Barcelona

Thursday, September 3rd

The day started fine, but by the time we arrived at the Santa Maria del Pi church just off the Ramblas, it was drizzling very slightly. This a favourite place, with two squares nearby to have a drink and watch the world go by.

Another block or two through the old part of town is the cathedral, much larger, but also more "cathedral-esque" (if that's a word). Come here in Sunday morning to watch the locals dancing Sardanas (a Catalan national dance).

The cloister is lovely, and contains a family of geese lucky to survive being cooked, or turned into fois gras (if this were France).

Very near by, but almost impossible to find if you don't know it's there, is the almost always tranquil Plaza de Sant Felip Neri. Nine times out of ten someone will be busking and playing Spanish guitar music - this must have been my 10th visit.

It hasn't always been so tranqu,il as the walls can attest - Barcelona paid a heavy price during the Civil War.

Behind the cathedral are the centres of Catalan and Barcelona governments, and on the way down the Carrer del Bisbe you pass below this lovely gothic bridge.

This is the Generalitat - centre of Catalan government. On the other side of the square is the Town Hall. You can imagine that this is an important place for demonstrations of all kinds, including when Barcelona beats Madrid (or anyone else) at football.

Continuing another block is the Plaza del Rei, home to several museums inside lovely medievil buildings.

Heading into the Born district is the loveliest church in Barcelona - Santa Maria del Mar.

And nearby, the old Born market now converted into a Cultural Centre. During conversion, the remains of part of the original old town were unearthed and preserved.

The Picasso Museum is nearby, and well worth a visit. But don't forget to book online, otherwise expect to queue in the street.

There are also many nice bars and restaurants if you're feeling hungry (by day) or thirsty (by night).

Dinner was in the Port Vell (old port) and included a nice walk of 2km along the promenade from the bottom of the Ramblas. I reacquainted myself with Gambrinus (the lobster) and a Roy Lichtenstein sculpture installed for the Olympics.

The view to Mont Juic, Christoper Columbus, and the start of the Ramblas.
 

Of course, dinner had to include Pimientos de Padron and Cod Ceviche (and unseen), Arroz Negro and Monkfish (all favourites of mine).

And so to bed - but not for the young of Barcelona, for whom the night has just begun.