our travel tid bits

Just like any good city- the streets of Barcelona had a lot to offer. From the chain smoking prostitutes talking of tourist tainting its city's image. To I'll never soon forget the words " Oh my god its a angry mob!" and it was just that, with torches and all. Or how about the dining experience of a tanning bed as a back drop, couldn't really walk out it was Christmas day and the only restaurant that was open. Or how about have you ever traveled by gondola to the top of a mountain during a wind storm, you'd be surprised by how much they swing. We were like rubber balls, just kinda bouncing off the plexiglass.

Barcelona has to be one of the most beautifully designed cities I've ever seen. Every kind of design from graphic, interior, exterior, environmental, industrial, architectural, traditional and contemporary, has been strategically and organically placed throughout the city. The blinding white MACBA (Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona) with it's pristine wall of glass and open stone slab piazza was an impressive sight. Especially after wandering around dimly lit narrow streets. However, the MACBA is just one of many monumental staples within the city. There is all of Gaudi's works, from the famous Casa Mila, Casa Batilo and Parco Guell. To the famous Torre Agbar and Torre Montjuic, the list goes on and on. Even with seeing all these major sites, the everyday stores and restaurants were just as awe-inspiring. To me Barcelona is truly a city where no detail goes without artistic thought.

On top of Park Guell

On our last full day in Barcelona we walked a very long way (up hill) to the famous Park Guell. We didn't really walk to much around the park itself, but instead got sidetracked by a giant hill just off a main path. It didn't really seem like you were suppose to walk up it, since there were no paths anywhere, but there were no signs saying it was off limits either. So we trekked our way to the top, which was more difficult then expected. However, It was well worth it because at the top was the most amazing 360 view of Barcelona. You could tell it was one of those special secret places that most the tourist down at the park never see.

Barcelona Eats

We steered clear of any El Bulli alumni and tourist traps while in Barcelona and focused on the traditional. It's easy to fall for the Spanish style of cooking and eating - straight forward simple no fuss. Perhaps the perfect city with its cheap beer, cheap plates and no closing time. The good restaurants were always packed and worth the wait.

Some of the high lights had to be:

whole fried sardines in escabeche
of course seafood paella
dates, cheese and bacon(on these little crisp ladyfinger baguettes)
foie gras pate and Roquefort
duck confit with orange and pine nuts
Quarter sized rare mini burgers with sweet onions
fried hot peppers
chorizo and cheese sandwiches
eating al fresco

We even spotted several dunkin donut shops, which you have to be a little soft for after living in Chicago.

On top of Mont Juic

On are second day in Barcelona we headed up to the top of Montjuic via gondolas. Not having any idea of what was awaiting us at the top. The view was amazing as we sat on the hill sipping hot chocolate waiting for the city lights to come on under a full moon.

La Boqueria Market

This is the Mecca for food in Europe, the La Boqueria Market is the biggest and best. The outer rim of the market is full of small bars and restaurants. Once inside the market it's easy to get lost, the array of food is simply overwhelming. Tables of seafood so fresh they move, we made stops everyday to pickup fresh fruit. Basically if you can't find what you are looking for here it doesn't exist.

Up up and away- glimpses out the window on our trip to Barcelona. Enjoy

pretty lights

These pictures were suppose to be posted before the Holidays. However, like most people during this time, procrastination took over. Again.