Follow the Crowds

One thing remains constant across the world, if there is a crowd/lineup, then there is generally something interesting on the other end.  If a restaurant looks busy, it must be good.  If people are gathered around something, it must be worth seeing (hopefully).  Same for lineups.  Back at Tast a La Rambla we used the same theory.  Look around, what are people eating.  Which booths have the longest lineups...those must be the good ones.  Walking around we find this massive group lined up for this one tapas so we go in to see what it's for:  Blood Sausage stuffed with Squid!  Ok, so maybe there are some exceptions to the rule...

The pastries and cafes here are on par with France and Italy.  Not quite as frequent, but just as fresh and delicious.  Supermercats are everywhere and very very reasonably priced to get your goodies (wine, chips, water etc).  Extremely convenient and affordable for a city that is considered expensive to visit.



We spent the first half+ of our day exploring the Gothic Quarter, the oldest part of the city.  Just like many parts of Europe, narrow streets that wind in every direction, leading to a multitude of different squares, mostly built around old palaces or churches.  So charming and full of character, it reminds me of Antibes and maybe makes me a little homesick (for Antibes, not Garson HAHA).  We found several beautiful old gothic churches, one that did not allow us in but was in a large square (Placa Nova) where, on Sundays, an orchestra sets up on the steps of the church and plays classical Catalonian music for the people and those who wish can participate in the Sardana, a popular Catalonian folk dance.  And sure enough we lucked out and fell upon Placa Nova just as they were setting up and got to experience it and lo and behold a few minutes into the music these circles of people (mostly elderly) start to form and they dance around like they've all done it 1000 times before.  Everyone knew the steps, people would just randomly join the circles (everyone hold hands) and it was beautiful and fun to watch.  It's a tradition I'm sad to say, will likely be lost with time.



In our exploration we walked in on a mass during the Eucharist (I don't know if that's what it's called in English... La Benediction, is how I know it) and it was perfect timing.  We got to exchange greetings and go up for bread.  Even though we don't understand Catalonian (which is what they speak here, not Castillian Spanish - it's quite different and is different still from North American Spanish) we were perfectly able to follow along with the service as it is identical to the Catholic service we would get back home.  Not surprising I guess, but we heard the Notre Pere (Our Father) in their language and all of the blessings that come with the end of mass.  It was really neat to take part.




The flora here is wonderful.  Orange trees growing everywhere, but apparently the oranges growing in the Gothic Quarter are not edible.  We're not sure why... We asked someone but he didn't speak English but made the gesture to say they didn't taste good.  Having had their freshly squeezed on the spot orange juice for breakfast though, we can attest, that the oranges they do get, are incredibly delicious.  As is their gelato!  YAY GELATO!  3 scoops for only .50Euro more than 2 - YES PLEASE!!!  Oh boy how I've missed this!

Lunch consisted of salads and sangria.  And the sangria here is like nothing else!  It's absolutely perfect for a mid day beverage.  And it's soooo cheap!  8 Euro for a PITCHER!  Like that 9 Euro for the bottle of wine... Is this for real?  I forgot how inexpensive alcohol is in Europe... Maybe it is a good thing I DON'T live here.

The last part of our day got us back on the Hop On Hop Off bus for a short while taking us to Placa d'Espanya a square designed for the 1929 World Expo.  It has a massive "Arena" which is now a shopping mall and a huge Forum/Expo Centre.  The view leads up to the beautiful Palau Nacional (now their largest art museum - like the Louvre).  From there up the Mont Juic hill which houses the Palau Nacional where we got amazing views over the city and the Olympic Stadium and Torch.  The entire Mont Juic area is now transformed into a communal recreational area outfitted with endless trails, parks, courts (tennis), fields and on and on and on for Barcelonians to use and enjoy.  It is incredible what this city has done for its residents.  This is also apparently a serious hotspot for local youth to hang out and party.  There were tons of young people hanging out, drinking, but behaving themselves and respecting their environment.  It seems to be somewhat monitored but they are given the leeway to enjoy themselves and I suspect for anyone who gets out of hand, there is security of some sort that keeps the area safe for everyone.  





I think the most impressive thing about Barcelona so far is its infrastructure.  Unlike any other city I've been to, or at least in the minority of cities, the infrastructure to support local residents needs as well as facilitate tourism is some of the best I've ever seen.  From the public transportation, to cleanliness (this is the cleanest city I think I've ever been to), to amenities for the people to enjoy, to being a very green city (both in terms of greenery AND being earth conscious).  So far Barcelona is getting 5 stars.



We ended our night on the hotel roof, enjoying a glass of wine and the night sky.  Not a bad way to end a long but fun day of exploring.


Oh... and just a few things we came across during today's adventure:




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