Cocktail in Paradise

Hey Travel Lover,

My friends have been known to call me a happy bird. I guess this describes my mood whenever I am getting ready for a trip. I can’t stop imagining the things I will see and do, the places I will visit and the reminiscing thereafter. You bet that this chirpy bird behavior gives me away before every single trip. The only beauty of having over a dozen people know my plans is that I’m never out of ideas. Things & places I didn’t even think of often gets added to what I will see and do.

Spain had been on my bucket list since forever. That’s why after Covid, I decided it would be one of the first European countries I would visit. Visit it I did, but before I went, I sang like a canary as always. Due to my love for cocktails (Of course – known fact) a friend sent me an article about Paradiso and it became one of the places I planned to visit. At that time, Paradiso was No 19 on the list of “The World’s 50 Best Bars”. I thought to myself, as a cocktail lover, what will I gain if don’t stop by at this bar. I definitely had to visit if only for bragging rights. I couldn’t wait to see what the buzz was all about.

Fast forward to my arrival and settling in Barcelona. That evening I got ready about 6:30pm and left my hotel with the intention to have cocktails and a light meal for dinner at Paradiso. As I was walking towards the address, I saw a long winding queue and I got confused (Is this a joke?😳). I thought to myself; this must definitely be some folks with other business around the area. The closer I got to my destination the more my eye cleared😩. Indeed, Paradiso was the sole cause of the queue.

I immediately started laughing because this one was simply beyond belief. I saw a bartender outside and asked him what was going on. He told me that was the queue to go into Paradiso and that I might have to stay on the queue for one hour or more to get in. He also casually pointed to a tent where I could sit and wait with a glass of wine, which I will pay for of course. Sit and wait with a glass of wine to go in and drink cocktail? I asked for the time they open and the best time to arrive so I escape the queue and the helpful bartender told me 4pm and I could arrive thirty minutes earlier. I made a mental note to heed his advice and I left

I arrived at 3:40pm the next day and believe you me, there was a queue already, albeit a shorter one. I joined the queue wondering how long it will take me to experience Paradiso. Maybe it would really be like Paradise🤭🤭🤭. It took me about 45 minutes and then the fridge door entrance was opened to admit me and some others. Voila, the ever so anticipated Paradiso presented a dimly lit outlook and a delicately finished interior. I loved every bit of it. I sat at the bar and was promptly offered mint leaf infused water and the menu. I chose Legacy after several minutes of perusing the menu.

As part of the buzz, each cocktail had a story which you will be told as you are being served. The story telling is normally accompanied with a dramatic presentation. My cocktail was presented in a smokey book and had an edible page. It was beautiful to behold although it came in a small glass. I would have preferred a large serving. I enjoyed myself and closed that little chapter.

I checked the visit off my planner and returned home after the holiday. Guess what? In a flash Paradiso becomes No 1 on the list of “The World’s 50 Best Bars”🥳 (I’m not saying it’s because Ajalaress visited but again…who knows😌). There you have it, bragging rights fully registered. Now, there is a small secret about Paradiso, I won’t divulge, what happens in Paradiso……

So Travel Lover, do you “sing about” your travel plans or you stay mute? Are you open to recommendations before a trip? Would you visit Paradiso when in Barcelona? Let us know your responses in the comments section.

Till Next Week

Live, Love, Laugh

Ajalaress