May 28 - Barcelona

This morning we had a very much appreciated late wake up call.  We decided that because we couldn't get possession of the apartment until late in the morning that we would just relax.

While riding to the apartment in a cab, we both declared that Barcelona had a very different feel about it than Paris.  Neither of us could definitively say what was different about the architecture but we both thought it revolved around the balconies and the iron railings.  Also the colours of the buildings seemed a bit brighter and the buildings a little more modern.  Just as with any major city the traffic is hectic and there is a mass of people on every street.

The agent who showed us around the apartment was a very pleasant lady who is expecting her first child any day now.  She was due yesterday.  The apartment is called En Ville and is located on Costa Joaquin.  It is very long and narrow but has plenty of room for three or four couples.  It is also very secure as the door has four dead bolts.

View of Costa Joaquin from our apartment

After settling in, we decide to go for a walk to a recommended restaurant.  As with any new city we got totally disoriented and ended up walking in the wrong direction.  We ended up in the university section of the city. Along the main street some students were protesting and had the road blocked.  About five minutes after we passed, we heard the police arrive and the protest ended.  When we walked back to the apartment there was a heavy police presence to discourage the protesters from forming up again.

University Square

Catalunya Square

John and Heather arrived a little after 2:00pm.  They were very much relieved to have arrived because of the insane traffic.  I guess there are a lot of traffic circles and one way streets that you don’t notice when you are walking.

This evening we had a very pleasant Skype session with Rocky and Joan to celebrate his birthday.  We do miss them dearly as they are still an integral part of this trip.  Somehow video conferencing just isn't the same.

Despite a thunderstorm, we have a regular convoy going to the grocery store across the street to get wine. As I've said many times, there is no such thing as bad European wine.

Tonight we went to the En Ville restaurant associated with the apartment.  The food was very good and the service was excellent.

The rain had not stopped as we prepared to go to bed, so here is hoping for better weather tomorrow,