I remember when my daughter was just 5 days old—tiny, wrinkled, and yet somehow already holding the family together with the sheer power of her cuteness. It was around that time I made what I now consider questionable decision. You see, I decided to run the 100k race. Yes, 100 kilometers. What was I thinking? I signed year before, after previous edition of this race.
But here’s the kicker: my wife, who had just gone through the emotional and physical rollercoaster of childbirth, looked at me and said, “You know what? Go ahead. Go run your race.” Now, you’d think I’d be met with a series of stern looks and a long list of reasons why I should stay home and help with the newborn. But no, she actually gave me the green light. Was it because she was tired, delirious from sleep deprivation, or maybe just wanted a break from me? Probably all of the above.
Looking back, I can’t decide if I was being ridiculously selfish or if I just needed an excuse to not be in the house, changing diapers and learning to decipher baby cries. “I’m gonna do this for me,” I thought. Maybe running this 100k would be a metaphor for fatherhood. Struggling through the pain, pushing through the exhaustion, and crossing the finish line with a sense of accomplishment… and then maybe passing out at the end because I haven’t slept in 5 days.
But my wife? She didn’t bat an eye. She probably figured if I could run 100k, I’d at least be too tired to mess up anything else when I came back. “Good luck, honey!” she said, probably knowing I’d be limping around the house for the next few days and offering to change a diaper would seem like a Herculean task at that point.
It wasn’t really about the race or the navigation, even though I’ll admit I was pretty proud of myself for not getting totally lost (or at least for not getting completely lost). The real adventure began when I got home. It was around 5:00 AM, and I thought, “Okay, quick shower, sneak into the bedroom, and I can maybe catch an hour of sleep before the baby wakes up.”
But no. As soon as I reached for the door handle, I heard my wife’s voice: “You’re not going back to sleep. The baby’s already up.”
Boom. There it was. After 100 kilometers of grueling running, I thought I’d earned at least a short moment of rest. But nope. Fatherhood doesn’t take breaks, especially when your daughter’s decided that 5 AM is the perfect time to start the day. And honestly, that moment—right there, with my hand on the door handle, realizing I was about to face another day of diapers and feedings—was way harder than running 100 kilometers.
Looking back… hmm, was it worth it? On one hand, I felt like a hero crossing that finish line, but on the other hand, I barely made it to my own bed. Three years later, sitting here with a cup of coffee, I realize sometimes it’s worth going all in, even if it means you don’t get a single second of sleep.
So, was it worth it? Maybe not physically (because let’s be honest, I was barely functioning), but in terms of memories—it absolutely was. It’s one of those stories you look back on and laugh about, even though when you were living it, you weren’t sure whether to laugh or cry. And you know what? Despite being completely exhausted, I think it was totally worth it. Because if that was the price for all the moments we’ve shared since then, then… it was worth every kilometer.
Sometimes, you’ve got to go all in. Take that risk. Push yourself out of your comfort zone. It’s easy to stick with what’s safe and predictable, but every once in a while, it’s worth playing the “va banque” card—even if it feels a little crazy at the time. Sure, life can be tough, and we can’t always control everything, but there’s something incredibly satisfying about shaking things up.
It’s not just about changing things in your personal life, either. Sometimes, it’s about adjusting how you approach work and responsibilities. Maybe it’s about realizing that work doesn’t always have to follow the rigid, traditional path we think it does. There’s a lot more flexibility than we give ourselves credit for, especially when we step back and look at the bigger picture.
At the end of the day, it’s about finding balance. Yes, being a parent is demanding, but there’s always room to tweak your life, to take that step, and to create space for what really matters. Maybe, just maybe, the risk—whether it’s running a 100k or making a big career change—is what makes the journey worthwhile. So, here’s to going for it sometimes. Because in the end, it’s those bold moves that make life the adventure it’s meant to be.
This time very short. Usually, I’m one of the fast guys. I like the pace, the competition, the thrill of chasing the clock. But this time… well, I got so lost on the course that racing for time stopped making any sense. A couple of wrong turns and suddenly, it wasn’t about speed anymore.
So instead of getting frustrated, I decided to just enjoy the run.
Because isn’t that what it’s all about? You don’t always have to win. Sometimes it’s better to let go of the pressure, look around, and remember why you run in the first place. For the movement. For the adventure. For that moment when, even if your legs are shot, you cross the finish line with a smile.
Because if you’re not smiling—you’re doing it wrong.
After days of marveling at Gaudí’s genius and winding our way through the architectural wonders of Barcelona, we felt it was time to slow down and enjoy the city’s more laid-back side. That’s the beauty of Barcelona—it offers both dazzling culture and deep relaxation, often just blocks apart. One of our favorite spots for unwinding quickly became the seaside promenade near Playa del Poblenou—a stretch of coast that, in our opinion, easily outshines the more famous Barceloneta. Just a few minutes’ walk from where we were staying, it became our go-to place for relaxed afternoons by the sea. The beach itself was surprisingly clean, with crews tidying up multiple times a day, and the promenade had everything you could want: places to eat, drink, and simply watch the world go by. The atmosphere had a nostalgic charm to it, especially with the beach vendors strolling up and down like they used to back on the Polish Baltic coast years ago.
One afternoon, however, our laid-back vibe took a slight detour when my baby’s water bottle mysteriously vanished. What followed was an unexpectedly epic two-hour mission across town as I retraced our steps in full detective mode, determined to recover the lost treasure. No luck. But hilariously, the very next day, I just bought a new one—and somehow, that felt like a much more efficient solution.
The only downside? Weekends brought the crowds—but we didn’t mind too much. With such easy access, we could enjoy it anytime we liked.
One afternoon, in search of something fun (and air-conditioned), we decided to visit the Aquarium of Barcelona. We had heard it described as one of the best aquariums in Europe, especially for children—and while we might not fully agree with that lofty title, it was still a worthwhile experience. The layout felt a bit repetitive after a while, with many exhibits following the same formula, but for kids, that doesn’t really matter. The colorful tanks, tropical fish, and especially the long glass tunnel under the shark tank were clear highlights. It can get crowded, especially in the middle of the day, but the space is stroller-friendly and generally well organized. Lockers are available near the entrance and only cost two euros—a convenient solution if you’re carrying too much or want to move around more freely. All in all, while it may not be the most mind-blowing attraction for adults, it’s a solid choice for families and a fun way to mix things up during your stay.
After leaving the aquarium, we took our time strolling along the waterfront, where some truly impressive ships were docked. Sleek yachts, tall-masted sailboats, and even a few naval-looking vessels lined the marina, offering plenty to admire as we walked. Just beyond the harbor, we had a surprisingly interesting view of the cargo port, with towering cranes and massive containers stacked like toy blocks. It was a reminder of the city’s working side—busy, industrial, and always moving.
As we continued, we reached the foot of one of Barcelona’s more curious landmarks: the Monument a Colom, or Columbus Monument. Rising nearly 60 meters high, the statue of Christopher Columbus stands atop a richly decorated column, pointing dramatically out to sea. Interestingly, he’s not pointing toward the Americas as many assume, but more symbolically toward the open world. Built for the 1888 Universal Exposition, the monument celebrates Columbus’s first voyage and his ties to Spain. While it’s often overlooked compared to flashier attractions, we found it surprisingly impressive up close. You can even take a tiny elevator to the top for a panoramic view over the harbor and the lower part of La Rambla—though we passed on that part, since the idea of squeezing into a vintage lift with a stroller didn’t sound like fun. Still, standing in its shadow, you get a sense of both history and the city’s seafaring soul.
One evening, craving some solitude and a bit of physical challenge, I laced up my running shoes and set off on a long training run toward Tibidabo—Barcelona’s highest peak, rising over 500 meters above sea level. It’s not just a mountain; Tibidabo is also home to several of the city’s most iconic (and somewhat underrated) attractions. At the summit, you’ll find the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor, a striking neo-Gothic church crowned with a bronze statue of Christ stretching out his arms over the city. Right next to it sits one of Europe’s oldest amusement parks, with vintage rides, a small Ferris wheel, and a viewing platform that offers breathtaking panoramic views over Barcelona and the Mediterranean.
Starting from near the sea, I followed a winding route all the way up to the summit—a journey that turned out to be much longer and steeper than I had expected. The trail was a mix of city streets, shaded forest paths, and old service roads, and by the time I reached the top, the sun had dipped below the horizon. Though I had saved some offline maps, they were slightly outdated and didn’t show all the smaller trails clearly. On the way down, I ended up taking a steep, rocky descent—more of a dry riverbed than a proper path—and paid for it with a few sore spots the next morning.
As darkness set in, the silence became almost total; I didn’t see another soul on the trail, which made the experience both peaceful and slightly eerie. But the view from the top made it all worthwhile: the twinkling lights of the city stretched out below like a glowing sea, and the sky was painted with the last streaks of dusk. There’s a vending machine near the summit—ridiculously overpriced, of course—but at that moment, the cold Fanta it delivered felt like the nectar of the gods. Exhausted but content, I made my way back into the city, sore legs and all, feeling like I’d just discovered a wilder, more mysterious side of Barcelona that most tourists never see.
Another day, driven by curiosity and a bit of wanderlust, I set off to explore Barcelona’s second great hill—Turó de la Rovira, home to the famous Bunkers del Carmel. Perched high above the city, these old concrete bunkers once served as anti-aircraft defenses during the Spanish Civil War, but today they offer one of the most spectacular—and raw—views of Barcelona. The hike up is steep and rocky, with uneven paths that definitely rule out strollers or little legs. So while the rest of the family relaxed nearby, I took off on a solo run to the top, camera in hand.
The trail was rugged and mostly unmarked, winding through dry brush and dusty paths with sharp inclines, but the effort paid off. Once at the summit, I was treated to an incredible 360-degree panorama—Barcelona unfolded beneath me in all directions. Unlike the polished, postcard views from Tibidabo, the perspective here felt more grounded and honest. The industrial zones, distant port areas, and rows of residential rooftops gave me a deeper appreciation for the city’s scale and diversity.
The bunkers themselves are simple and graffitied, but that rawness adds to the charm. It felt like a place locals still come to think, hang out, or just watch the sunset. I snapped a few photos, took a moment to breathe it all in, and then made my careful descent—ankles a little shaky, but heart full. This wasn’t a tourist stop with neat fences or polished signs—it was just Barcelona, laid bare, and I loved that.
Another highlight of our time in Barcelona was our visit to Montjuïc and the nearby castle. The first time, we took the bus up—easy and straightforward. But on our second visit, we decided to do something a bit more scenic and took the cable car (klejka linowa, as we kept calling it). It wasn’t too expensive, and the ride offered breathtaking views over the rooftops of Barcelona, gradually opening up to reveal the shimmering sea and the sprawling cityscape below. Definitely worth it.
Once at the top, we had a trolley at our disposal—perfect for carting around all the baby gear without breaking our backs. The three guys who helped us out were incredibly kind and made everything feel smooth and easy, which we really appreciated.
Montjuïc Castle itself was a quiet and impressive presence, sitting atop the hill like a watchful guardian of the city. Originally built in 1640 during the Catalan Revolt, it was later reinforced in the 18th century and played a significant role in many chapters of Barcelona’s—and Spain’s—turbulent history. Over the years, it has been used as a military fortress, a prison, and even a site for political executions during Franco’s regime. It’s strange to think that such a peaceful spot today once held such a heavy past.
Wandering around the castle’s ramparts, we could feel the weight of its history, but also admire the beauty surrounding it. The views from the top were absolutely stunning. To one side, the city unfolded in all its colorful chaos; to the other, we had a commanding view of the industrial harbor and cargo port. It was almost hypnotic to watch the cranes and massive container ships below—like watching a giant machine at work from a peaceful, elevated balcony.
After soaking it all in, we wandered down to a nearby café tucked in the neighborhood just behind the hill. We sat outside with coffee in hand, the baby napping in the trolley, and felt completely at ease. A perfect mix of sightseeing and slowing down, wrapped in a bit of history.
No trip to Barcelona would be complete without a stop at its most famous market—La Boqueria. Located right off the bustling La Rambla, it’s surprisingly easy to get to; we just hopped on a bus and were there in no time. It’s best to go in the morning, though be warned—it gets a bit crowded early on, especially with locals grabbing fresh produce and curious tourists weaving through the stalls. But the energy is part of the charm.
La Boqueria is a full-on sensory experience. Everywhere you look, there’s an explosion of color—glossy fruits stacked in pyramids, vibrant vegetables, rows of sweets, spices, and hanging hams. We stopped at one of the juice stands to sip fresh fruit juice—so cold, sweet, and refreshing. The bright colors and aromas reminded us of markets in Morocco, with that same lively, slightly chaotic atmosphere that somehow just works.
Even with the crowd, there’s a kind of rhythm to the place. People come and go, stall owners shout greetings, and the smell of fried seafood or jamón wafts through the air. It’s a great sp
PS: Of course, while we loved exploring Barcelona’s colorful streets and lively markets, we couldn’t ignore one important reality: pickpocketing. The city, especially popular spots like La Rambla, the metro, and busy tourist areas, is known for clever and lightning-fast pickpockets. It’s not something that should scare you off—just something to be smart about. We quickly learned to keep valuables in hard-to-reach places. Money belts under clothes worked well, and a crossbody bag worn in front with zippers always closed became our standard. We also avoided keeping phones or wallets in back pockets—basically an open invitation.
So yes—Barcelona is amazing. Just treat your belongings like you would in any big, busy city: with care, and a bit of street smarts.
Looking back on our time in Barcelona, we can truly say—it’s a city that welcomes families with open arms. From clean beaches and world-class architecture to stroller-friendly parks and kind strangers who help without asking, it struck a wonderful balance between adventure and comfort. While you do need to stay alert, especially on public transport or in busy areas like La Rambla (where pickpocketing is a real issue), we never felt unsafe. Just a bit smarter and lighter on our feet.
The public transportation system deserves its own praise—buses, trams, and the metro are all reliable, affordable, and easy to navigate, even with a toddler and gear in tow. And when it comes to value for money, Barcelona stands out. Compared to many other European capitals, prices here felt refreshingly reasonable—whether for a great meal, museum entry, or even that emergency baby bottle replacement.
In the end, what made Barcelona so special for us was its rhythm: bold yet laid-back, proud yet warm, full of life but with quiet corners to breathe. It’s a place we’d return to in a heartbeat—and one we’ll remember not just for the sights, but for how it made us feel. Like we belonged, even if just for a little while.
And one thing is certain: we’ll definitely be back.
Our journey began with an early morning flight from a nearby capital city—the most convenient route for us. We had arranged transportation in advance, making the trip to the airport smooth and stress-free. Excited for the next adventure in our family’s growing collection of travels, we boarded a Spanish airline that pleasantly surprised us with its level of service and comfort. From the cheerful crew to the clean, modern cabin, everything set a positive tone for the trip ahead. With big smiles and bags full of anticipation, we took off, ready to explore and make new memories together.
Packed as if we were setting off on a month-long expedition through at least three climate zones, we lugged our bags—well, I lugged the bags, while the rest of the family nobly focused on maintaining morale. Luckily, that ordeal didn’t last long—our trusty local driver was already waiting for us, and with the skills of a traffic-dodging secret agent, he whisked us through the city, avoiding every jam like he had planned them himself. Before we knew it, we had arrived, still full of energy (a rare post-travel phenomenon in our family) and ready to start exploring!
Barcelona is an absolute treasure trove of sights and experiences—so much so that it’s hard to decide where to begin. The city bursts with color, history, unique architecture, and a vibrant atmosphere that makes you want to be everywhere at once. Luckily, we had many days ahead of us, so we could take things slow. There was no pressure to see everything at once; instead, we paced ourselves, exploring something new each day. This way, we didn’t just tick off landmarks—we truly soaked in the spirit of Barcelona and its charming outskirts. Of course, we kicked things off with the queen of all attractions: the breathtaking Sagrada Família…
The Sagrada Família is Barcelona’s most famous landmark. Construction began in 1882, and a year later, the project was taken over by Antoni Gaudí, who gave it its iconic, fairy-tale look. Over 140 years later, it’s still under construction—due to a mix of funding issues and the building’s extreme architectural complexity. Parts of it are covered in scaffolding and mesh, which does take away from the full visual impact.
Even the Sagrada Família bows to the greatest architect of all — the Mediterranean light.
It’s easy to reach by metro (lines L2 or L5), but be prepared for crowds—there are lots of visitors every day of the week. Tickets are expensive and often need to be booked in advance. Honestly, it feels a bit overrated from the outside, especially with all the ongoing work. But once you’re inside, the atmosphere completely changes. The soaring columns, colorful stained glass, and play of light truly impress. And one undeniable perk: you can spot this towering basilica from nearly anywhere in the city.
Following the Gaudí trail in Barcelona is like walking through an open-air art museum—his buildings are scattered throughout the city and most of them are surprisingly easy to see in just a few hours, even with a baby stroller in tow. Many of his most famous works are located in or near the city center, making the route both accessible and stroller-friendly.
You can start with Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera), both located along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia in the Eixample district. These two masterpieces sit just a short walk from each other and are surrounded by wide, smooth sidewalks—perfect for families. The buildings themselves are stunning: Casa Batlló is colorful and wavy, like something out of a dream, while Casa Milà’s undulating stone façade and wrought-iron balconies look like they were carved by nature itself.
Each of Gaudí’s buildings is a chapter of a fairy tale, where stone, light, and color speak of God, nature, and humanity.
From there, it’s a short metro or bus ride (or even a doable walk if you’re up for it) to Park Güell, Gaudí’s vibrant hillside park full of mosaic-tiled benches, whimsical structures, and great views over the city. The park has some hills, but the main viewing areas are reachable with a stroller if you enter through the right gates.
Not far away, in the Gràcia district—a more local, bohemian part of the city—you’ll find charming little plazas, relaxed cafés, and quieter streets. It’s a nice place to stop for lunch or a coffee break while staying in Gaudí territory.
The Gaudí trail gives you a perfect mix of creativity, history, and relaxing city vibes. Even in just a few hours, you can experience some of the most unique architecture in the world, all without straying too far from the city center or sacrificing comfort when traveling with a child.
Park Güell is a bit farther out from the city center, so getting there takes some time—but it’s definitely worth the effort. We took a bus, which was a bit of a long ride through winding streets, but it dropped us fairly close to one of the entrances. The park itself is beautiful and full of Gaudí’s signature style—colorful mosaics, playful architecture, and amazing views over Barcelona.
While tickets are required to access the monumental zone, the price felt reasonable considering you can spend a couple of hours there easily, just walking around, relaxing, and soaking in the creative atmosphere. It was quite crowded, though—not a surprise, as it’s one of the top attractions in the city.
We had to walk a bit uphill and downhill, and some paths were rocky or covered in gravel, so good shoes (and a bit of stroller-lifting if you’re with a baby) are a must. Still, the vibe was peaceful and pleasant. I even ended up having a great chat with some local workers taking a break in the shade—hearing their stories and getting tips from people who know the park inside out was a highlight. All in all, Park Güell was a slow but satisfying adventure.
In Park Güell, Gaudí lets nature speak through mosaic and form — a garden of imagination where geometry follows the rhythms of trees, not rulers.
PS: Getting around Barcelona is surprisingly easy and very budget-friendly if you plan ahead a bit. One of the best tips we can share is to get the T-usual public transport pass. It costs around 22 euros for a month (Zone 1), and it covers unlimited travel on the metro, buses, trams, and even some local trains within the main city area.
Zone 1 includes almost all the tourist attractions—Sagrada Família, Park Güell, the Gothic Quarter, the beach, Montjuïc, and even areas like Gràcia and Eixample. We used this pass every day, and it worked perfectly for our entire stay. Even if you’re visiting for just a week, it’s a great deal—you don’t need to worry about single tickets, and you can hop on and off as you like.
The metro is fast, clean, and stroller-friendly (most stations have elevators), while buses are great for sightseeing along the way. The app for public transport (like TMB App) is also really helpful for planning routes in real time. Overall, it’s a smart and hassle-free way to explore the city without spending much.
You can buy the T-usual pass directly at metro station ticket machines, but there’s one important thing to know: you can only pay with a physical card (debit or credit). No phone payments, no Google Pay or Apple Pay—it has to be the actual plastic card. The machines are easy to use, available in multiple languages, and accept both Visa and Mastercard. Once you buy your ticket, it’s loaded onto a small plastic travel card that you just tap at the gates each time you enter. Quick and simple—as long as you have the right payment method!
This spring, I visited Barcelona for vacation — a city full of color, history, and Mediterranean charm. While the plan was to relax and explore, I couldn’t resist the urge to find a local race. We had plenty of time, so I started searching. Eventually, I found two events and chose the one that felt less commercial, set in the suburbs of the city. It promised a more authentic experience — and it delivered.
The race took place early in the morning, which was a blessing, as the weather was already warm and the following week promised even hotter conditions. The course was modest: 5K and 10K options on slightly hilly, bitumen roads. Nothing extreme, but just enough to make it interesting.
What made it special was the local vibe. The event was small, filled with friendly Barcelonans, and offered a genuine taste of Catalan running culture. There were paper cups instead of plastic, and refreshing water sprayed from garden hoses along the route — simple, sustainable, and effective. We finished on a beautiful small stadium, with cheers from locals and smiles all around.
Outside the race, I also managed to train on my own — even after long days of sightseeing. I ran up to some of the highest points in Barcelona, including Tibidabo and other surrounding hills. I only did three runs in nine days, but totaled nearly 90 kilometers. It’s surprisingly easy to get in quality training here. Even though I stayed near the sea, all it took was fixing the first trail kilometer to escape the city and hit the hills. Barcelona offers that perfect mix: urban energy and wild terrain — all within reach.
At the end of each day, we felt totally wrecked — me, my wife, and even our kid. But we kind of loved it… is that already masochism? 😅
Barcelona knows how to turn a race into a party! Loud music, big smiles, and pure positive energy all the way to the finish line! 🎉👟🇪🇸
Bonum Cursum 