Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
We started our first full day in Barcelona early as we were on a mission to see all the sights from atop an open-air bus tour. We stopped only for a quick coffee and croissant on the way, however when we got to the bus stop and saw that the queue was the length of the block and curled back around, our plans quickly changed. Finding ourselves standing right outside one of the largest shopping malls 'el corte ingles' (9storeys of retail goodness) - it only made sense to make today a shopping day instead!
We spent hours exploring the mall and wandering in and out of the little boutique shops and getting lost in the winding alleyways. It occurred to me as we politely greeted all the shop assistants with a big smile and a bright "Hola!" that the spaniards were not nearly as pleasant or helpful as the French - a very surprising revelation. What was also made very apparent very quickly was that people do not like to share the sidewalks here..Instead of scooching a little to the left to allow enough space for both parties to easily pass - they would rather plow you down or force you into oncoming traffic! That said - I have very effectively adopted the bulldozer method myself now.
What did make up for these negativities however was the beautiful sights surrounding us such as the high walls with cute little wrought iron balconies covered with colorful flower pots, and the textured walls with large cutouts containing sculptures and statues.
We took a break from shopping to refuel with a quick lunch before carrying on for a little bit longer. This time we trekked a bit deeper into the alleyways and happened to find ourselves in the Gothic quarter of Barcelona, where we stumbled across a beautiful and grand gothic cathedral with a little marketplace outside where nannas and pops were sitting at stalls selling little antique items, old music records, other knick knacks, and quite honestly - some junk!
After too much walking, we headed home for a quick outfit change before heading off for dinner at a seafood restaurant at Port Olimpica (recommended by our lovely hotel receptionist). The restaurant 'La Barca' was so busy - churning meals and tables out like a sausage machine. The waiters were so attentive and helpful which made our meal even more enjoyable :)
After 1 litre of sangria with cava, olives, grilled bread with tomato and olive oil, calamari, a great seafood paella, cake and some shots - we called it a night.
- comments