A plan of attack is a good thing to have when you’re on vacation. Knowing where you'll sleep, what you want to see, and when you need to catch the next train out are all good things to have figured out.
While in Barcelona, I had planned on visiting Park Guell—designed by the architect, Gaudi. My travelling companion was reluctant to make the trip, but we went anyways. On our way up a hill steep enough to make San Francisco envious, she pointed out that an enormous thunderhead was rolling down the mountain towards us. I was determined to make it up to the park and back before the storm hit. Not ten minutes after we finished climbing the hill and entered the park, a torrential downpour opened up.
We took shelter under a large overhang next to a couple hundred other travelers, and were informed by a park ranger that the museum was closed. However, we were welcome to make our way into the little restaurant in the park just as soon as the stairs finished impersonating Niagara Falls, and it was safe to pass.
While waiting, we made friends with a man who wanted his picture taken with a lizard statue despite the weather and sang as many verses of “The Pina Colada Song” as we could remember. Getting down the stairs to the restaurant was a bit like going down a water slide, but once there, we were reminded again just how fantastic it is that the drinking age in Europe is only 18. I can’t say much about the architecture of Park Guell, but I have made sure to tell everyone I know about the time I got stuck in the rain in Barcelona.
If you’re experienced in travel, you probably already know this; there are some times when things just aren’t going to go your way. However, take advantage of those unexpected adventures and I’d be willing to bet they’ll become some of your best memories.