I didn’t really researched before this Barcelona day trip. I have been in the city before but had this idea that since I will be in Girona, might as well swing by for a day trip to Barcelona for two things: Eat again at La Boqueria Market and visit the Sagrada Familia Church that I didn’t get to check out the last time I was here. Sounds like a good plan so I did it.
An outdoor terrace in the La Ribera Quarter.
For the rest of the day in the city I just went with the flow, followed my instincts, being spontaneous and eager where my two feet will bring me. With that said, I spent a great deal walking and sightseeing. I am in my element when I am alone and walking aimlessly, discovering, venturing into narrow alleys, appreciating little things here and there, such as a detail of art on a building or perhaps two old women exchanging gossip on a doorstep. And I’d like to capture them all in pictures.
Dutchman kept telling me, ‘If you had a DSLR camera you would not have taken as much pictures as you have taken in your trips.’ He does the backup of my pictures so he is sometimes shocked at the amount of pictures I amass every year. But he could be right, because with a pocket camera it is so easy to slip into your hand or bag and snap whenever you like.
Anyway, for this particular evening, I just finished visiting the Sagrada Familia and took the metro back to the centre. I didn’t know really where to go so I just randomly got off at nearby Barceloneta and crossed over to the La Ribera El Borne quarter where I had some tapas and wine.
I like Barcelona, it has this hip, arty, young and energetic feel about it that Madrid doesn’t have. Don’t let me choose though which one I like best because you can’t really compare both cities. Each has something unique and distinct to offer and it’s better that way really. It keeps the already tussling rivalry between the two major cities at bay.
I’d love to come back and do more spontaneous walks like this, perhaps in other quarters of Barcelona Ceutat Villa.
This is the Barcelona Estacio de Franca located near Barceloneta. Or the Barcelona France Railway, named such as this was the main terminus for trains coming from France in the 19th century.
El Borne, Mercado Central Mayorista or the El Born Central Wholesale Fruit and Vegetable Market (1921-1971) of Barcelona. It now lies in a display of ruins and as a cultural exhibition center. Go here for their website: El Born Centre Cultural Beautiful and catchy black and white pictures of the market then on display.
A very laid back square with chairs, Placa de la Puntual. These are fixed chairs by the way.
There is a lively outdoor courtyard-like cafe terrace scene on Carre de l’Allada-Vermell which is a pedestrian-zone area I think. Trees line up the street.
This is my style. I like simplicity and classic. I also love black. Except for the hat this is my get up for everyday work.
I found the Tarantana Cafe Restaurant which has two entrances, at Carrer Tarantana (the main entrance) and at Carrer de l’Allada-Vermell where they have an outdoor terrace.
The kitchen of Tarantana Restaurant with lots of chalk scribblings on the wall.
Inside Tarantana Restaurant is a bit quiet so I went outside instead and settled at the outdoor terrace on Carrer de l’Allada-Vermell.
Because I love food I sometimes wish I am a big eater. This is so far what my stomach can take for the night. Dried anchovies in oil with some pan con tomate and a cava sparkling wine.
This was really good though. 4.4 stars out of 5. I can still taste its saltiness as I write! And the taste of the tomato on the bread as well.
And saw this picture as well. What does it say to you? Women wear the pants, well in Spain it is the moustache, in the kitchen and home =)
Taking now the metro from La Rambla to Barcelona Sants Railway.
I have 10 minutes to kill time for a cup of espresso at Barcelona Sants Railway.
Ah, my train has arrived. I am taking the Figueres stop train and will get off in Girona. Interestingly, the woman sitting on the bench has really catchy lacy black stockings, and I cannot help but remember my time in Cuba where women security guards wore them as uniform. Go here for the story: Cuban Fashion: The mini skirt and the black lace stockings obsession This ends my Barcelona entries from my last trip.
Travel Period: November 2013
Destination: Barcelona (Catalonia), Spain
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Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)
