A petite postcard from Barcelona

Aix en Provence is in a fabulous location.  It’s accessible to many places.  Avignon, Paris, Nimes, Montpellier, St Tropez and Nice are so easy to get to and are all interesting in their own right.   But sometimes its tempting to search further a field into Spain or Italy.

Barcelona is only four hours away by car and it’s a place I have certainly wanted to explore for a long time now.   Oh so tempting to go as it’s so close……. and it doesn’t disappoint.    What a city!   Hot, cool, passionate, wild and edgy, it has a beat all of its own.   I love the Spanish people;  they know how to live and enjoy even in these tough economic times.

We stayed in Apartments Barco near Las Ramblas in the centre of the city, close to the atmospheric el born and  barri gotic areas.  We drifted around to the intoxicating beat of salsa, afro carribean and spanish music and ate like kings in tapas bars (Lonja de Tapas, jaume was amazing).  So delicious!  We visited Park Guell created by the architect Gaudi, which is an enchanting and serene place above the city .   You can chill there all day and watch over Barcelona as it sparkles below.  Finally a short walk to the beach.  Even on a mild February day it was full of energy and joy, music and yet more tapas….

Sadly someone attempted to rob us by putting a knife through one of the car tyres.   They were working in a gang on mopeds.  Sad.  A sharp reminder that you must always be on guard, particularly in the city.   It’s part of life and it can happen anywhere.  Thankfully nothing stolen and no one hurt.   After a chat with the police it was time to return to all the great things that Barcelona has to offer and one more tapas meal….too short a visit and I have every intention of going back again very soon.