Valencia is known for their paella- Spanish paella originated here, so you know they know what they're doing. This paella was honestly the best I have ever had- I don't think any other place in Europe, or in the world, for that matter could compare. 

Our Liberal Arts Program at CIEE had the privilege of attending the official Paella Escuela in Valencia, Spain to learn the art of cooking paella. Even though you can find paella in just about any part of the country of Spain and even around the world now, there is really an art to cooking it that the Valencians have mastered. 

Yes it's really as fun as it looks! Making paella is not just about the final product, it is an excuse to get friends and family together to have a great time cooking, snacking, laughing and just being together and the final product is a wonderful bonus. :) 

We were given wooden spoons to be able to make our own paella one day. I do plan to attempt making Paella when I get back to Nashville but I doubt it will turn out the same. I will give it my best try though. Thank you, CIEE for this amazing opportunity! 

What a super fun model photoshoot in the heart of Barcelona- otherwise known as Las Ramblas on a perfectly sunny day with beautiful Heloisa. 

Las Ramblas is a street in central Barcelona, popular with tourists and well known to the locals of Barcelona Spain. A tree-lined pedestrian mall, connecting Plaça de Catalunya in the centre with the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell & was the perfect location for our sun drenched shoot! :) 

Heloisa is absolutely stunning inside & out. Originally from Brazil, she moved here to Barcelona to study Spanish and work on business & design. She is extremely talented at all that she does & I cannot wait for what the future has in store for her as she continues to pursue her dreams. If you need any sort of business strategy/branding techniques- she's your gal!!

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”

— Proverbs 31:5

One thing you won't find as much in Nashville as here in Barcelona is the tremendous amount of street art & graffiti. It really does photograph well though because it add more depth & dimension to the shots & that's one of the best things about Barcelona in my opinion- the street art. 

Heloisa, you are beautiful & I am so excited to see what you accomplish all in your future! 

I love this city! If you are a history buff- you would too! Filled with gorgeous little streets, ancient Roman ruins along the Golden coast, Tarragona is one for the books. 

We took a day trip excursion from Barcelona to Tarragona - perfect place to visit if you are spending a week or so in Barcelona as it was only an hour drive away. 

A cat in the midst of the ancient Roman ruins - that was interesting! 

The Catedral de Tarragona is one of the most lovely and intricately designed cathedrals in all of Catalonia. It was actually built upon the foundations of a Roman temple dedicated to Zeus under the reign of Julius Caesar. 

Tarragona was the oldest Roman settlement on the Iberian Peninsula and became CAPITAL of the Roman province of Hispania Tarraconensis during the Roman Empire. We walked on the ancient ruins of the old Roman circ- where they held chariot races of fire on the tracks. 

If you can imagine, these streets used to be the very foundation of the Roman circ which held the greatest chariot races in all of Spain - couldn't feel any further away from Nashville right now - Roman ruins in Spain ha! 

“Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”

— Gustave Flaubert

Park Guell or should I say Candyland? This wonder filled intricate and whimsical architecture was designed by Antoni Gaudi I Cornet, one of the best known architects in Catalonia and in Spain. Gaudí's works have a highly individualized and distinctive style. Most people note him for the infamous Sagrada Familia, which we will do a part 2 on! :) But for now enjoy this lovely place! 

Parc Guell has one of the best, most incredible views of Barcelona-- only a few minutes from the neighborhood Gracia and maybe 15-20 minutes from the heart of Barcelona, this Parc is a must for anyone who appreciates great art. It really is one of the #1 best places to go when you visit Barcelona. 

Walking into this park truly felt like magic. I wish we had more extravagant architecture like this in Nashville or in the United States! Perhaps someone will get inspired and it will come. :) 

Parc Guell is located on Muntanya Pelada (bare mountain). Its location was unbeatable, in an incredible setting and with splendid views over the sea and city of Barcelona.

If you would like to learn more about the history of this gorgeous place I recommend you check out this website HERE. Also, wouldn't this make the most unique wedding destination!? If we shot a wedding here it would have to be one of the the most avant-garde weddings perhaps with quite modern florals or even a sweet themed wedding- the bride perhaps in a gold wedding dress rather than white?! Dream with me now. :) Parc Guell would be a gorgeous location for a wedding or engagement portraits - if there was some way to slow down the tourism even for a couple hours. :) 

“What you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do — especially in other people’s minds. When you’re traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.”

— William Least Heat Moon

Just take a look at that magnificent mosaic. 

Hope you enjoyed and get a chance to visit this little Candyland paradise on Earth! 

Love & Light Forever, 

Emily Anne