Back in 1970, a job was advertised for five girls to go and work in a bar in Ibiza, a place unheard of by me at the time. I was lucky enough to be selected for one of the positions. I thought I had landed in paradise, as it was just such a beautiful island. I made goods friends with one of the other girls and we decided that we would leave the Ibiza after five months and go and explore mainland Spain.

We caught the ferry from Ibiza to Barcelona and then hitched a lift further up the coast, stopping at lots of small towns, each with their own distinct personalities (and each one with their own trademark fountain) ending up in Tossa del Mar. At this point we decided to go all the way back down the coast again, stopping once again at all the little towns and discovering more of the secret streets we missed the first time round. We met some really lovely people who were kind enough to stop and give us lifts. Every day was a sunny, happy day with lots of laughs and filled with the excitement of what was to come. We travelled further down the East coast thanks to the generosity of many people from all different nationalities (luckily most of them could speak English).

We eventually arrived in Malaga in time to catch the ferry to Tangier. We met a couple with their children who offered to take us to Casablanca where they lived and very kindly let us stay with them for a few days. Casablanca was very unique with wonderful markets full of vibrantly coloured fabrics and leather goods. I had my first taste of mint tea, which was wonderful, and couscous, which we had to eat with our hands. Not wanting to outstay our welcome we bid our goodbyes to our very generous family.

We arrived many hours later back in Tangier to get the ferry back to Spain. Eventually, many miles later, we arrived in Barcelona. I remember there being a festival of flowers with hidden courtyards displaying an array of hanging baskets and the beautiful cathedral standing proud from the tiny buildings, and the small streets with a wealth of memorabilia for sale along with the old port where the fishermen brought in their daily catch. I also remember coffee and cigarette aromas spilling out of the tiny cafes that were on every corner, old women dressed in black going about their daily chores and talking in a language that I did not understand.

After two days of being in Barcelona it became a city that I shall never forget as it harnesses all your senses all in one go. The architecture and history of Barcelona is just magical and it would be a wonderful place to return to.

**This short Travel Story was submitted as part of the Holiday Travel Writing Competition. All short-listed entries such as this one are published in our online Travel Guide**

Story written by Geraldine Morgan | Since 2006 Holiday Velvet offers apartments in Barcelona.