I had zero expectations for Barcelona, really. It was just the place I was able to land after leaving Kenya. The least expensive option from Google Flights, and close to my final destination and jumping off point in Lisbon Portugal. So I scheduled three full days in Barcelona. Not knowing much about it except for tapas and “buenos dias.”
My whole experience in Barcelona is one I felt needed to be shared because unlike a lot of cities around the world that vaguely remind me of other cities (São Paulo reminds me of LA, Bangkok reminds me a little of Tokyo), Barcelona is its own experience. Likely because of its deep historic origins, and the fact that it has hung onto its cultural heritage with both fists.
As I walked this city, and I walked a lot of the historic old quarter (you can see my 8-mile criss-crossing route on Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/18104114519) I kept saying to myself, “Barrie (my wife) would love this!”
So yeah, we will be back.
St. George conquering the dragonSo many statues…Coffee breakArch downtown leading to the zoo and the ocean. Haircut number four on this trip.Guiermo did a great job. My accommodations for three nights. The Southern Cross. My berth was the second and third portholes from the left. The neighborhood is crowded. More coffeeBarcelona’s largest market. Safron, very expensive, is critical to paella. I should have brought an empty suitcase. ChurrosLots of different anchoviesSalts!JamonThis bakery’s history is well known. Street art and our food tour guide, Vincent. Barcelona is famous for its little squatting and pooping statues. It’s a symbol of abundance because if you’re pooping, you’re not starving. Strange, but quaint. The Cathedral de Barcelona.Judas averting his eyes in shame. Subtle. The streets in the oldest part of the city are narrow.This was the entrance to the Cathedral de Barcelona when the grand entrance was being constructed which took decades. I used Strava to map my walk so I would not get lost…Art in the harbor. The view from my berth on day two. From the deck of the Southern Cross. This boat once belonged to the royal family and later was owned by Frank Sinatra.Good morning!Sunny day on the waterfront.Columbus pointing to the Middle East. Or so he thought. More art. More explorationCan you spot the man hiding in the artwork?I just wandered in here. Courtyard at dusk.I also stumbled onto this fountain scene. Which way?I dug this mural. Very cool architecture everywhere. Back to the market the next day. Burrito things. Savory empanadas. There are sweet ones as well. I came back here for dinner.Yes, please. Fresh. Not bay scallop shells. Paella for dinner. Salted cod balls with cheese. Cheers to Barcelona on my last night. (The NA beer was great!)
