This was all I knew, and she knew as little about me. Yet she was inviting me on holiday. What we had in common was membership of the London branch of , a fast-expanding social networking site that introduces people online but enables their friendship to develop in the real world through various gatherings, arranged by the site or members themselves. With 22,000 users across nine UK cities, they've already set their sights on expanding into Europe. Vicky, left, with Teresa and Maddy in Barcelona Since I joined, on a friend's recommendation, invites have been dropping into my inbox on a daily basis: book clubs, film nights, concerts, day trips, bar crawls. However, it was the travel forum that really caught my eye. I wrote a brief description of my perfect short break. It would be neither a drunken blur, nor involve ticking off sights from a guidebook. Something in between would be fine: good food, good wine, lots of wandering around different neighbourhoods, plenty of time soaking up cafe culture, and, crucially, not too much shopping. A few days later, Teresa responded, taking a gamble on someone she'd never met. Most people think carefully about holidaying even with people they've known for years; personality clashes and odd habits often emerge from nowhere; different priorities and round-the-clock company can cause a strain. I mulled it over for a day or two before deciding, what the heck, it was only for two nights and, in the worst-case scenario, I could go off on my own. Teresa, Maddy another citysocialising member and I did manage to meet once in the run-up, for a quick glass of wine in London. Maddy, 30, seemed sweet-natured; Teresa was a tell-it-like-it-is kinda gal. Both traits could help things run smoothly in their own way. The surprise twist was that Maddy and Teresa had met at one of the site's summer events, and had been hanging out ever since. Why, then, add a complete unknown entity, ie me, into the mix? I was dying to ask, but bit my tongue in case they changed their mind. Would I end up being the awkward spare part, I wondered on my way to the airport. I needn't have worried - by the time we touched down in Barcelona we were already getting to know each other, and the sun was blazing. It turned out Maddy and Teresa had just come out of long relationships and were using citysocialising to reignite their social lives. Both wanted to travel more - just not on their own. Our first afternoon was spent washing tapas down with red wine, then wandering down La Rambla. In the evening, we moved on to DJ bar Mix Carrer del Comerç 21 for cocktails. I told the girls I had heard about a speakeasy where you step through an old wardrobe, Narnia-style, to find a scruffy makeshift bar on the other side El Armario, Carrer de Riereta, El Raval. I loved the idea, Maddy seemed keen, but I got the impression Teresa preferred something more glam. Also, these underground bars rarely get going before 3am and we were flagging after an early start. I went with the group consensus and we headed back to the hotel. I was beginning to realise that the key to this sort of trip is not to come with too many expectations or set plans. In fact, in some ways, it was easier than going with people you know, as you all make more of an effort to cooperate. As Maddy and Teresa had booked before me, they'd already arranged to share a room. This left me in my own double, and with a bigger bill, but part of me was relieved to have my own space. Again, I wondered if I'd end up playing gooseberry on their established friendship. Fortunately, a pattern emerged that we only retreated to our rooms to sleep - or if there was a three-way arrangement to meet in one and make some headway into Maddy's duty-free bubbly. Our second day saw us embarking on a Gaudí pilgrimage Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló and enjoying the view over the city from the top-floor cafe in El Corte Inglés department store on Plaza Cataluña Maddy's recommendation. Then we took lunch at a hyped new restaurant, Manairó, known for its experimental cuisine Diputació 424,. The vibrant shot of pea soup topped with squid chilled with liquid nitrogen was a big hit, and Maddy tried the house speciality of steak cooked by blowtorch on a bed of nails. Yes, but highly enjoyable and the conversation flowed as freely as the wine. We spent our final night in a down-to-earth and eccentrically decorated bar called Chatelet Carrer de Torrijos, 54. She shrugged and told me she followed her instincts. I just thought we'd get along. I still think it was a gamble on all sides. But it was one that paid off. British Airways 0844 493 0787, flies from Heathrow, London City and Gatwick to Barcelona from £95 return including taxes. You can post your travel blog, photos and tips on the site too. They say there have been over 5,000 vouches so far and none have been negative. Launched in 2004, this site now has over 18,000 members. Trial membership is free, while full membership costs £5 and entitles you to contact all other members directly. Your profile can be matched to others based on common interests, and you can also post suggestions for group trips on the forum. As the name implies, it's women only on thelmaandlouise. It's free to join and you can find someone that specifically matches your criteria through the advanced-search function. Want a spa-loving, 40-year-old who adores rock music and enjoys an occasional drink? Edinburgh, for example, has two groups for lovers of adventurous pursuits, including Scottish Intrepid Adventurers which has organised over 300 meets and trips. If you do not feel comfortable about meeting in person when it comes to it, then follow your instincts - don't. This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. All our journalism is independent and is in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative. The links are powered by Skimlinks. By clicking on an affiliate link, you accept that Skimlinks cookies will be set.
