Barcelona Part 1

Well it's been quite a whirlwind trip so far so it was nice to sleep in.
Most of the touristy things that you can see in Barcelona focus on one thing... Gaudi. 
I'm not good at describing architectural styles. Gaudi is definitely unique and you recognise his style when you see it. His designs are based a lot on nature and so instead of straight lines and square corners, you see a lot of curviness... That's not a great description but it's the best I can come up with. His work also contains a lot of colourful mosaic.

Decided to go and visit Guell Park today. The park dates back to the early 1900's where Eusebi Guell commissioned Gaudi to help him build a garden city in the outskirts of Barcelona.
The park is built on a hill and Cat and I caught the train to the nearest stop and decided to walk... big mistake... the hike up the hill was so tiring! We actually had bought a 4 day unlimited travel pass so should have just caught the bus up to the entrance as there are about 4 bus routes that go that way...

The park itself is beautiful and full of life. Buskers line corners trying to make a bit of cash from the tourists walking through the park. Barcelona has a lot of unemployment, especially amongst the old and relatively young so it's good to see that these young people aren't being idle. The buskers play and sing all kinds of music from guitar that sounds a bit like Santana to classical violin.

There are also a lot of hawkers selling their wares. I notice that they all seem to be Indian... They sell all kinds of things like scarves, fans, jewelery, fridge magnets and knick nacks.

Walked around the park for a while. We entered from one of the paths up the top so made out way down and eventually ended up at the main entrance where there are two little houses that are now a tourist information and souvenir shop and a Gaudi museum. These two little houses are again Gaudi design. From a distance, they look like little gingerbread houses.

After Guell Park, we decided to wander around the city for a bit doing some shopping. Cat tried an aqua fish spa. I had already done this in Singapore but said it is an experience she should try at least once. You put your feet or hands into these tanks where Garufa fish eat the dead skin. You are left with very smooth hands and feet and it is also quite relaxing once you get past the initial ticklish feeling.

The main tourist street in Barcelona is La Ramblas which is actually quite close to our hotel. Took a stroll down that street. There are always lots and lots of people around. Along the street are lots of stalls selling tourist souvenirs. Actually I noticed that it changes. If you walk down La Ramblas in the morning you will find a lot of flower stalls open and if you walk down it at night then it's more of the tourist souvenir shops and the instant tapas cafes. In the afternoon, instant restaurants pop up as tables, chairs and umbrellas are added to the sidewalk. Owners put up boards of pictures of food and deals to try to get customers to eat at their stall.

Half way down La. Ramblas there is a food market  called 'Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria' that reminds me of Paddy's markets at Central in Sydney. Cat went back to the hotel to rest so I wandered around by myself. The fruit and veg all looked great and I was there at the right time as some of the stalls were closing and they were getting rid of anything they can't keep for cheap. I bought some fruit salad and freshly squeezed juice really cheap!

The market is also very busy with tourists. The central aisle was just packed with people and since I have no patience for crowds, I ducked off to the side of the market which is only a few rows down. I found there were less people. After walking around a bit I also realised that the stalls off to the side were also cheaper as they have less people. It was easier to get service and I bought things cheaper here than the central aisle which I walked through later when I felt brave enough to push throught the crowd.

Made it back to the hotel. Today was a very easy day which was nice to have since it had been a pretty hectic trip so far.
Our hotel is just next to a train station called 'Universitat'. The location is great as it is a short stroll to Catalunya square and La Ramblas. When we checked in, we met the concierge named Oscar. He was really really friendly and helpful. The other staff weren't so nice so we were always pleased to see Oscar at the front desk during our time in Barcelona.