Good Things Take Time in Northern Spain
Story by Serafina Piasentin
Photography by Glenn Gervais
Good things take time to build. It has taken 144 years for the Sagrada Familia (still-unfinished basilica) to reach structural completion. While planning a good trip shouldn’t take that long, it is wise to begin researching in advance, especially when the vacation is a gift for your wife. Every Christmas, Glenn Gervais presents his wife, Vinka, with a trip somewhere in the world. Last year, they explored the magical Swiss alps, but this year demanded a warmer weather-scape. Leading up to Christmas, Glenn began working on the blueprints for a trip to Spain. He budgeted the required funds and found a great deal through Delta Vacations which included airfare and hotel. In January, Glenn did his research on off-season travelling and decided to book the tickets despite the odd time of the year. A cost analysis showed that the price was half what it would be during the summer months. And though it may have been minus 20 degrees at home, temperatures were projected to reach 20 degrees Celsius in Spain. “Why not go?” Glenn said. At this point, Glenn was ready to wrap his blueprint in snowflake wrapping paper and surprise Vinka with a trip of a lifetime to Barcelona. The Sagrada Familia would still be under construction for interior artistic elements until 2034 (allegedly), but at least the Gervais’ trip was booked.
They landed in Barcelona the last week of January, seemingly the only tourists to do so. Streets were reserved for them, they could pick the best seats at restaurants, and there were no lines for the famous spots. They could even have walked right into the newly finished Sagrada Familia with same-day tickets. Usually, spots fill up months in advance. Expecting this, Glenn had booked their tickets prior to the trip but found this extra planning unnecessary. Perhaps off-season travelling didn’t need as many blueprints as on-season.
Despite their plans, the Gervais’ didn’t feel rushed to check things off a list. They took things slow and really enjoyed each location. The Sagrada was certainly a favourite. “I highly recommend going just before sunset because the light going through the stained-glass windows is incredible,” Glenn said. He notes that the outside was still in the final weeks of construction, but perhaps that adds to the charm—seeing how much work was put into something, whether it is a piece of architecture or a vacation to Spain, makes you appreciate it more.
The Gervais’ also appreciated the work of renowned Spanish Catalan architect and designer Antoni Gaudí. Barcelona is such a unique city because of its open-air art galleries. Park Güell, which is situated on the southern slope of the Turó del Carmel hill is a complex of gardens and architecture created by Gaudí, who was responsible for the Sagrada Familia as well as Casa Batlló and Milà. His unique organicism style utilized materials like mosaics, wrought iron, glass and woodwork. His masterpieces are available to admire for free from the outside, but it is worth the money to explore the whimsical interior.
The one thing the Gervais’ would avoid on a future trip to Barcelona is Las Ramblas, the 10-block street famous for its outside vendors. “You don’t get the local feeling here,” Glenn explained. “The restaurants are geared towards tourists.” One of their favourite dishes was a traditional lobster paella served at a local restaurant. “You can get the same meal in a touristy area, but it would cost you twice as much and taste half as good,” Glenn stated. However, the Gervais’ did not have one bad meal. Glenn described his experience to Spain as a culinary delight. From Berenjenas a la Española (roasted eggplant) to empanadas, from patatas bravas to bombas, this city has so many delicious dishes you must try.
In Peratallada, a village in the province of Girona to the north of Barcelona, the Gervais found their favourite restaurant. They hired a driver to take them around the North of Spain, and he took them to his Abuela’s restaurant. “It was a thousand-year-old restaurant. The stones next to the door had the year 1200 in it. And there was no menu. They just asked what you liked.” Sometimes the most memorable moments are unplanned. No blueprint, no schedule. It is a privilege to have enough time to just wander and see where you end up. More times than not, you’ll find a hidden gem like this restaurant.
Girona itself was like stepping back in history. The city dates back to the Roman times and is characterized by old, narrow cobblestone streets which still have the grooves where chariots and wagons cut into the stone. “They filmed a large part of Game of Thrones there!” Glenn exclaimed. “It was such fun touring the movie sites.” The Girona Cathedral’s grand staircase served as the Great Sept of Baelor in Season 6. The 12th century Arab Baths served as the streets and market of Bravos. The Galligants Bridge is the bridge where Arya was stabbed. Even if you’re not a Game of Thrones fan, Girona is a charming location to visit for more Catalan history. While Barcelona also has its own historical sites such as the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona Cathedral and Temple of Augustus which were laid out by the ancient Romans, the city has a more contemporary urban feel overall.
But Spain has so much more to offer than just beautiful, historic cities. Costa Brava is a coastal region of Catalonia which includes Girona and other idyllic seaside fishing towns. While exploring the beaches, indulging in local seafood and wines, Glenn commented that this location reminded him of being in Italy but without all the tourists. Off-season gifted the Gervais’ with empty beaches and empty blueprints. Lounging at a beach all day after reaching their step goal in Barcelona and Girona felt like a reward. At this point, the trip was coming to an end, and Costa Brava was the perfect place to soak in all the memories they made… and plan their next trip back.
The North of Spain possesses a rustic, artistic attraction in the cities and a vibrant appeal along the seaside. Glenn describes the area as “very laid-back”. In place of all the tourists, he instead noticed how many transplants there were in Barcelona. So many English-speakers have moved to Spain to work remotely since the cost of living is much lower and the quality of life much higher. This has resulted in the English language being quite common. The Gervais’ never had an issue with communication. In fact, Glenn would try practicing his Spanish and be met with English. The local kindness and inclusivity extended even to the language they spoke. Everyone they encountered were so friendly and eager to share their lifestyle and culture—one of enjoyment.
Despite preparing a blueprint, the Gervais’ experienced a trip that was unfinished. No matter how many times you visit Spain, you will always leave knowing there is more to explore. Though they were beyond satisfied with their vacation, it is the South of Spain that is now calling to them. Luckily Glenn still has a few more months before next Christmas! Back to the drawing board.
Published in the August/September 2026 Edition.
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