18th Birthday Trip: Spain
- LoAroundTheGlobo
- Oct 13, 2019
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 21
Summer 2013
I’d been studying Spanish since 6th grade, and my dear friend Marta, from Madrid, had been a foreign-exchange student at my high school. To celebrate my high school graduation and 18th birthday, I set out to visit my “soul sister” in Spain for about 10 days.
Marta and her dad picked me up from Madrid’s airport, and I stayed with them in the suburbs for the first half of the trip. We explored the city, visiting historic plazas, cathedrals, government buildings, and bustling cobblestone markets. We hung out with her friends, her then-boyfriend Sergio and his dog, and spent a sunny day at El Retiro Park paddle-boating and enjoying street performers. Other days were spent relaxing on rooftops with drinks, soaking in the warm August evenings. Marta’s dad was as kind as she’d described, and I felt so lucky to have been welcomed into their home.
Next, we headed to Barcelona and stayed with Marta’s cousins. The city had a completely different vibe, full of energy and color. One day on the metro, we noticed an elderly French woman struggling to navigate to Park Güell. We offered to guide her, and although she insisted we continue without her, we ended up wandering the park together, chatting and laughing. She kept saying “merci” over and over, and her gratitude made the day even more special.
Park Güell itself was breathtaking—the mosaics, Gaudí’s artistry, and sweeping views of the city and coast were unforgettable. We also explored La Sagrada Familia, Barceloneta beach, Casa Batlló, and one of my favorite moments: the Magic Fountain light and water show at the Olympic plaza. We packed a small picnic and watched the coordinated fountains and lights, mesmerized by the spectacle perched above the city.
The highlight, though, was my 18th birthday night. Marta and I got dolled up and went to Opium, a multi-story club. Dancing on top of a speaker to Avicii’s Wake Me Up, we ignored the DJ’s warnings—until a confetti cannon blasted us head to toe. We laughed until we cried, and that moment, carefree and wild, perfectly captured the spirit of that trip. Now, every time I hear that song, I’m instantly transported back to that night.
From wandering the streets with Marta to late-night metro adventures, street performances, and unexpected shenanigans, this trip was a perfect blend of history, language, culture, cuisine, friendship, and fun. The memories are etched in my heart, and I’ll never forget them.
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To Do or Not To Do?
Absolutely! Spain is a stunning country with so much to offer. From historic landmarks and gorgeous plazas to amazing cuisine like paella, beautiful parks, beaches, and vibrant nightlife, there’s something for everyone. It’s a country that will always hold a special place in my heart.
I recommend seeing the highlights of Madrid and Barcelona, but don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten path. Locals often know the best spots to eat, drink, and explore—sometimes the most unforgettable experiences are waiting at a tiny mom-and-pop shop catching a siesta.
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