03/09/2015

3 days in Barcelona

So, for the first time ever I went to mainland Spain. For the first time I went to Barcelona. A city I had read about in the unforgettable book The Shadow of The Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, (a book I wept dearly over when I was done reading it). And my urge to visit Barcelona was even more nurtured when I read the powerful Cathedral of the Sea by Ildefonso Falcones, a book set in the medieval Barcelona.

In One Word, my dearies: Amazing. Amazing Barcelona. The architecture, the food, the feeling... . Yup - this is a city I would go back to. But only 3 days, what to see, where to go? Not a chance that I am "done" with this city. Here are my top 3 days - 5 Barcelona moments:

1. Strolling at Mercat de la Boqueria. I do have a soft spot for market places like this: the whole atmosphere; strolling around in between stalls selling fruit, vegetables, nuts, dried fruit, sweets, oil, juice, ham etc. Yes, a bit touristy perhaps, located as it is just by Los Ramblas, but still a fun place to explore.




2. Exploring the churches and architecture in general. Oh yes, it was pretty amazing to see the breathtaking grandious churches from the books I had been reading. The gorgeous Santa Maria del Mar, and the one-of -a kind Sagrada Familia. I liked strolling around in the narrow alleyways of the area Barri Gotic, and to walklike a queen down the broad majestetic avenues.



3. A morning at Camp Nou. Yes, since one of my travel companions is a huuuge football fan, a visit to Camp Nou, the largest football stadium in Europe was a must. And it was fun! Together with almost 100.000 visitors you can watch Messi and his team.


4. A lazy afternoon at Barceloneta, the large beach located in the centre of the city. And what amazing combination: a sweathy morning in the city, and then a lazy afternoon on the beach, streched out, sipping a cold drink while watching the sun set over the sea. Beautiful.


5. Brunching at Rekons (Comte d'Urgell 32). The food in Barcelona deserves a chapter of its own really. In short: We Ate Well. Lots of Tapas: small dishes that just kept coming. Small grilled green peppers, ham, small pies, olives... Our favorites turned out to be the small places in the university areas. Places like Rekons, where they made our huge salad as we watched - all fresh, cheap and sooo tasty...



So long Barcelona. Hope to see you again:-)  

17 comments:

  1. Omg Eli! I was just planning a trip to Spain and deciding on Madrid Vs Barcelona when I saw your post! I can't wait to have Tapas! ;)
    Lovely post as usual and you got me interested in the book too - The Shadow of The Wind.

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    1. Hahah - Aditi - thats great! Can surely reccommend Barcelona, never been to Madrid either. Happy to see you here! Hope your next trip will take you this way...:-) Hugs

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  2. Lovely pictures Eli. I've been to Barcelona once but it was a long long time ago. I do remember the churches. That salad looks delicious and sitting out at those small colourful tables seems like such a wonderful way to spend a day. Yeah - the books. I need to check those out.

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    1. Thanks for sharing dear Tulika, yes, really a nice city to visit:-) big hugs

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  3. What be-auti-ful pictures! Also, adding The Shadow Of The Wind to my TBR list :)

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    1. Thank you so much. happy to see you here:-)

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  4. As always, your pictures take us to the wonderful places you go :) Looks like you had some great fun times in Barcelona. Waiting to see where you take us next :)

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    1. Aww, thanks a lot dear Beloo. hugs your way

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  5. Wow! That is so awesome 5 moments. Super cool and makes me think of when will I go on a vacation?.

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    1. Thanks a lot dear Parul. Hope you will :-)

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  6. Barcelona has always been on my list.. and after seeing these amazing pictures I am even more eager to visit..!!
    Beautiful..

    Cheers

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    1. Thank you so much, yes, really a nice city to visit:-)

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  7. Wow...thank you for sharing your amazing pictures and memories of such an amazing place!

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  8. I also loved Barcelona. We didn't go to either the stadium or the beach, but we were in a long term home exchange about 80 km to the north, so spent a lot of time on the Spanish beach. Beautiful photos. I love the architecture of the city, and everything Gaudí. Be sure to get to Park Guell if you get back.

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    1. Thanks Rhonda- yes, the architecture was amazing. We heard about the Park, but this time, didn't have time- next time hopefully:-) Happy to see you here:-)

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  9. Spain seems to be exotic.. lovely pictures.
    A Rat's Nibble

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