Beyond guidebooks and itineraries, these are stories from the in-between.
Shared meals in unfamiliar kitchens. Long walks through quiet villages.
Spontaneous conversations that linger longer than destinations.

Travel Notes captures the spirit of presence — slow, grounded, and open-hearted.
Here, I write about what moves me as I move through the world.

Joe Banez Joe Banez

Gracia

Tucked above Barcelona’s bustling Eixample lies Gràcia—a former village turned eclectic neighborhood that pulses with artistic flair and local pride. With its narrow pedestrian lanes, sun-drenched plazas, and independent spirit, Gràcia offers a more intimate, bohemian slice of the city. Whether sipping vermouth in a shaded square or getting swept into the surreal world of the Festa Major in August, this barrio invites you to experience Barcelona at its most creative and community-driven.

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