Barcelona turned out to be a 30 hour trip from Brisbane – just under 24 in the air. Made much more tolerable courtesy Maureen’s gift of business class points. I even managed a few hours sleep, though the constant announcements in 3 languages that we were entering turbulence and please fasten seat belts made sound sleep near impossible.
Arrived here at 9am. Showery weather, and 18C made to feel much less by a strong breeze off the ocean. The studio apartment is ideal. Right near the harbour in the Born district, it is handy to everything. Neat, modern and very well maintained and equipped. Visited the local supermarket to get the basics … more a 7eleven style than Coles or Woolies. So far have had no language difficulty as English seems to be spoken everywhere here.
Not sure that they still siesta of an afternoon,but the odd business hours continue. Restaurants close at 3 after lunch and don’t reopen till 8.30 pm. Churches also close from 1-4.30pm: maybe the clergy do siesta! Badly wanted an early meal tonight, so ended up in Dunn’s Irish Pub: and a genuine paddy waited on me with all his Celtic charm.
Have explored the immediate region,spending an hour at the historic church of Santa Maria del Mar. Dates from the 14th century. Tomorrow I’ll use the Bus Turistico (hop on-hop off) to start investigating the city’s main attractions. Bed calls now!
SEE the pics of the day here.
2 comments:
If you walk up Via Laietana to Placa d 'Anthony Maura then turn right ( from memory there maybe a Starbucks on the corner- it is also a pick up spot for the Turistico) the Mercat de Caterina (fresh food market) is just a little way down that street. Highly recommend for fresh produce, meat and Tapas type snacks - great olives and cheeses etc. It also has a restaurant but a bit expensive. The tapas bar at the front is good if you just want a quick bite. We preferred this to the bigger and busier market on The Ramblas. Love Judy
Could not quite fathom your sms yesterday to say you were on the ground in Milan until Maureen said that was a touch down only. I had been tracking your flight all day and Milan was not mentioned.
Hope you are sleeping soundly at the moment and feel as fresh as a daisy in the morning to go bus hopping.
adios mi amor........Pat oxox
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