Curious in Barcelona

September 18th, 2017 

Our ship the MS Riveria docked early in Port along with thousands of other passengers from the Queen Victoria. 

We disembarked, taxied back to the “Hotel Curious”  for another day and night in the city of Barcelona. 

Our room was ready so we checked in, dropped off our bags and headed out with “curiosity” to explore more of the city. 

Since we didn’t have much time we decided to view as much as possible by riding the double decker bus. Our first seats were on the lower level and then we finally were able to get a couple on the open top deck ... and of course then rain came. All of a sudden an automatic tarp came rolling over our heads to provide some protection from the downpour.

We had an up close and personal view of the vibrant city of Barcelona. 

At times so close you could  feel and touch the leaves and branches of the passing by trees.

We hopped off the bus at the famous La Sagrada Familia. 

Through my research I have discovered that the foundation stone was laid on March 19, 1882 with construction commencing under the design of architect Francisco de Paula del Villar y Lozano. Due to some disagreements Lozano resigned and the commission was given to Antoni Gaudi. 

It is a magnificent structure, piece of art ... that continues to be built as money is available. 

We did not tour the inside as we were only in the city for today and there were many 1000’s of people with the same idea of visiting this site today! 

I captured some up close in your face photos from our seats on the bus before we got off to check out from street level ... all I could think of was the Vanadian TV show of my childhood  “The Friendly Giant” ... the intro “look up, waaaaay up”! 

W

Cranes amongst the beauty of the structure ...

After a coffee, stroll and some picture taking we were back on the bus ...there is just so much to see and do in Barcelona! 

Once back in our neighbourhood Las Ramblas(1.2 km  plane tree-lined pedestrian mall) for a light lunch and touring. The boulevard is lined with beautiful flower markets, tourist trap shops, cafes, restaurants and of course many, many people! 

We even saw this look alike Marilyn Monroe from her window at the Erotic Museum several times as we strolled the boulevard ... 

Here she caught Señor Honey’s eye and threw him a kiss! 

Tired of walking Monsieur Honey, we can grab a bike! 

Loved the architecture on this building ... looks like it’s decorated with umbrellas! 

Tonight we met up with new friends (Kathy & Steve) for cocktails and then dinner in the popular square “Place Real” (translates to Royal Plaza) in the Gothic Quarter. 

It was a perfect way to spend our last evening in Barcelona. 

Here Señor Honey was introduced to Aperol spritzers ...

Not sure we needed the complimentary liqueurs ...

After a delicious dinner with great company, a delicious wine, we said our “goodbyes” to our friends until the next time we meet! 

Tomorrow we catch the train to France. 

We are still curious about what all Barcelona has to offer and will definitely have to return for a longer stay! 

P.S. I later learned that we should have tried these treats, KRONUTS from the shop next door to the Hotel ... how did my sweet tooth miss these?. 

Señor Honey kept saying “No, no, no!”every time we walked by. 

Let The Adventure Begin

Our latest adventure began on September 6th with our departure from home. We have travelled many miles /kilometres by many means of transportation over the past couple of weeks ...  from planes, trains,  automobiles plus a cruise ship and let's not forget our own two feet. 

This adventure includes a new thing for us ... a 10-day Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona to Barcelona, a busy itinerary with only one day of cruising at sea and nine port stops. Monsieur Honey or Señor Honey depending on which country we are in is celebrating a special birthday this year so we decided to give cruising a try. 

We added an extra day on the front and tail end of the cruise in Barcelona, Spain so we could do a little exploring in this amazing city. Plus we have a two weeks stay in Ceret, France at the same apartment we have rented the past two years. We then have a week in the Lot valley to visit with friends made on previous trips. 

We flew with Air France Toronto - Paris -Barcelona approximately 6,830 kilometres, arriving ahead of time in Barcelona on September 7th mid morning. We were very fortunate that the staff at our quirky, boutique hotel near La Rambla was able to check us in and we grabbed a much needed quick nap after the long "Hurry up and wait day of travelling".  Once refreshed we headed out to do some wandering of the surroundings. 

We strolled La Rambla ( a wonderful pedestrian street ) along with 100s or should I say 1000s of others, and down the many narrow side streets.  

Our little taste of Barcelona only wetted our appetite to see more. 

Mirador de Colom 

Do you think it was laundry day? 

It was time for some refreshments and we found a busy square "Placa Reial" totally surrounded by cafes and restaurants on each side, palm trees and a beautiful fountain in the centre. 

We were fortunate to be seated at a sunny, front row table perfect for watching all the activity in the square including the entertainment by the acrobats, singers and musicians plus the usual people watching. 

At the next table were two "British" speaking couples who to our amazement were from South Shields, England ... Graeme's home town! 

We had a fun time with our new acquaintances who were also going on a cruise the next day but on a different ship. 

Our night turned out to be later than we expected ... we stopped for a quick bite of tapas on the way back to our hotel and then it was lights out for a good night's sleep. 

Tomorrow morning ( September 8th) we will explore a bit more before heading to the port for our embarkation at 1 o'clock. 

We hope to see you all again! 

Costa Brava Bound!

#Tossa de Mar#Costa Brava#Hotel Diana#Memory lane#Collioure

This year's adventure is going to include a trip down "memory lane" for Monsieur Honey.

In the early 1960s as a young man, Monsieur Honey living in his homeland of England embarked upon his first trip abroad.

He travelled by train from the north of England across the English Channel through France into southern Spain.

We have planned a week-long stay at the Hotel Diana on the Mediterranean Coast in the ancient fisherman's village come holiday resort of Tossa de Mar.

Tossa de Mar is almost equidistant between the French border and the city of Barcelona, situated in the municipality of Catalonia, Spain on the Costa Brava.

Being only approximately 100 kilometres north of Barcelona, we also plan on including some day trips to see and visit some of the famous sights.

While Monsieur Honey was on his trip abroad 50 plus years ago, he captured these amazing black and white photos of Tossa de Mar ... he hopes to be able to stand in the same view points and compare the scenes. 

(Does my Msr. have too much time on his hands?)

I hope to find a special spot on one of the beaches to soak up the ambiance of the Mediterranean, I have a feeling the village will have a similar vibe to one of our favorite French places ...

Collioure which is also an ancient Catalan fishing village on the Med.

     Where do you think this young lady is today?

    Blue waters of the Mediterranean in Collioure, France. 

I am looking forward to the fresh seafood and Catalan specialities, discovering a new country, and enjoying the golden sunlight.

Stayed tuned for future "Postcards" ... postmarked from Costa Brava!