Barcelona Highlights

So here begins our 6 week adventure in Europe – something I’ve always wanted to do in some shape or form but was never able to make it happen until now. We start with Barcelona…

Upon arrival we walked around the Barri Gotic, the old Roman city – a great place to get lost and explore the narrow winding coble stone streets. Famished, Alan found a traditional Catalan lunch spot for us – Elizabeth’s in Upper Raval – where we wolfed down tasty paella, fried sardines, and a tender hunk of pork knuckle (a first for us)…  oh, I probably shouldn’t mention the big jug of cheap wine which we happily drank!

Day 2 was primarily devoted to walking… everywhere! (it felt like 10 miles at least) The most memorable part was Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) which is the massive Roman Catholic church designed by Gaudi. Construction began in 1882 and continues today – it’s completion is scheduled for 2026 but will likely be delayed given controversy over construction/design. The cathedral is an impressive example of Gaudi’s nature-inspired Modernisme/Art Nouveau style meshed with the more modern adaptations of his successors.

Saturday we strolled to Mercat de la Boqueria which is a huge dizzing market where you can find anything from homemade candy, organic fruits/veggies, and tapas bars; to goat  & cow heads, and whole uncooked pigs & octopus.

After the market, we had what’s probably our favorite meal of the trip so far at Quimet y Quimet – a standing-only tapas bar about a mile outside of Barri Gotic… We had all these amazing little creations that the tapas bartender made right in front of us – duck pate with mushrooms on toast with sweet balsamic reduction & olive oil, anchovies with artichoke hearts & pesto, cheese with candied chestnuts, salt cod with tomato spread on toast… and more. Mmmm, my mouth is watering just thinking about that meal. The home-brewed beer was the perfect accompaniment. (for anyone heading to Barcelona, this place is a MUST!)

Later that night we met up with Scotty and Gretchen and grabbed dinner at 7 Portes – an old famous restaurant featuring the best paella I’ve ever had in my life! I can’t really remember what else we ate because the memory of the paella basically dwarfs it all.

The last day the four of us feasted on more Gaudi with a trip to Park Güell, Casa Milà, and Casa Batlló… I’ve never seen architecture like this – the two house are truly works of art in the form of houses. I don’t know what Gaudi was smoking but it must’ve been real special ;-)

Our last little treat in Barcelona was at Cacao Sampaka – a chocolate store that could pass for an art gallery with sophisticated displays of chocolate creations and an inviting little cacao bar in the back where Alan and I sampled a very different hot chocolate than we’re used to in the States – so thick and pudding-like, you can almost eat it with a spoon. Mmm, the Azteca (80 % cacao y especias) was our favorite -- It was to die for!!