Loving Barcelona!
The moody tones of the chic, sleek Hotel Alma
The quirky work of Antoni Gaudí
Street buskers, including a very clever little dog who sings the blues
Food glorious food…
Summary? This place is an absolute must see!
Barcelona
Tapas, tapas!
A Barcelonian visit would not be complete without a wander through the streets to sample the local fare. Our faves:
Cervecería Catalana – renowned for it’s tapas and an excellent little breakfast spot. Petite Spanish Omelettes stuffed with potato, served with slender, crunchy tomato rubbed bread fingers. ‘Huevos Cabreados’ a curious dish of shoestring fries with fried egg and spicy salsa, blended into a big mush at the table by the waiter…a novel take on egg ‘n chips and sure to be a Pom pleaser. All washed down with sweet freshly squeezed orange juice and superb coffee.
Sangrias on La Rambla, a popular pedestrian street, impressive but way overpriced, served by a rude, tourist jaded waiter. Sipping the big bowls while people watching the cruise ship exodus of chubby folk in three quarter length pants, sneakers and NYC t’shirts made the effort worthwhile.
Irati Taverna, a fabulous stand up bar in the old quarter, interesting morsels washed down with a fruity local red.
Pinotxo at the Boqueiro Markets. Watch them cook hot tapas morsels with market fresh findings that vary by the moment, we tried rabbit ribs and fried artichoke hearts.
Botafumeiro Restaurante for purportedly the best Seafood Paella in town. Shared an exceptionally tasty one quite unlike the usual yellow fare being hawked near the Park Guell and other touristy spots. Superb service too.
Fab food, good buddy, sunny skies…loved Barcelona. And now to Paris!
Barcelonian brilliance…
Astonishing, spectacular….mere words fail to describe La Sagrada Familia’s interior. It quite simply took our breath away (not easy as those who know us will attest!). Gaudi’s vision knew no bounds when he commenced the project in 1882 and to this day, the Cathedral remains a work in progress.
When asked the estimated completion date, Gaudi said there wasn’t one as the client wasn’t in a hurry, God had all the time in the world. Now entrusted to the hands of current engineers and architects to complete and reliant on benefactors, donations and tourism to fund. Photos simply don’t do justice.
What a vibrant, eclectic city is this! Hitched a ride on the big red bus to familiarize then wandered to view earmarked places dominated by Gaudi’s whimsical work including La Pedrera and the Park Guell, fueled with Sangria, Tapas and Paella along the way and wrapping up around midnight, just as the locals were coming out to play.
Tomorrow, a leisurely stroll around the shops and Saturday markets…so much to see, so little time!!
