We Travel World

Well, what a place that evokes lots of emotions…
So beautiful, so much to do and see, but so many dodgy people and annoying tourists (namely bucks/hens nights)…

The first night I got there was a little hard, I went with two girls from Busabout for a free dinner at a bar. The bar was located off La Ramblas, the main street which at night can be a little seedy, we unfortunately got lost and ended up in a VERY scary part of town. We were harassed by three males and there were hookers everywhere, not so nice… We were relieved to find the place in the end and looked forward to walking back to the safety of our hostel, which was in one of the dodgiest streets in the area, although conveniently, or not conveniently located near the main Police station – whichever way you want to look at it…

The next morning was however a new day and I realised that Barcelona by day was a lot nicer that Barcelona by night… Started off the day with a run, so so so hot… Then went on a bike tour – my favourite!!! The tour took us to the CIty Halls, Gaudi’s church Sagrada Familia, the bull ring, an amazing park/zoo, the Arc de triomph and of course the beach… We learnt a lot, enjoyed the ride in the sun and enjoyed Sangria and salad for lunch on the beach. Late that afternoon I had arranged to meet a girl in my room who was also travelling alone… I waited, waited waited and then finally she came back 45mins late. WHilst rushing from the bus to meet me she had been pick pocketed, all cards, 400 euros and her favourite hat were all gone… So that night I helped her cancel her cards, had an enlightening time at the Police Station – they clearly weren’t surprised that yet another wallet had been stolen and it took us around two hours to get through the line or tourists before her story was heard… That was my wake up call, that afternoon I took all cards out of my wallet and only carried round a small amount of cash… ANyway, when we finally finished at the police station we went out for dinner to a very classy, and very cheap Spanish restaurant… I had my first Paella, YUM…

Next morning i decided a beach day was required so after my run I went to the market, oh my gosh, all you foodies out there would love it… so many amazing fruits, vegies, seafood and other food stalls, the sights, the smells. I think Prahran Market has a lot to answer for!!!
That afternoon I went to the beach and got a little burnt. The water, although a little too close to the oil refinery and industrial area than I would want, was tolerable and due to the heat of the sun I went for two swims ensuring my mouth was closed the whole time!
After the beach we went for a quiet drink then headed back to the hostel…

In retrospect I did a lot of lazing in Barcelona… once again I went to the beach by myself the next morning where I was harassed by some creepy guy that wanted to sit next to me, I told him, rather forcefully to ‘go away’. That afternoon I was in contact with a couple I had been spending time with along the way, they suggested we go to a Flamenco and Tapas night so that’s what I did…
Met them and we were walked to a restaurant where we had Sangria and Tapas – Tapas were TERRIBLE!!! But at 1030 we were taken to a Flamenco dancing and guitar show… Damian, I can see the appeal, it was AWESOME, right then and there I wanted to buy a Flamenco skirt and take lessons!!!
After the show the couple, their friend Bec from London and I decided we would suss out the Barcelona night life, it was a Friday after all…
So many options, we went to a couple of bars, laughed awkwardly at all the dodgy people hanging round the streets and we watched the street performers which are located right along Las Ramblas, some of them are so good… Examples include a guy that sits in a fridge and shivers, a guy that sits on the loo, music, still life statues, you name it…
We ended up at a club that was PACKED with locals, had a very fun night filled with Minimal/Techo/Indie/RnB Music and thank god the others walked me home to my hostel conviently nestled in my dodgy street…

The next morning we decided to go the Gaudi park, which, to explain Gaudi is a famous Architect that has amazing buildings right throughout Barcelona… Despite the heat the park was great. Excellent views of Barcelona city, amazing gardens, structures and buildings within the park… That night we found the most AMAZING restaurant… I heard about it from a couple that were staying in my room, so cheap, so so gourmet… I tried another Paella and for a 3 course meal with wine – INDULGE – I think I paid around 15euros whcih was pretty amazing… No wonder there was a line when we got there ten mins before opening. Better still it was full of locals!!! One thing to note, the Spanish don’t do the best desserts…
After dinner I was pretty tired so I just went to bed to be ready for my last full day in Barcelona…
Early morning I went up the mountain which is where the Olympics was, that walk was a steep one and took about an hour but I got some great pics… I then did some shopping with the couple and we couldn’t resist, we decided a light lunch at our favourite cheap restaurant was in order, once again it was packed and once again it was brilliant. I am pretty sure it’s in the Lonely Planet but its called La Fonda, do yourself a favour if you are ever in Barcelona… After dinner I went for another short walk and then crashed…

The next morning was the end of an era, no more busabout I had to tackle my way on scary public transport (eek) to the airport… Back to home sweet home, London town…

But not for long…