Barcelona is the only city in europe, outside of France that I have ever been to more than once. This is a city with plenty of zest. The first time around, in early spring, I was already impressed. A little overwhelming by appearance and a little confusing. The second time around, in mid-autumn, I still felt the same. Just eight hours by bus from Madrid, and its as though another country. The second time I flew straight to Barcelona from Paris; a gift from
the sweetest of persons. Spanish is spoken and is generally understood as the official language of Barcelona but
Catalan seems more popular. The street signs and that of public transport are mostly prioritised like this: catalan, spanish and then english (sometimes french). You can imagine how complicated it can get renting an appartment from a catalonian man. Him speaking only half spanish, us speaking english and a
melange of beginner's spanish & french. Fortunately we (François, Julien, Marion & I) managed to get things sorted out. The appartment was not very far from the Pablo Sec metro stop, or the Plaça Catalunya. It was quite strategic. I was pleased with myself and my efforts on communicating in spanish, because this time unlike the first, I was not accompanied by people who spoke the language. On my previous trip to the city I was with two if not crazy-awesome
mexican spanish &
catalonian spanish friends (we didn't really stay in Barcelona but in
Terrassa, in the outskirts of town - this calls for
a separate story). I found the streets of Barcelona very colourful and exciting. I kept expecting random people to just burst into a fertility dance of some kind. I don't know what that had to do with anything but I suppose its the general
energy of the city that was contageous. I wanted to dance everywhere, not walk. Las Ramblas, one of the most famous boulevards in the world is without a doubt worth a stroll, a place where you can find just about anything (yes, even fortune tellers).
There are simply too many places to visit, excluding ones that are not far outside Barcelona, like the Salvador Dalí's sights in Figueres & Cadaques (about an hour away by train). I went to
Museo Picasso downtown in Barri Gòtic. In my opinion the enty fee was rather pricy (18 euros per person) but all worth it. This museum has the most extensive collections of the painter. There were paintings from his early childhood, his academic work and
his blue period. Picasso, the free-spirit that he was, spent a few years of his youth in the city where he studied in the prestigious art academy of 'La Lonja'. Aside from its artistic personas, Barcelona sights are also not to miss. The city's beach and a port is perfect for walks on a sunny day.
Within the city of Barcelona lies the
Sagrada Família, the spectacular yet unfinished work of Antonio Gaudi who is probably the most celebrated architect in Barcelona. The inside had me at a loss of words. If there ever were a beauty, this was surely one of them. From its towering tops, for not more than 5 euros, you can see the city of Barcelona almost entirely.
Parc Guell - yet another Gaudi treasure scattered around the city, is a park that is vast and - there aren't too many ways to say beautiful so I'll say, beautiful. Both of the times I was there, it was full of people. Musicians and street performers were a common sight. Climbing all the way to the top of the park, on the contrary, was not. There were obstacles, I assure you. It wasn't a 'daunting' task, but nonetheless challenging, especially for those not fond of sports. But as always, the view from the top of anything, is a great view.
I cannot stress this enough but spanish food is delicious. Paella, tapas, patatas,
everything. On the subject, Tapas is not actually a type of food but rather, a way of eating it.
Tapa means cover and was traditionally a slice of cheese and ham placed over a drink. A finger food, if you will.
L'apéro to the french (?). In any case, the spanish people have their tongue screwed right in my opinion. The best thing about it is that, food is relatively affordable. It is not ridiculously expensive (like in Scandinavian countries). Cigarettes & alcohol are also much cheaper compared to other western european countries.
