(taken 12:12)
Well off to a slow start (again). We certainly are adapting to the new lifestyle. Still, we think it would be best to get started a little earlier than 11am! Tomorrow, we set the alarm.
We went for a stroll through the El Born district, which is part of the old city, but on the other side of the street from the Gothic Quarter. Our meanderings took us past St. Mary’s, down to the Placa El Born and right across from the old market, that is now closed. We headed up toward Placa d’Urquiaona, and ended up at St. Peter’s Church. This is a beautiful and old church, with a complete history of the Christianity. Unfortunately for us, none of the information was in English, so we really do not know what kind of great structure we happened upon. The church is not written about anywhere that I can find, so we are left to wonder.
From there, we made our way to Placa d’Urquiaona, where I reoriented myself. From there, we headed down Via Laietana and to St. Catherine’s Market. This is a new market, and does not have the size or charm of St. Joseph’s, but nonetheless, a fun place to look at the display cases and marvel at the variety of foods.
(taken 12:18)
And variety we found. Look at this marvelous example. Don’t his eyes just call out to you for help?
(taken 13:05)
From the market we may our way to the Cathedral square. At this point, we had been on the move for a couple of hours and decided to take a beverage break. We did so here at the Estruch Café, which sits opposite main entrance to the Cathedral.
(taken 13:13)
While sitting at the Café’ a flower fluttered into Karen’s hair. Beauty finds beauty.
(taken 15:43)
Well much has happened since our last photo. We went into the Cathedral. Strangest thing, when we walked in on Saturday, no charge to enter. We walked around a bit, but we were on our way elsewhere and figured we would be back. When we walked in on Sunday into the grotto area, no charge. We took a peek, but we were on our way elsewhere and figured we be back. We walk in on Tuesday, and bam! A 5 euro charge per person! What the heck!
So, if you are going to go see the Cathedral, do it on the weekend! Little inside tip for you.
Even at 5 euro, it is worth it. The church is magnificent. Couple of really cool things are the grotto and the view from the top. The Grotto is this inside court garden area. It has swans and fully stocked pond (with goldfish) and is surrounded by religious figures. A very relaxing environment, even with a couple of hundred of your favorite tourists.
We happened up the ride to the top. Didn’t even know it was there, but just followed a couple of other tourist through a door. The ride is in an elevator, so no climbing stairs (yeah!) and in a minute or so you on the roof. The view is great of the top of the church, Gothic Quarter and the surrounding city. And no extra charge! Our euro’s working hard for us!
After the Cathedral, we figured we would see more of the Bari Gotic’ and make our way to the St. Joseph’s food market. By this time we were getting hungry, so as we made our way down Ferran street, we came up an opening to a courtyard. The courtyard turned out to be the Placa Reial. It is a large courtyard, with a giant fountain in the middle and surrounded by lamp posts designed by Gaudi. The yard is rung by cafes eager to serve you lunch. We settled on one and her Karen is digging into her meal. She got the cheese lunch, I got the salami. We both were expecting sandwiches, but in fact, the cheese/salami were cut up in small bits and served plain. With that came a slice of bread with tomato smashed across it (very good) and a salad. The salad was very salty, but the salami, cheese and bread are excellent.
Dig-in Karen!
(taken 15:44)
And you too Ralph!
(taken 15:48)
A view of the Reial Courtyard.
(taken 16:18)
“Let’s go!” says Karen. We have made it to the St. Joseph’s market. This is the most famous market in Barcelona and it is right off of Las Ramblas. It’s getting late, so we better get in there…
(taken 16:21)
No Anchovies! A beautiful display of culinary delights! There must be a half dozen or more different anchovies right here in this display case. Unfortunately, the market is starting to close up, so we are going to head out of here and come back another day, earlier.
(taken 17:42)
Well we left the food market, as so many of the shops were closing up, and headed up Las Ramblas to Placa de Catalunya. Karen spied a couple of department stores of the square and we went to investigage. Now I am no shopping maven, but I have to say the department stores are not that good. Their lay out and design left a lot to be desired. We give Barcelona the highest markets in restaurants, bars, history, culture, scenery, but not in shopping (I am, of course, drawing up the expert opinion of the person next to me).
Enjoying a cool drink on the sidewalk and watching the town go by. Now that is something they do very well here. So we decided to join them!
(taken 21:33)
Well we made our way back down Las Ramblas and rambled on through the Barri Gotic to take in more sights. We eventually reached our neighborhood and what did we find, but a demolition zone blocking us from our preferred route home. Karen thought for sure the building had collapsed. The officials on site, however, did not seem much stressed (though a crowd was milling about) and so I figured it was a planned demolition. In some way, we were both correct. Apparently this building had been vacant of tenants and a target for demolition for a long time. However, squatters had settled in. The landlord finally won the right to knock the building down. The squatters were removed (with protesters looking on) and the “wrecking ball” made the first strike. Such excitement. I have taken this picture later in the evening as we make our way back from dinner. Neither of us were hungry, so we decided to get a light dinner at a carry out place on the beach. We both at focaccia bread (basically a slice of pizza they way they make it) and a beer. With that simple meal, we finish our day.
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