re: Traveling to Spain and Italy

Just got back from Barcelona. Was my first overseas city as well. Had a fantastic time. Went to a FC Barca game the day we landed and even with the jet lag it was surreal to see Messi. Lot of architecture, can't miss La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell.

Take a day trip to Montaerrat if you can. Probably the coolest day on my European trip.

We ended almost every evening on the beach after sightseeing all day. Probably gonna be chilly when you're there but it was a really nice although crowded beach. The guys walking around selling beers were annoying but it was nice having a cold one for a euro whenever I wanted.

Coolest thing we did was check out this local neighborhoods festival. They decorated every street and had a crazy fireworks parade. Look to see if there are any local events going on when you are there.

Pickpockets I feel were overblown, just don't look super touristy. Keep stuff in buttoned pockets or in your front and keep your hand on your pocket if you're on the metro or Las Ramblas.

I can get by in Spanish but most people figured out I wasn't that great and spoke in English