Barcelona, Spain (part 1)

I just looked at the weather back home in Texas and it is night time there with the weather in the 70’s. ahh temperatures in the 70’s…Well those temperatures are long gone for me and I won’t be seeing that again until June 2008, if I am lucky.

A snow shower came in late last night and with snow covering the ground this morning and Greg off to China, I thought it would be a perfect time to rememeber back earlier this year to our summer trip to Barcelona.

Wine and Tapas and ….what’s that nastry smell? OH MY!

Welcome to Barcelona, Spain

I had a love-hate relationship with Barcelona. It was really a wonderful place BUT Barcelona smells horrible. I'm quite serious. The entire city smells like a combination of cigarette smoke, car fumes, and poo!! You'll be walking down a side street and suddenly a gust of foul smelling wind will gush past you from an alley and almost knock you over with the smell. It's really quite horrible.

But enough about the hate and on about the love of Barcelona. Greg and I stayed in the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) , which is the center of the old city of Barcelona.

Many of the buildings date from Medieval times, some from as far back as the Roman settlement of Barcelona.
The Barri Gòtic retains a labyrinthine street plan, with many small streets opening out into squares.

The first day we arrived we decided to check out the area where we were staying. It was really great walking through the old streets and we loved the little shops and all the beautiful old buildings. So much history and soul.

The giant Gothic Barcelona Cathedral is a focal point of interest in the Gothic quarter.
Barcelona Cathedral is based in the old town and around the Cathedral you'll see many fine examples of Gothic architecture and Roman walls.

In front of the Cathedral is a small square where you will find street performers, cafes and interesting shops.
The area around the Cathedral has a charm and beauty that makes this location a must visit when you come to Barcelona.

After hours of walking we decided we needed to refuel and to take a lunch break. Lunch was really priced quiet well. For about 10 bucks you could get a 3 course meal and a bottle of wine. Yes bottle, not glass! In fact the wine was cheaper than a coke by several euros, so I know what my choice was....WINE!

Greg wasn't too sure about the "Lion with Potatoes"??
So, he settled for some salmon. I guess he doesn't get enough of it here in Finland. Where is your adventurous side Greg?? Come on try the lion!

After our meal and wine I was excited to see the beach. With our trusty guide book in hand

we set off in a hurry. After all, we had just left cold Wales behind and I was ready to see the sun, sand and water. We were a little disappointed by the beach in Barcelona. We tried to find the best section of the beach to take this photo as there was not much to the beach and just looked more like a local watering hole than a beachy beach, if you know what I mean. I will probably always be spoiled by beaches after my trip to Australia. Nothing ever seems to compare to the beautiful blue and teal color water and nice sand beaches of Australia.
Oh well....