Barcelona welcomed us with some nice weather. We were expecting rain – 80% chance – and Spain decided to be nice to us. The temps were in low 60s or high 50s but either way the sun was out and we got to our hotel – the HCC St Moritz with little issue. Minor issue with the plane which caused us to leave late but we only arrived about 14 minutes after scheduled. I didn’t sleep on the plain – as usual for me, but Gloria managed to get a couple of winks in.
Judy, our Grand Circle host met us at the hotel and gave us some ideas to do while we waited for the hotel to have our rooms ready. This included finding an ATM, a walk about, identifying some places to have a nice sandwich and tea/coffee. SInce we were at our hotel a little after 10 and check-in isn’t until 2, Gloria and I set about taking a walk and trying some of Spain’s famous Jamon – (Ham).
Judy, our Grand Circle host met us at the hotel and gave us some ideas to do while we waited for the hotel to have our rooms ready. This included finding an ATM, a walk about, identifying some places to have a nice sandwich and tea/coffee. SInce we were at our hotel a little after 10 and check-in isn’t until 2, Gloria and I set about taking a walk and trying some of Spain’s famous Jamon – (Ham).
We walked by the Gaudi building – Casa Batilo, more about this place when Judy explains more to us.
We then walked over a block and followed the pedestrian walkway in the middle – to the giraffe statue. I sincerely thought I must of missed it as we seemed to just keep walking blocks. The shops on this road were all the top high end type. As Judy put it – Rodeo Drive type. There were also some tapas bars along the way.
The quirky statues were created by Josep Granayer I Giralt and inspired by Rodin’s The Thinker and Venus Victrix by Antonio Canova. In addition to adding a touch of humor, there is a more serious purpose behind their presence at either end of the Rambla.
Apparently, at the beginning of the 1970s Rambla de Catalunya was earmarked to be converted into a thoroughfare connecting Plaça de Catalunya and Av. Diagonal. The plan involved ripping out the trees which line the pedestrianized boulevard and installing an underground car park.
We didn’t go the other way to see the bull. Maybe tomorrow. But we did walk by…yes walked by a sweet shop.
We stopped and had a wonderful sandwich with jamon – oh so flavorful, on a crisp baguette. It hit the spot. And then more images of the architecture here.
Again more on the Gaudi building later after We get filled in.
The city is being decorated with butterflies and hanging lights.
Gloria and I sat for a bit and then returned to the hotel to check in and freshen up. We met back with Judy at 5 for a short walk around the hotel with her pointing out some places to eat.
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The sun was going down and I liked the way the light played on this statue.
This was one of the places Judy mentioned to us, but said that she felt there were better places to eat but this one was one to go see.
After our little walk, it was starting to get dark and Gloria and I thought we would head back to one of the places Judy had walked us by to get a light dinner. In Spain, they eat a heavier meal at lunch time and lighter foods in the evening. Dinner here is at 8 PM. We didn’t have a big lunch, but our body’s clocks are all over the place so some tapas seemed like the best fit. We had some shrimp, calamari, and asparagus with mushrooms. We finished it off with their hot chocolate and churros.
Let me tell you that this is like a semi sweet chocolate – that you dip whatever into and it was soooooo good.
We finished with a walk back to the Gaudi building to see if the hanging lights over the street were turned on – but alas no. So because I was now up for many hours. we headed back to the hotel, so I could send this out to you and so I could go to sleep.
Not bad for a first day Many more walks to go and learn about Barcelona. Food is great and the city is clean and easy to walk around. Looking forward to tomorrow’s adventures.
Postcards from Sue and friends 