weird alien street entertainer 

Amazing street art

So yet again I found myself in an unfortunate situation due to not planning anything. The train to Paris was fully booked for the next couple of days! As a result I had no choice but to book an expensive flight. Not planning anything is much more fun but next time I will have to plan a bit more as my route has been very random and I haven't completely made the most of the interrail pass! The journey walking up La Rambla was interesting on Friday morning..... Lots of drunk people coming out of the clubs at 5.30am with prostitutes trying to snare themselves some easy money!

Overall there is such a good atmosphere in Barcelona and it's a city I would definitely come back to. Onwards to Paris!

S x

Roaming around Rome

The flight was only an hour which was perfect! After landing I took a train to Termini station as M&J hostel was close by. I dumped my stuff off and went out to explore.

After a 40 minute walk to Trevi fountain, I discovered it was having work done to it! Couldn't see it really through the scaffolding! Oh well! I then moved on to the Pantheon which is an amazing building. Nearby in Piazza Navona there were lots of buskers and some amazing spray paint artists who create stunning pictures so quickly. Well worth watching as they are so clever! 

Yom

Pantheon

So talented

The streets in Rome are narrow and lined with beautiful restaurants which creates such a nice atmosphere. There's lots of dodgy blokes selling fake handbags too in certain areas! When they see a cop they pick up all their stuff and leg it! I stood and watched a scuffle between a cop and a bloke who would not let go of his prized 'Gucci' handbag! The cop had to attempt to pepper spray him in the end which did the trick. Clearly it's not just women who love handbags.

The rest of my time in Rome was spent exploring the Colosseum,  Roman Forum and the Vatican/Sistine Chapel. All of the sites are amazing and full of so much history. I was so happy to visit each of them even though I waited two hours in a queue for the Vatican! 

Colosseum

Beautiful streets

Vatican

Again I am an unorganised dirtbag who has had to resort to a flight to Barcelona as I can't be bothered to plan anything! I'm staying there for a few days I think and I'm off to the Nou Camp to watch Barcelona v Lyon. So excited to see Messi and the gang! Just over a week until I go home so I'm going to make the most of these next few countries. Well as long as my credit card lets me...

S x

Down by the sea in Split

Best night train I've had as I actually managed to get a bit of sleep! Still not the comfiest way to travel though! It was so nice to walk out of the station and have the sea right in front of you. Such a beautiful place to visit. The streets are picturesque and have small alleyways with lots of shops and restaurants. I was right next to the old palace walls which surround a small area of Split. Nearly as beautiful as Venice and it certainly reminded me of it in some ways. 

Old Palace walls

Market

So my first stop was to climb the bell tower to get a view of everything. Well worth the steep climb to the top! Afterwards I checked in to Booze and Snooze hostel but there would be no boozing for me as I had a nasty cold! A pretty good hostel and very central. After a kip I went exploring for the rest of the day. So nice to just get lost in a new place as you see so much more. A filthy mixed grill and a walk to the beaches followed which was so nice at sunset. 

Narrow beautiful streets

Sea front

Streets of Split

 

Bell tower view

The next day I visited Hvar island which is about an hour from Split. Such a beautiful island. I spent the day there climbing to the top of a fortress which overlooked the island. Again the views were amazing! I also sunbathed and had a swim while I was on Hvar as well as destroying a load of food! A great island to visit and next time I'm here I'll party as Hvar is meant to have amazing nightlife. 

Hvar island

Half way up the steep climb

At the top!

Love this place

I bloody love food

So my two days in Split were spent chilling and viewing some amazing scenery. It was nice to relax for a bit as interrailing can be quite hectic at times. My next stop is Rome! As I'm so unorganised I've been forced to get a flight there as my route has been so unplanned it would take 24 hours plus on the train to get there. When will I learn!? 

S x