Teamwork and Sunshine
When you think of Barcelona, you think of Gaudí’s masterpieces, sunny beaches, and delicious tapas. But at Exalate, our trip to Barcelona wasn’t just about sightseeing—it was about syncing as a team, with a few twists and turns along the way.
With the goal of organizing a special time for our people, we found the perfect venue: Mas Redorta, a charming country house just outside Barcelona. The plan? Activities that balanced fun, collaboration, and a little wine.
An Unforgettable Line-Up
The team voted on activities, landing on two crowd favorites: horseback riding and wine tasting. However, Mother Nature had other plans.
Good teams make good plans, but the best teams are the ones that can pivot smoothly when plans change. When rain swept away our equestrian dreams, we didn’t miss a beat. We swapped it out at the last minute for an on-site escape room—improv worthy of an Exalate integration!
Here’s how it all unfolded…
Clues, Collaboration, and Cabernet
Friday morning started with a scenic one-hour drive from Barcelona to Mas Redorta. Greeted by rolling hills and crisp air, we took in the serene surroundings and explored our lodgings. The guys bunked in two houses, while the ladies cozied up in a smaller one.
After a quick breakfast of coffee and pastries, we kicked things off with the Escape Room hosted by Roomboescape.
The mission? Save the world from a virus by solving riddles, scanning QR codes, and hunting down clues scattered across the estate. Watching everyone divide into teams, brainstorm, and race to finish was a masterclass in teamwork—with a side of friendly competition.
Next came lunchtime to relax and recharge. But the real treat of the day? A wine-tasting session led by LoCatamos. We sipped our way through Spain’s finest vintages while learning about the subtle differences between cava and champagne. Even non-drinkers were captivated by the sommelier’s storytelling.
Dinner was the cherry on top—a delicious Argentinian-inspired feast featuring flame-grilled ribs, fish for pescatarians, and, of course, empanadas.
Kevin, our Support Team Lead, especially appreciated these little pockets of joy, so much so that the caterers sent him an extra batch the following day.
The Night: Storms and Serenades
As the night rolled in, we gathered for a cozy night of card games and live piano and guitar music. The perfect way to unwind.
But Catalonia wasn’t done surprising us. A storm knocked out the estate’s electricity overnight. By morning, we found ourselves in the dark, with the electric gates locked shut. We were stuck—like a real-life escape room.
We made the best of it, sharing breakfast in the dark, and as the sun started to rise, we found a manual key that unlocked one side of the gate. Finally, we were able to open it and head back to Barcelona.
The Takeaway: Laughter in the Rain
This trip wasn’t without its challenges—but that’s what made it memorable. From solving puzzles to overcoming a literal lockdown, we proved once again that our strength lies in how we work together.
We know that our best moments don’t just come from following the plan but from adapting, supporting each other, and finding opportunities in every situation. It’s this dynamic that makes Exalate special, both in and out of the office.
Stay tuned for more stories from our team as we continue our journey around the world.
Mission Barcelona: accomplished.
Next stop: Costa Rica.
#ExaVibe
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