Barcelona - Day One - February 23, 2008

In France, the first morning after a school vacation begins, can only be compared to when a flag is dropped for the start of a illegal street race. In this case, families and bags are loaded up on carts at the airport. With engines revving and doing a dance like a impatient bull about to attack, families scoot millimeters in long snaking lines that are ironically called express e-ticket check-in counters. Close your eyes and imagine the airport during thanksgiving weekend and you will have an idea of the crowds. After an hour and twenty minutes in line, I checked my bag and went to security. I make it to the gate, I wipe the sweat off my forehead and cough trying to maintain my dignity. An uneventful hour and twenty one minute flight brings me to Barcelona. When I left France I needed a winter coat and Barcelona I could have worn shorts for the afternoon. Sun. . . glorious sun! I bought lunch at airport and took the Aerobus into town. I got checked into my hotel and bought snacks. I prepared my bag for the day. I found a dunking doughnuts two minutes from my hotel. Life is grand. I have been craving doughnuts for weeks. I am there everyday, maybe even several times a day. I am not sure if you are aware of it, but in Barcelona calories don't count!

I went for a stroll down the famous pedestrian street called the Rambas. It is filled with entertainers, specifically the “statue” people. I took pictures of some very creative souls.

It also has a pet market whose specialties are birds, fishes, and turtles, gerbils, bunnies, and apparently rosters. If any parent has trouble waking their kid, just buy him a rooster and throw it into his room at the appointed hour and the child will wake up.

I saw the Roman Necropolis, a little bit of history discovered during renovations.

I went to the Boqueria market. It was filled with meat, eggs, spices, olives, and lots of fruit. I took tons of pictures.

I found, but didn't enter the Museum of Erotica. They had a sign out front advertising for help wanted in the advertising department. He he he he.


I went into Gimeno Cigar Shop and got to see a real cuban cigar. I saw the big Joan Miro mosaic.

I also discovered this mosaic in a winding passage way

and got a sandwich. I went to the Barcelona Cathedral. It is beautiful.

Baptist just don't know how to decorate. I will go back on Tuesday. The area around the Cathedral is dotted with roman ruins and tiny, dark, streets.

The Sardana dance was canceled this weekend and next, so my next stop was the magic fountain show. I took lots of photos along with every other tourist in Barcelona.

A stop at Burger king was successful and then I hobbled back to my hotel. My feet were VERY tired. I will try to post pictures on Sunday. I only took 14 gigabytes worth.