Decibellas on Tour: Barcelona & Costa Brava - day 1

After a ridiculously early start from Manchester (the kind that makes you question all your life choices), Decibellas touched down in Barcelona—bright-eyed… or at least determined. Miraculously, everyone sailed through the new immigration system without a hitch. A strong start!

Gill unveiled her latest innovation in group management—best described as “herding cats, but make it look organised”. We lined up two-by-two to be counted, which worked surprisingly well and may now be patented.

Lunch was a wonderfully uncoordinated affair, with small groups scattering across the city in search of food, sunshine, and—quite possibly—the first sangria or cerveza of the trip. Priorities were clearly in order. A few keen explorers even managed a reconnaissance mission to the cathedral where we’ll be performing later in the week. Nothing like a bit of forward planning (balanced, of course, with refreshments).

By late afternoon, we arrived at the hotel in Calella, unpacked, and regrouped in the bar—purely for hydration purposes. It was here we made a crucial cultural discovery: in Spain, gin is poured with… let’s say… enthusiasm, rather than measurement. This could have implications.

A delicious buffet dinner followed, and in a rare and sensible turn of events, everyone opted for an early night. A full day one, successfully conquered—with minimal chaos and maximum enjoyment.