A Vendor at La Boqueria Market
The weather gods decided to favor us today. . We slept a little later this morning since we had no organized tour. After a nice breakfast we took the ship’s shuttle to the World Trade Center. Some friends came along with us and we began our stroll up Las Ramblas. Las Ramblas is the beautiful main avenue in Barcelona. As we walked through the tree-lined middle of the street we passed the mimes and vendors. Some of the mimes are absolutely wonderful!. It was a gorgeous sunny day with the temperature in the high 60’s or low 70’s.
Our first stop was La Boqueria Market. I am so in love with markets! The variety of food available almost provides a sensory overload. How I wish we had such a place at home. We wandered around taking lots of photos and savoring the smells. There were a few things we wanted to buy, but we decided to come back later in the afternoon so that we didn’t have to carry them with us.
We crossed to the other side of the street and headed into the Gothic Quarter, the oldest section of the city. The streets are narrow and winding and lined with little shops and bars and restaurants. We found our way to the Cathedral of Barcelona (not the Sagrada Familia). The building is an old Gothic one. In front of the main entrance is a portion of the original Roman wall. In fact some of the structures sit on remains of the original Roman settlement. There was a long line to go in the cathedral so we decided to forego that and wander some more before heading to our favorite tapas restaurant. Along the way we encountered a street performer making huge bubbles. They were quite beautiful. The restaurant, Taller de Tapas, is in a small square next to another little church. We got a table outside and proceeded to feast on a variety of tapas dishes. Most of you probably know what tapas are, but for those who don ‘t they are literally “small plates.” You order several and share so everyone has a taste of a variety of things. We had shrimp, squid, mussels, iberico ham, dried beef, and fried shaved artichokes among other things. As we ate an accordion player appeared and began playing some typical songs. It was interesting to watch him. He kept looking all around as he played and one moment we saw him and the next it was as if the pavement had swallowed him up. Two policemen came strolling through the square and we realized then the musician was keeping a sharp eye out for them. As soon as they had passed he reappeared as if by magic and continued playing.
After a nice lunch we headed back to the market. We bought some cheese and torrone (almond candy). Then it was time to make the leisurely stroll down the street to the shuttle pick-up point. Barcelona is a wonderful city. I think it’s probably my favorite of those we have visited on the cruise so far.
A bridge between the Bishop's residence and the Cathedral
The Back of the old Gothic Cathedral
A Street Artist making lovely, sparkling bubbles
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