Menorca

I’ve finally left Spain after six of the most glorious weeks travelling from South to North. My last two weeks were spent in Menorca, an Island north of Ibiza, off the coast of Spain. Here, I swam in some of the most incredibly beautiful beaches, ate amazing food, had one too many Ginette’s (a typical Menorcan drink of gin and lemon – at the time I actually thought I was drinking vodka, needless to stay I was hanging the next day), hired scooters and went exploring the Island and I met some really amazing people while doing it. Menorca is one of those places that you visit and seriously wish you could stay forever. It really is paradise on earth.

Photos taken by Roger & Jessica Rabbit

Thrifting Adventures in Spain #3

I spoke about the best €4 I’ve spent ever here, now I need to introduce you to the best €3 I’ve ever spent - my fringed Navajo bag. I love everything about this bag, the colour, the fringing and it’s big enough to store all my goodies. Here I’ve worn it with an aqua vest (singlet) from H&M and vintage high waisted shorts. Also, don’t you love the backdrop? Barcelona is a hub for the graffiti and street art scene where you will find huge, colourful characters, scenes, and messages on the most unsuspecting walls or storefronts.

Vegetarian (and Vegan) Restaurants in Barcelona

Finding vegetarian food in Spain is a real challenge, particularly in the smaller cities and towns like Cadiz where if you even mention the phrase “no meat” prepare to be laughed at. Thankfully, Barcelona has caught onto the concept of no-meat dishes and not only offer vegetarian but even, vegans will also have no problem getting a good meal. Two places that I’ve eaten at recently (I am neither a vegetarian or a vegan - I’m just sick of eating tapas) are Juicy Jones and Cat Bar.

Juicy Jones

If you love freshly squeezed juices and scrumptious salads than you cannot go past Juicy Jones. While I was there I had the Tofu Noodle Salad (which was delicious) and a carrot, apple and ginger juice with a shot of spirulina.  

C/ Cardenal Casañas 7,

Ciutat Vella,

08002, Barcelona

Cat Bar

Since I’ve been in Barcelona I’ve been to Cat Bar twice – it’s really that good. From the outside, it doesn’t look like much – just a regular bar but everything in Cat Bar is vegan friendly from the food down to the beers. If you go to Cat Bar you cannot go past the burger with salad and fries, it is quite possibly the best vegan burger I’ve had - and all for €5.

C/ Bòria, 17

08003 Barcelona

Photos taken by Jessica Rabbit

Thrifting Adventures in Spain #2

Probably the best €4 I’ve spent, ever. This is why I love thrifting so much, you can find some absolute incredible things for a steal. I spotted this mid-length pastel printed skirt tucked away from view and I knew it had to be mine. Here I’ve worn it with a white, cropped Topshop vest (singlet), brown belt and the perfect accessory - a frozen yogurt topped with strawberries and nuts – yum yum. 

Photos taken by Roger Rabbit

Vintage Stores in Barcelona

One of the things that I love to do while I’m on holiday is to scope out the vintage in that city or town. Whether it is in the form of thrift stores or vintage boutiques, I’m not picky. And to my surprise and delight, Barcelona is full of hidden vintage gems. Yesterday I stumbled across two vintage stores; Holala Ibiza and Retro City and found myself in vintage heaven.

Holala Ibiza

Probably my favourite store of the two, it was an amalgamation of clothing, art and furniture in the heart of Barcelona. I was thoroughly impressed with the collection of flares in all the colours of the rainbow, kimonos, 80s dresses and tie-dye tees (which are festival must-haves). And for the men out there it was stocked full of baseball and leather jackets, Hawaiian shirts and denim and checked shirts. One thing I love about going into a vintage store is the furniture and homeware section – think colourful school chairs, interesting lampshades and 80s vases and ornaments. And the best thing about Holala is it has an outlet just down the road.

Plaza de Castilla 2


08001 Barcelona


 


Retro City

Set a few hundred metres down the road from Holala, it is much smaller than Holala and if you’re into rummaging (which I certainly am) you’re destined to find some incredible pieces. Here, menswear rules with the entirety of the back section of the store dedicated to men’s t-shirts however ladies do not fear, they do have an incredible selection of skirts, hats and shoes at very reasonable prices. 

Carrer dels Tallers, 51

Barcelona, 08002

Photos taken by Jessica Rabbit

Costa Brava, Spain

I’m back from my long weekend in the Costa Brava (literally meaning the “wild coast”), which, I must say, was incredible. The coastline is absolutely stunning and the best part is, while parts have lent themselves to tourist developments, others have retained a more traditional look and have become hidden gems for those who are searching for a little peace and tranquillity. As much of the Costa Brava is unattainable by public transport you will need to hire a car, which is what we did. First stop was Girona, which is a perfect day trip from Barcelona – approximately a two-hour train journey. Here the main drawcard is the ancient cathedral however, the narrow streets and the many gelaterias all add to the city’s charm.

Next port of call was Cadaqués, close to the French border and at the foothills of the Pyrenees. Formally a fishing village, Cadaqués offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle. From the serene ocean blues and greens to the incredible sunsets and sea breezes, Cadaqués is like no other place on earth, and once you discover it, it will have you returning again and again. The artist Salvador Dali once said "I have spent a delightful summer, as always, in the perfect and dreamy town of Cadaqués. There, alongside the Latin sea, I have been quenched by light and colour".

Just around the corner is Port Lligat, a small, quirky little town in which its main claim to fame is that it houses Dali's former home which has now been converted into the Casa-Museo Salvador Dali. I don’t know if I’ve divulged this about myself yet, but I’m a major Dali fan. Last time I was in Barcelona I made the day trip to Figueres to go to the Dali Museum.

Probably the highlight of the Costa Brava for me was Cap de Creus, a headland located at the most eastern point of Spain. The landscape is magical - incredibly windbeaten, rocky and dry with almost no trees in site. By contrast the water that surrounds the peninsula has the clearest water in deep blue hues. 

Photos taken by Jessica Rabbit