Bustling Barcelona!
Well I think that Don's first time in Barcelona was memorable! And we certainly kicked things off in style!! Las Ramblas was in full swing on Thursday eve at the end of a long and intense work week - Mobile World Congress - this moment was welcomed by many! Met up at Bar Lobo with friends and colleagues and including brother Tony and dear friend Val. Gang's all here and after 4 years, Don was able to meet some of the many incredible people for which I have been fortunate to work with and build lasting friendships. Wine and tapas started us off and after we were satiated there, on to the next.... For which I must confess details are fuzzy... The Glacier Bar had us meeting up with more folk and then some groovin' tunes at an after hours bar - Side Car... Rolled in at 3:30 am to our hotel which incidentally was in close proximity to Las Ramblas - Hotel Urquinaona. When on holiday I don't like to miss a moment of fun... for which Don often jokes... "hurry up we're on holiday!" First official day (of a 2 week sojourn) - Took a taxi through the city to Parc Gruel (Gaudi Park) to see a crowd and a view as colorful as the Gaudi tiled sculptures and ceiling frescos. From the view half way up the mountain side was visible the city of Barcelona to the sea, on a clear, warm, mid-winter's day. A pandemonium of music, song, dance and laughter filled the air. Artisans with hand crafted jewelry, scarves and other trinkets lined the edges of the park and we concluded with a cold beer on the terrace. Next stop: The Sagra di Famillia - the famous Gaudi church with it's colorful turits and Gothic details. this architectural monolith has been under construction for over 200 years as sadly it's creator met an early demise ( he was anonymously struck down on his bike) but the wonderment continues... This structure is now an engineering sacrosant! But from the cafe across the street a spectacular vision! St Joseph's Bouqueteria - the market off Las Ramblas with kiosks of fruits, vegetables, fish, chicken, fresh and cured meats, spices, nuts and chocolate with tapas bars in between. A foodie's dream come true! We met up for one last hurrah with brother Tony and were joined by Charlotte and her colleague Annette, where we discovered the delicious tasting, throat soothing mint and anise tea (really.. Warm, yummy liqueur!). Met by a few others - Stephen and Laura - we made our way back along the corridor of Las Ramblas and off to dinner in the quaint neighborhood of Poble Espanol. Behind the walled fortress of Poble Espanol: The remainder of the evening was spent taking in the sultry, soulful story telling by a group of Flamenco dancers that I think left all of us with an unforgettable impression. The music, singing and dance had an authenticity that brought the audience into the trance with the performers. Especially the finale with a young boy who danced as though he was much beyond his years. Wow! What an incredible evening! Twenty-four Hours in Barcelona and I think the flavor will be well remembered! Pictures coming soon!!
Sent from my iPad
Sent from my iPad
