Spain 3

Friday April 5

Another great day. And the sun was shining on us too. Hurray for being able to wear sandals.

We had bought tickets for the Hop-on-hop-off the night before and with the map in hand we made it towards were we wanted to get on. But of course breakfast first  

We found ourselves at the Arc de Triomp again and there was one of the many little places: tables and chairs outside in front (still too cold for us) and a few tables inside  “Tostadas y cafe”! In this case it was grilled ham and cheese = very good!

There are two open top bus roads. We started with the red. It’s kind of a lazy way to do sightseeing but it suited us today  

It gives you such a good impression of the city. We are impressed. The main roads are wide. Lots of green in between. Always lanes for bicycles and every corner a zebra or traffic light for pedestrians. Cars drive fast but observe and stop. Amazing. 

We had received earplugs we could plug in at our seats and select our language but I don’t think we will recall much. Taking pictures was very difficult with trees and other things always getting in the way but we were very impressed with the architecture. It is absolutely impressive and interesting. 

We also went up a hill which had nice views of the city but we were too lazy to get of the bus and wait for the next. We just enjoyed the scenery. 

If I understood right this must have something to do with the Olympic Games (1992?). Venues all around but this could have been the caldron for the flames. 

The bus went down to the harbor past some lovely gardens. Oh, if we had more time!

Finally we got off. It was way past lunch time but first I wanted to find a shop which my Spanish friend Lali had recommended. I had forgotten to pack something “handcraft” to work on in “off-times”.

A problem: shops like that close here between 2 and 4:30 pm. It was getting tight. Looking at the clock James decided to find a bench and let me run ahead. I arrived at “Merceria Santa Ana” with 6 minutes to spare. I found it thanks to google map in a very narrow side street with an unassuming door but was amazed when I stepped in. 

No time to find a tatting shuttle myself. Hand gestures didn’t help. Google translate did. We had a lot of laughters and it didn’t take long either. They locked up behind me. 

I found James on his bench. 

This had been his view. 

Big help!

Now it was time for lunch. We are always looking for the little Ma+Pa places but we seemed to be in an area of expensive shops and hotels. We wandered around. Finally in one of the lovely narrow side streets James decided on a “Jamoneria”. The address was Santa Anna 25. We ended up in a little back room were the owners family (parents) was having lunch. 

We ordered beer and sangria (I had to try one and it was very nice), a Spanish omelet, something “bravas” and the “cheese flowers”. 

Everything was very tasty but especially the cheese flower. It was goat cheese and something I wished we had at home. 

When we paid I asked about it, whether you buy it like that or make it. With limited English she decided to rush away and come back to show us. 

We had so much fun!

Then we hopped onto the blue circle. 

This included the Sagrada Family. We had a chance seeing more details being higher up. Had to take advantage of the opportunity. Only a few photos.

Up a hill again. 

And then it was time for some walking again. By now it was after 6 pm and getting cool. 

We needed to do a bit of shopping like shaving cream for James which we did successfully. Across our hotel is a tempting looking bakery. This Miquelet in a little white box supposedly was something special from a town near by so we took it to our room. 

Obviously it was very messy to eat. And we shared it. 

We didn’t feel like going out again and staid at the hotel. We took our cards to the bar/restaurant which seemed empty but then some local (older) people arrived one after the other including a little dog and had a lot of fun at the next table. 

We had some dinner too. James ordered a quinoa salad with avocado which totally surprised me since he never seemed fond of either. 

I had salmon Tatar which was very delicious!

And then it was time for bed!!