Ole'
Barcelona - April 2005
So after much discussion and internet surfing, we decided to pop over to Barcelona for the weekend of Mel's birthday. Andrew has been there before, absolutely loved the place, and has wanted to take Mel there for ages. Always having good friends around, Brendan, Deon, Monique, Mel and Andrew headed off to Heathrow at some insanely early hour of Friday morning. Some of us had had more sleep than others! A quick flight over, Ipods in ears and all, and we arrived in Barcelona - or should we say "BARTHELONA"
A quick taxi ride from the airport was in order. One is never really sure if the taxi driver actually understands you, but he did seem to take us straight to the hotel. What a nice hotel it was as well! Really close to the metro station, perfect for getting around.
On our very first trip into town we
adopted our new Spanish names, which are used to this day from time to time when
we want to re-create some of that Spanish vibe. Andrew =
Ciaopeto, Mel = Maria, Deon = Obraperobra, Monique = Pancras, Brendan
= Horta, and Cath = Pepara. Strange most will say, but it does help one
get into the spanish mood.
Our first stop was Las Ramblas - really nice main road with large walking
section down the middle. Thousands of people strolling on by.
Markets down the road to buy anything from flowers to pets.
We then headed into a great Spanish square - Placa Reial for some lunch, tapas and all.
We the spent the rest of the afternoon wandering the streets, alley way to alley way. Such a vibey city! We wondered into a small old cathedral - very impressive.
After a rather busy day, and partly due to the early morning, we headed back to the hotel for a power nap. After 1 hour of sleep, 10mins of shower, we headed off again down the oh so clean metro and into town for dinner. Cath, always full of enthusiasm, had to work on Friday, so she arrived Friday evening to help enjoy the first night in Barcelona! Andrew had some allergy/conjunctivitis and his eyes kept watering, took a few days to get better despite medication.
The next day, we all decided to head into town and do the famous bus guided tour. Well worth it! Before we got on the bus though, Horta decided he needed a pair of shoes. Of course a quick sale! He would regret that later.
The bus gives one such a good vantage point to see all the amazing architecture Barcelona has to offer. The cameras went mad of course. It did help that the sun shone a little. Amazing how desperate one becomes after spending time in the cloudy UK.
Of course we had to stop at the La Pedrera. Antoni Gaudi designed this apartment block, which is still inhabited today. His inspiration was apparently nature and specifically the beach. There are no straight lines in his design. Rather amazing. The chimney tops look like some sort of guards out of Star Wars - "Spanish Jedi Knights".
We then headed too Familia Sagrada - Gaudi again. His cathedral that is sadly not yet complete. Probably take another 20 years or so. Of course the 2 hour siesta the Spaniards take each day does not help the building progress. Still impressive though. A small challenge, who can figure out the puzzle?
Wonder up the streets and into another Gaudi development, the Parc Guell. Really worth a visit even if it is up the long steep road. A stop at a cafe for a drink on the way is always in order.
And then a trip down to the waterfront. Horta's shoes were far too small, so Ciaopeto decided to wear them for a while. Walked across the marina, looked at the Olympic rings and all the boats.
Of course another night out. Really smart seafood restaurant, biggest lobster ever! Another really late night though.
Sadly, after a really busy and enjoyable weekend, we had to bid farewell to the lovely city of Barcelona!