Explore...Barcelona

October began to get a little chilli and my feet were getting itchy, so I decided to go exploring, to Barcelona.

If you follow my snap chat (rebeccauterhark) then you will have seen my journey leaving Redruth to arrive in Reading just under five hours later.

I was picked up by a handsome sight after three weeks of being apart, to eat, sleep and prepare for the early departure in the morning.

The 10am departure meant we had time to have breakfast and could still enjoy the afternoon in a beatiful new place.

The heat on arriving at the airport was glorious and really warmed the bones, you know that feeling? It made us both smile. We caught a local bus to the hotel, and was greeted with a tall, modern and smart building. Really close to the bus route and metro station.

Our first afternoon was spent on 'La Rambla' a famous street bustling with markets, artists, buskers and beautiful colours. Actually, as we were both hungry, we ate at the Hard Rock Cafe before exploring.

I couldn't stop looking at all the buildings, each one an individual and eye catching in its own way.

 

The locals Market called 'Mercat de la Boqueria' Is also very famous and known as a must visit place. I can see why. Fresh fruit, ones I have never seen before, chocolates, nuts, sweets, dried fruit, fresh fish and meat. This is where we bought food and drink for that evening and breakfast the following day.

Sweets. 

I thought these were Cornish Pasties, in fact they were Calzones.

Fresh Fish

We continued our walk down street and followed Christopher Columbus, telling us to go the way he pointed and ended up in the port area. A very clean, decked and sparkly area. Filled with boats, smartly dressed people and laughter. The still water, warm air and odd music being played while locals danced was a real holiday treat.

Sunday was a day of exploring suggested sites. First to 'Sagrada Familia'. I don't really need to say much about it, you can see what a magnificent building it is. I looked at it for ages and still don't think I picked out all the tiny details hidden within the architecture. This medieval cathedral, designed initially by architect  Francisco de Paula del Villar (1828-1901) and later commissioned and carried on by Gaudi, has taken over 100 years to build so far The old from the new is so defined and there is still more to build. It is expected to be finished in 2024 with 18 towers: 12 dedicated to the apostles, 4 to the evangelists, one to Jesus and another to Mary.

From here we went to discover more of Gaudi's work at 'Park Guell'. Eusebi Güell gave Gaudí the assignment of drawing up plans for developing an estate for well-off families on a large property he had acquired in the zone known popularly as the Muntanya Pelada (bare mountain). It was a healthy location with views over the growing city and of course of the sea and landscape. He wanted to recreate British residential parks,which is why 'Park Guell' is named in English.

After a long day of walking and climbing hills we headed to the beach, to relax and sit down to enjoy the sun for a while. We stumbled across a little band, playing exactly the type of music that I love and also what you want to hear when your on holiday. Happy and bouncy, the musicians made it a performance to watch and not just listen to. 

A further walk along the boardwalk lead us to Pacha, among other bars where locals were dancing, singing and having a great time, on a Sunday. It can only make you feel good inside. We finally sat a beach side restaurant to indulge in a Spanish special...Tapas.

Monday and our final day, we were off to Camp Nou. I am not a fan of football, but this experience was interesting, for two hours, then it gets tedious (my opinion)! I learnt a lot actually. For example how and why the team was created and then how the stadium came about. Along with Technology Development of the boots, balls and kit. I found it interesting that the team was actually created by a Swiss man, Joan Gamper, in 1899 and the rest of the team were foreigners visiting the Catalan Country. These days, the stadium that seats 99,354 people is the largest in Europe and the 6th largest association football stadium in the world. It's planning an extension, which I saw the plans for, it's insane. Do that many people really go and watch football?

Trophey Room

Away team changing room.

Steps leading on to the pitch, used by the players.

Our holiday finished with a stroll back down Las Ramblas and finding a street Tapas restaurant for dinner.

Barcelona is my idea of a perfect place. A large and beautiful city, right by the beach. There is plenty to do and to look at. The only thing that does put me off a little is the amount of smokers around, the buskers and people begging for money and the risk of pick pockets. I would suggest to everyone to go and visit and I probably would go back again if I was offered. But like to try and visit somewhere new each time.

We flew out of the country before the sun came up and landed in the UK welcomed by the cold wind and thunder. I spent fourteen hours travelling home and it was a very depressing time. Saying goodbye always sucks, holiday blues, busy trains and traffic every where.

I was happy to be home, showered, fed and in my onesie. Already planning the next adventure. Where will it take me?