OCTOBER 2022 : SPAIN : Barcelona

The rest of the team arrived from Malaga overnight. We all organised different activities and planned to meet together for dinner. Maugie and John had booked a 4 hour bicycle tour of the city, Claudia, Olivia and Miriam explored parks and playgrounds in the area and we plotted  a Gaudi extravaganza.

In our building, washers and dryers for our use on Level 1. Free. Another useful amenity.

Everyone is still complaining that I have a mania for washing.

From a cafe in our street we caught a glimpse of the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s cathedral, our first plan for the morning. Only ten minutes away.

Such an impressive building begun in the nineteenth century and still in the later stages of construction.

Barcelona is tourist central at the moment and we could only get tickets for 2.45pm. So we decided to continue our Gaudi fest by walking to Casa Vicens and Parc Güell. The best thing about this was the route was through some fascinating neighbourhoods, especially Gracia, not on the tourist route.

Antoni Gaudí

1852-1926

Casa Vicens, in the district of Gracia, was designed by Gaudi and constructed in 1883.

It had an oriental theme, strong colours and such attention to detail.

We continued north climbing up to Parc Güell, which is the iconic Barcelona park. It was designed by Gaudi as a garden and architectural park. Begun in 1900 and finished in 1926.

Very crowded but we still enjoyed the views of the city and the beautiful ceramic seats.






After a light lunch (gazpacho and grilled octopus) we headed back to the Sagrada Familia. We visited here in 2009 and it was definitely a construction site. Now it is spellbinding!

Dinner at Ca La Nuri Terra, a Basque menu.

Lots of nightlife

We feel very safe at all times, particularly at night.

And we passed a cocktail bar laundromat.. heaven .. drying socks gives a Dry Martini another dimension..

M&M

OCTOBER 2022 : SPAIN : Girona - Barcelona

Girona has a population of 100,500 people and is part of Catalonia. They speak Catalan, but everyone seems to speak both Catalan and Castellano. Like so many Mediterranean cities they have a Roman, Moor and Catholic history. The cathedral now sits on the site of the Roman Forum.

Breakfast in the main plaza

Then we crossed a bridge back into the old town or Barrí Vell..



We walked up and down alleyways 

all around the town wall..

..through the Jewish Quarter..

We discovered the Arab baths along the way. Built in the 12th century in the style of Roman baths.

While having coffee, I decided…



to have a haircut. The hairdresser and I chatted in Spanish. She asked whether it was alright to use a machine and trusting her, I said yes. Then out came the clippers and within moments I was transformed! I was able to persuade her to stop as she started on the top. She said that she was giving me a new look! €20

In hindsight, I think I said ‘short’ rather than ‘cut’ which is why she was so keen with the clippers.

Although the river is low and murky, I can’t get enough of the colourful houses along the banks.

Lunch up an alley to an alternative (bike) cafe

Leaving Girona

One day was perfect!

Train to Barcelona - an hour journey on TGV (fast train)

Our Airbnb for the next 5 nights

Four bedrooms, one double with ensuite, fully equipped kitchen and pleasant living area.

Plenty of room for six and a 5 year old.

Walking friends - Spanish, Irish and English - to share with us and spend a few days together.

The first contingent has arrived

Dinner nearby

M&M

OCTOBER 2022 : SPAIN : Girona

Early morning breakfast

10am train to Girona, returning to Spain



Beziérs station

Arrived around midday in Girona

They are gearing up for a festival

Walking from the station to our hotel we passed so many interesting buildings with intricately designed enclosed balconies.



Only a short walk to our central hotel. Large, friendly and convenient- with bath and cocktail terrace!

We crossed over one of the bridges to the old town for lunch. The River Onya’s shore is bordered by bright coloured multi-storied buildings.

Old town has a lot of character - lots of cafes and specialty shops. Many alleyways to explore.

So many fascinating details as we strolled through the area.

The medieval walls have been reinforced so people can safely walk for over a kilometre getting an overview of the city. The cathedral towers  high above the city and is situated in the university district.



Here is the cathedral, St Mary of Girona, with its dramatic sweeping steps. A transit for university students and a popular photo point.  Beautifully decorated fixtures in the chancel.

And an excellent cloister..

Drinks on the terrace at 6

Tapas in the main plaza for dinner

M&M