First things first, Barcelona is in Catalonia which means they speak Catalan and Spanish. Thankfully for me, I was travelling with my wonderful friend Tiina who is incredibly gifted when it comes to languages, so she did all the talking in Spanish :) Not only did she do all the talking, she also did all the planning, navigating and map-reading - thank you Tiina! I loved your company and so appreciate your sweet friendship!
Although we were in Barcelona at the end of September, it was gloriously warm and sunny! Our summer dresses and bikin's made some last appearances before being packed away for the winter. I arrived on a Thursday afternoon and took the bus into the city to meet Tiina. On walking through the old city to our hotel, I was already in love with the city. In the early evening we headed out to a place called La Champañerîa - a tiny little hole in the wall place packed full of people that serves champagne for 1 Euro and an amazing selection of hot sandwiches and plates of sausage. It was completely crazy, but entirely wonderful all at the same time! We loved it so much, we went back a second time :) Dinner that night (at about 10:30) consisted of the most amazing tapas - we had a salad with orange, nuts, cheese and dry ham; very thinly sliced eggplant fried and drizzled with honey served with goats cheese (I may remember this for a looooong time); the most amazing steak sandwich; and then foei gras on a baguette with Roquefort cheese and creme brulée for dinner. We then ventured out to try the salsa scene in Barcelona and were thoroughly impressed - amazing music, great people and talented dancers.
Friday started off with crossiants and coffee for breakfast (and even this was memorable), followed by a trip to Park Güell, one of the incredible places designed by Gaudi. I don't think there is anything like Gaudi architecture anywhere else in the world - it is completely unique. Naturally it was time to eat again - this time a three course meal and wine for 10 Euro! I had a cold tomato soup, fish tempura, and a yoghurt and fruit dessert. We then went to visit Palau Güelle, a mansion designed by Gaudi for
Catalan industrial tycoon Eusebi Güell. Friday night we headed back to La Champañerîa with friends for some more champagne and sandwiches (so yum - who knew that ham, pickles and roquefort could be *that* good?) before heading out for some drinks and dancing!
Of course Saturday started off with more food - this time the most delicious eggplant sandwich and pancakes. We also walked through this incredible market where I had the best strawberry and lemon juice I have ever had in my life. We then walked through the old city, stopping at sites along the way but finishing at the Barcelona Cathedral. After a coffee break we walked through Parc de la Ciutadella, had some delicious ice-cream and found ourselves on the beach for a swim in the sea.
Sunday after breakfast we headed to Hospital de Sant Pau and La Sagrada Familia - two of the famous sites in Barcelona. Building for the La Sagrada Familia, another Gaudi masterpiece, started in 1882, but at his death in 1926, only about one quarter of this Roman Catholic church was finished. Construction has been continued, at is estimated to be finished in 2026. I don't think I have ever seen anything quite like this in my whole life, and I don't think I will ever see anything that comes close to this place - it is completely unique and gorgeous. After being good tourists, we hopped on the train to Sitges, a seaside town 30km from Barcelona. Here we ate yet another delicious meal - cold gazpacho, followed by fish with a lemon and mint sauce and more yoghurt and fruit for dessert. We made ourselves comfy on the beach, enjoyed the sun, indulged in more ice-cream and swam in the sea again!
Unfortunately Monday follows Sunday, which means it was time for us to leave the city that has it all. No doubt I will be back again!
