Dalí + Muppets in Spain

Dr. Ryan Ries here, fresh from an eye-opening trip to Spain where I put AI to the test as my travel planner.

 Like any good data scientist, I couldn't resist experimenting with the technology — but also knew when to trust human intuition over machine recommendations.

Before I jump in — just a quick plug. Let me know if there’s anything you want me to cover in 2025 Mission Matrix issues. I’m always curious to know what you’re interested in!

Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming…

AI as Travel Companion

AI crafted me a perfectly logical Barcelona itinerary focused on the major attractions in the city. I had given it dates in December, but it still recommended the beach as a place to visit… which seemed to miss the point a little bit to me. 

Here’s the full itinerary with my basic prompt:

I am spending Dec 26-28, 2024, in Barcelona, Spain. Create a daily itinerary for these days that includes the most desirable tourist attractions.

Day 1: Explore the Gothic Quarter and La Rambla

Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic). Wander through its narrow, winding streets, admiring the medieval architecture and charming plazas.

Afternoon: Head to La Rambla, a lively boulevard lined with shops, street performers, and food stalls. Enjoy a leisurely stroll, taking in the vibrant atmosphere.

Evening: Visit Palau de la Música Catalana, a stunning modernist concert hall. Book a guided tour to appreciate its intricate architecture and acoustics.

Day 2: Art and Architecture in Barcelona

Morning: Explore the iconic Sagrada Família, Gaudí's masterpiece. Book tickets in advance to avoid long queues.

Afternoon: Visit Park Güell, another Gaudí masterpiece, with its colorful mosaic tiles, whimsical architecture, and panoramic views of the city.

Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner in one of Barcelona's many restaurants, followed by a nightcap at a trendy bar.

Day 3: Beach and Seaside Charm

Morning: Take a train to the seaside town of Sitges, known for its beautiful beaches, charming streets, and vibrant nightlife.

Afternoon: Relax on the beach, go for a swim, or explore the town's historic center.

Evening: Return to Barcelona and enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant with stunning views of the city.

Additional Tips:

• Barcelona Card: Consider purchasing a Barcelona Card for discounted entry to attractions and free public transportation.
  
• Public Transportation: Use the metro or bus to get around the city.
  
• Food: Don't miss the opportunity to try delicious tapas, paella, and other local delicacies.
  
• Language: While many people in Barcelona speak English, learning a few basic Spanish phrases can be helpful.

While this itinerary wasn’t precisely what I needed, I liked the additional advice about buying tickets and info about the Barcelona card. 

I was hoping that by saying my travel dates were December 26-28th, it would have been noticed that in Spain, they celebrate the feast of St. Stephen, and many places will be closed. 

(Pro tip: in your future travel prompts, make sure to tell AI to account for any local holidays). 

But something else caught my eye near Barcelona that wasn’t on the itinerary…

Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí.

AI, Dalí, and Exploring Figueres

Standing in the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, I couldn’t help but imagine how Dalí would have embraced today's AI revolution. 

Dalí was the ultimate experimenter. He once created art by having ink-covered squids crawl across canvases, and he completed their artwork with what he saw in the ink blots.

This got me thinking about the fascinating parallel between AI and one of history's most innovative artists. 

His famous Lincoln portrait, which transforms into a woman gazing out a window when viewed up close, was an early exploration of generative patterns that we see in today's AI art.

What I Learned

Both AI and Dalí teach us the same lesson: innovation comes from daring to experiment while knowing when to trust human intuition. 

AI can create amazing itineraries, but it took human creativity to see the connection between a surrealist's hometown and modern technology.

I think this serves as a good reminder that as we’ve all learned to use AI in our day-to-day, in 2025 we also need to remember to trust our intuition. 

Until next time,
Ryan Ries

Now, as is tradition, here's our first AI-generated image of 2025 and the prompt I used to create it:

"Generate an image of a muppet sitting at a cafe in Barcelona and enjoying a large portion of paella. Behind him you should see Figueres."

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