Out and about in Barcelona

It is raining outside when I wake up, as forecast. I allow myself a leisurely morning and then wander up Las Ramblas to the Mercato Boqueria and indulge in a couple of fresh juice cups - mango/strawberry and later mango/pineapple. At 2 Euro a pop, they are refreshing and delicious sustenance and beckon from stalls everywhere. For some reason I just feel like mango juice. Which reminds me of when I was at a conference in Manila in 1995 at which, given I was pregnant and not drinking alcohol, I almost overdosed on the stuff.

At this market you'll find fruit, fish, empanadas, pastries, nuts, nougat, ham, chips, olives, gelato, potato twirls and also several stalls selling nothing but offal - tripe, pigs trotters, sheep heads, brains ... urgh. There are also many oysters stalls where they shuck to order. Much as a I love an oyster, it is a bit too early. 

The place is busy but not seething. It's cool and shady and perfect for a relaxed wander amongst food. I buy an Iberian ham & cheese baguette for 4 Euro and munch on half of it. It is the ideal scrumptious lunch. 

I amble back to the Placa de Reial with its shady palms and tables neatly encased within pillared archways. I have a beer at a cafe called "Cerveseria Colon" - a relaxed vibe, without the street hassle and touting that goes on in Las Ramblas. My waiter is excellent and my San Miguel beer (5.5 Euro) is icy cold and goes down a treat. 

I make some trip notes, sip my beer and watch the world go by. Strings of cyclists pass through regularly, in nose to tail trails. Tourists stroll from A to B. Locals go about their business. I am sure to hold on tight to my bag. After gaining a reputation as the pickpocket and mugging capital of Europe, illegally-minded individuals are likely to get pounced upon quickly by a policeman with a gun. I've never seen such a police presence.

Eventually it is time for me to prepare for my real reason for being in Barcelona - a visit to the Sagrada Familia. I've already booked my ticket online for 4pm entry. I make my way there by Metro ...

I take the green line three stops and the blue line two stops. I hop off at Sagrada Familia station and there, at street level, is the magnificent building I have come to see. Even with scaffolding, cranes and fencing, it is a sight to behold. I've seen it from the outside before but I am now about to see the magnificence of the inside. This is a good thing as it is just starting to rain ...

The Nativity Facade

OBSERVATION OF THE DAY:

The Metro system is excellent and ticket purchase simple. Do make sure you're on the right side of the track, going in the direction you're headed, before you enter through the turnstile. Masks are mandatory on public transport in Spain but not everyone is wearing one on my Metro ride, despite the constant announcements to do so.