Barcelona!

Hi Readers,

Well today was our first full day in Barcelona and we were keen to see what this place has to offer.

After a standard sleep in to about 8.30 we were then up and about and ready to go.

Today started with a leisurely stroll through the streets on the way to La Rambla, a street that we have read so much about, and been told by so many to visit.

So what is so good about it?

It is basically a street filled with markets and stalls, nothing too flash, but just humming with people. There are so many side streets leading off it that we are going back tomorrow for a more in depth look.

The crowds were just starting to rock up, tomorrow will be even better.

One thing that struck me as very odd at one stall was that they were selling boomerangs!! I didn't get to see where they were made, I'll try and do that tomorrow.

After a while we sat down for a coffee for her and a hot chocolate for him, and this was an experience.

First of all, the cups were huge, so we didn't think we'd get through them in the first place.

Secondly, my hot chocolate was more like a bowl,of chocolate soup! I needed a spoon to drink/eat it! 

But, no complaints from me, it was beautiful and kept me going until tea time as we missed having lunch.

It wasn't a hot chocolate, it was a meal!!

It was interesting while we sitting down having these and watching the world go by. We have been warned that Barcelona is pickpocket central, and I watched a lady walk past us, and then a group of teenagers walked past her. One of them sort of 'stumbled' and brushed against this woman who suspected nothing. I watched this girl quickly run her hands over this woman then move on, but she had grabbed nothing. Immediately the woman stopped and checked her bags and pockets as by now she had suspected something dodgy.

It just shows how quick and unsuspecting they are.

A couple of times today Jen has just stopped and told me that there was a person walking really close behind me, so we just let them move past us.

After a walk through La Rambla, we were at the foreshore and this was beautiful.

We had a toilet stop, and this in itself became a tourist attraction! Although we had to pay €1 , it was worth it. Totally clean, piped music, no wait and magazines and books in the cubicle!!

Not only can you cleanse yourself, why not buy something while you are waiting! 

We then jumped on a couple of buses for a tour around the city, as over the years we have found that these give you a great understanding of the size of the city and where everything is. 

It was bright and sunny when we got on our first bus at about 12.30, but by the time we got off our second bus at about 4.00 we were starting to get cold and saddle sore!!

Nevertheless we got a great tour of this fantastic city.

I'm sure the guy on this column is important!!

We just laughed watching this small boat parking in amongst all the big flash ones.

Looking out to sea...

 The average side street. Tomorrow will be spent wandering these.

Really hard to get a good shot of the beach from the bus because of the trees!!

Amongst all the brick buildings, there is this. Similar to the one we have seen in London.

Just around the corner from us. Heading there tomorrow, it has been recommended by so many.

This place has so many scooters and motorbikes, my heaven. Even the police get in on the act.

Just a standard street scene showing the huge number of bikes and scooters.

Heading up a Main Street to a famous column, but don't ask me who it is !!

Our boys would be drooling at the prospect of being at this ground!!

Grass between the tracks for the trams.

A table tennis table in the Main Street.

The bike track runs between the traffic lanes.

Tonight I conquered one of the highest peaks, giving me 360 degree views over the city. Well worth the effort. The Spanish radio I am listening to isn't that bad either!!

Barcelona.

After getting home Jen sat and got some rest while I just couldn't help myself and donned the runners for a bit of exercise. I actually went and conquered the next level of the hill I ran up last night. This gave me total 360 degree views over Barcelona. It killed me, but it was worth it!!

So what does tomorrow bring?

It will be our last full day here, so we are staying fairly local. There is a huge Cathedral just around the corner that everyone has told us is a must to see, so that is on the cards. Also, another ramble down La Rambla.

We aren't really into all of the big 'touristy' things, our joy is just wandering and soaking up the atmosphere.

And of course, I'll have another crack at running that big hill and steps in the distance!!!

If you are wondering why I am posing with a sock you must be a new reader. Welcome!!

You'll just have to read some recent posts to understand why I am doing this.

Here we are on the street that so many have told us is a must see only trip to Barcelona, La Rambla.

We loved it, and will visit again tomorrow.

And finally, in front of a statue of someone really famous, but their name just slips me at the moment!!

Rest assured it is at the foreshore in Barcelona.

Tomorrow is our last full day here before we have to dig out the really warm clothes again.

Why? Where will that be?

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Until my next post Readers...

Cheers!!