Barcelona

Our early evening train trip from Grenada was an internet lottery win. In a first class two person sleeper with ensuit toilet and shower we were in the height of luxury at a cheaper rate than the normal sit up fare. Only two problems; (1) the amount and variety of drinks compared to the amount and richness of food consumed that day. (2) Our seats, before converted to beds by the obliging staff were travelling backwards. Not such a problem for me but this combination soon had Alice making full use of all the facilities of the ensuit bathroom.

When daylight woke us we were hugging the coast of the Mediterranean through towns / suburbs in view of the stormy overcast sea. Arriving at Barcelona’s Estacio de Sants with close to four weeks travel experience and the unambiguous help of the lady at the information desk we made a seamless transfer via Metro to Liceu only a hundred meters from our lodgings in the Ciutat Vella (heart of the city). Even here our aura of our first class traveller was felt by an old boy who insisted on seeing the address of our destination and sending us off by the driest (it was pouring) route.

Too early to check in we were once again able to deposit our belongings and begin check out the wet town. Under these conditions the discovery of The Picasso Museum just down the street was a godsend. An hour or so later having found much to delight in, of which I have now no recollection, we emerged in clearing skies with rumbling tummies. I have no idea what I ate (Alice recalls a pasta and for me tortilla) but I do recall the half bottle of wine some way between claret and port that defied the common logic that the first glass is the best proving quite palatable in its last gulp.

We spent the rest of the daylight hours wandering and finding not only Gaudi’s Cathedral but also his apartments as well as the works of many other gifted artists and architects who this wonderful city has been privileged to house.

Our hotel

in the shadow of this medieval cathedral that looks like an extra from a Hammer film on the inquisition.

Post Picasso rainbow signal

More painted features

Gaudi apartments


Gaudi Competitors


Gaudi’s Cathedral





Gaudi cathedral paparazzi
On La Ramblas.


Finding the next day also wet and wild we made the difficult decision quite early to spend it in the shops. Now for those of you who like me do not completely appreciate the commercial impact of the European Community let me say: the universal currency, um Euro, universal tax laws, universal passports and rights to work, have resulted in an enormous marketplace/playground for chain stores their staff and customers. Where once they would have been restricted to trade only in their home states such as The UK, Germany and Sweden now these Myers and David Jones like stores can operate and compete in all the capitals of Europe providing many times more the range of goods at, most importantly, Target prices. For those hedonists amongst you who like me can get off on a little retail therapy, this is paradise on a budget. The lobby

The shops

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The next day dawned clear and while taking a morning walk down La Rambla, I was surprised by a cock’s crow. I looked around for the mobile phone with this clever ring tone and heard it again. Then again and I noticed the variation. This was a real cock declaring the break of dawn a little late at eight o’clock but not his fault if the translucent Perspex prison stall in which they kept him drugged did not include direct sunrises.

We resolved to make a trip to Tibidabo and to climb to the top of the Temple Expiatori Del Sagrat Cor our major work on this day. When in a foreign country it’s always advisable to go to the highest peak for an overview. At least there most threats will be at a disadvantage, even one from this now land locked Stinson.

The Temple shares with a fun park.

Some marvellous views.


How big?

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This Guy is so distracted he hasn’t gotten back to his book since he’s been here

Yes she does look fresh and I confess there’s an elevator most of the way
.
That’s all mosaic.

That afternoon down on La Rambla we enjoyed the best Paella we had in Spain and began to relax into this new environment. Unfortunately that night we were on the train to Paris and London. Ah! The romance of international travel.
Entertainment on La Rambla



Quayside Markets.