Barcelona 3

We bought a pack of 50 cards, each with a walk and a map on it. They are so convenient to carry and we set out each day with four or five cards with walks which link up. We are discovering all the wonderful open spaces which suddenly appear as we walk out of tiny, winding, cobbled lanes, mostly limited to pedestrian traffic. Generally they are treed and have lots of places to eat or drink. It's fascinating and so alive.

Today we walked in the Raval area with a lot of Indian, Middle Eastern and African people on the streets where the food shops catered largely for their culinary preferences as well. As it is Sunday most retail outlets are closed once you get away from the main tourist areas.

This square is called Rambla del Raval and is famous for the sculpture called El Gat (the cat), by Fernando Botero. As you can see it is very large and the kids climb over and under it. All around the square are benches and small restaurants with people and families just relaxing.

 

We had tapas for lunch at the top of the square and I tried Sangria for the first time. Interesting, tart flavour but not my favorite.

 

The next beautiful place was the Hospital Santa Creu, operating from 11th century until 1920's. It is now a library and has a serene courtyard with flowering trees surrounded by gracious buildings. It is such a contrast to walk from a narrow lane into this soaring, scented space.

 

The orange trees were fruiting too.

This building was one of Gaudi's earliest and is relatively restrained. It is Palau Greull built for his major patron of the same name. The wrought iron work on the facade is weird and wonderful and represents mythical animals.

 

 

 

I thought this Dragon with a lamp suspended from it was beautiful. The city streets are lined with large old lights which are wonderfully decorative, especially at night.

 

15.5.13

Today we moved from our tiny flat in Carrer Tallers, just off Las Ramblas to another place on Carrer Casp, walking distance from the first place but less touristy. As we were leaving, the next people were there ready to move in. They were Aussies from Katoomba, and, no, Paul and Kerry, they didn't know you ... which was surprising!