After an unforgettable 3 weeks discovering the wonders of Europe, the time had finally come for the amazing trip to wind down. Over here in Georgia, the staycation was also coming to an end. For the last 5 days of the trip, my girlfriend and her friends marked Barcelona and Madrid as the final destinations. Spain’s two largest cities turned out to be a fitting end to the vacation. Atlanta shares many similarities with the two Spanish metropolises.

Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and the 6th-most populous city in the European Union. Barcelona is a major tourist and transport hub, with the Barcelona-El Prat Airport being one of the busiest airports in the world. What is the #1 busiest airport in the world, you ask? Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson International Airport holds the top spot for the 15th straight year. Also like Atlanta, Barcelona hosted a Summer Olympics during the 1990’s. Keeping up with the sports theme, FC Barcelona has dominated the UEFA Champions League in soccer recently. Their current winning ways is reminiscent of the dynastic play of the Atlanta Braves in the 1990’s. In fact, FC Barcelona won their 5th championship while my girlfriend was in Spain. After staying in Barcelona for a couple memorable days, it was off for the Nation’s capital, Madrid.

Located on Manzanares River, Madrid is the economic, political, and cultural centre of Spain. It has been the capital of Spain since the 17th century. The King of Spain, Felipe VI, resides in Madrid at the Palacio de La Zarzuela. The more extravagant, Royal Palace of Madrid is used for state ceremonies. The baroque styled palace consists of 3,418 rooms and has over 1.4 Million Sq. Ft of floorspace!

Atlanta also features an iconic house that the head of the US Government calls home. Well…at least a replica of it! The Atlantan version of the White House can be found on Briarcliff Rd.

According to a study, Madrid experiences more cloudless days than any other cities in Europe. What better way is there to spend a sunny day than going to the park? The Buen Retiro Park is one of Madrid’s premier attractions. Featuring sculptures, gardens, and lakes, the Buen Retiro Park plays host to a variety of events. The park is entirely surrounded by Spain’s largest city.

Atlanta’s Piedmont Park also serves as a sanctuary within the heart of the city. Piedmont Park has hosted events that have ranged from World Fairs to music festivals. The panoramic view of the skyline is the only reminder that you are still in a large city.

Adios to Spain! and while we are at it Adios to Europe! My girlfriend and her friends had the time of their lives and will share memories of the trip for years to come. It is truly amazing how many sites and attractions they experienced during their dream voyage. After 4 mesmerizing weeks, they have finally made it back to this side of the Atlantic!

As for the my Staycation, these past 30 days have been an interesting experience. While I know that a trip around Atlanta is incomparable to a trip around Europe, I still had a great time seeing the city I grew up in from the eyes of a tourist. Many times it is easy to take for granted the wondrous beauty and opportunities that exist in Atlanta. The Staycation was a very enjoyable break from my daily routine and definitely helped me appreciate all that the city has to offer. Bye from Atlanta!

My final advice to everybody is, “Make everyday an adventure! Make everyday a Staycation!”