Alone in Barcelona....

Well, I am going to try this blog-thing again, after becoming seriously frustrated about a week ago. I had prepared a lengthy and beautifully detailed post, while the 6 of us were travelling, by car, around the Algarve, in Portugal. The site froze (for the 2nd time!!!!!!) and I was unable to Save OR publish it! Then it was lost and I, too, was lost in frustration and defeat!! 

But......it's a new day and we are in a new country, beginning a new adventure....so, what the heck, I will try again! Today, Lawrence and I began our 'alone' travels! After parting ways with Joan and Duff, who went to Porto, Portugal, for a week (before they leave for home) AND Brian & Delilah, who we left in Lisbon, where they flew back to Toronto, today.....Lawrence & I hopped a 6:30 AM flight to Barcelona, Spain. After spending 2 vibrant/active/fun-filled weeks in a 6-pack.....we felt quite 'alone' as we headed out, by ourselves!!  Thankfully, our flight was smooth, comfortable and fast. We took a taxi to our rented apartment, which is nicely located, within great walking distance of the 'old city' district. 

We are great fans of using 'airbnb', to rent accommodation, wherever we travel. Although we have only ever had great success with our chosen places, it is always a bit of an 'unknown' for whether the place will be better, worse, or 'as described', from the listing website. Once again, we were VERY pleased to find a clean, attractive, comfortable, well equipped apartment in a safe and central area!! We were warmly greeted by our friendly host, who was very helpful in orientating us to this area of Barcelona and places we are interested in seeing! 

Here are some pictures of our Barcelona 'home'....

 And, here is the street view from the living room windows, which swing open, to let in fresh air and NO BUGS!!!!....

Once we settled in, we hit the streets, with map in hand, to begin our exploration of this vibrant and colourful city! 

Luckily, for me, it was a cloudy, cool day, which made walking about so much more comfortable!! (The heat and sun, in Tavira, started causing havoc with my skin/energy level.)

Our goal, for this afternoon,  was to make our way to the well known La Rambla street and the famous Mercat de la Boqueria. We were successful in finding both places, with ease. 
 AMAZING energy, sights and sounds enveloped us,in both places!! 

Las Ramblas Boulevard is an approximately 1 km, pedestrian street filled with people, shops, restaurants, human statues and ACTION++!! Because of it's connection to the cruise ships port terminal, it is an obvious and convenient tourist attraction!!!! On one side of this vibrant strip is the Raval area and on the other side is the Barri Gotic (or Gothic Quarter).  From this main boulevard, there are quaint, interesting and inviting side streets that beckoned  and amazed us!! Here are some pics....

We stopped to enjoy our first delicious Spanish tapas, at a street cafe.....

We were thrilled to come upon the famous Mercat de la Boqueria, which is considered one of the greatest sound, smell and colour sensations in Europe!!! And, THAT,  it is!!!! Wow, wow, wow!!!! According to Lonely Planet. Com, "It spills over with all the rich and varied bounty of fruit and vegetable stands, seemingly endless varieties of sea critters, sausages, cheeses, meats and sweets.". Apparently, a market,  at this site,  has been in existence since 1217!!! It also houses about 6 VERY busy tapas bars where people are seriously enjoying some of Catalonia's food specialities!!! Here are a few pictures that capture its vibrant beauty.....

It is an amazing, highly stimulating place!!!!!! :) 

After our trek and visual adventure, we were tired! We have enjoyed a quiet evening in our apartment as the rain began to freshen the streets of Barcelona! We look forward to enjoying the freshness of the air and a new day of exploration, tomorrow!!