We had an early start to the airport. Concerns about the weight of our luggage were allayed when we came in right on the money. I'm glad they didn't weigh our hand luggage! Mind you we had a lot less hand luggage than many passengers.
Travelling by budget airline was an interesting experience, mostly from the behaviour of the passengers. We all sat patiently in the lounge and a ground crew member walked through to the outside. Suddenly without any announcement and the lack of an incoming aircraft, everyone just stood up and queued! After a few minutes they announced that the flight was boarding, only later announcing the arrival of the incoming plane from Barcelona. Weird.
We left about 15 minutes late although arrived on time at Barcelona. A taxi to Placa Reial saw us quickly meeting Sergio Olivares who showed us to the apartment. The building was grungy on the outside but the apartment is great. It had not been cleaned from the previous occupant so Sergio was annoyed. A few phone calls determined that the cleaner injured her leg so alternative arrangements were made.
We headed off to orientate ourselves. The Calle d'en Rauric where we are staying is a block back from La Ramblas, near the Liceu metro station and not far from the Boqueria market. We headed back to Placa Reial to our prearranged meeting with the Harrises and who did we bump into but Tim, Tom and Ben. Ana was with luggage back at the apartment front door. We got that up the stairs - the cleaner had yet to arrive - and headed out to lunch in the Placa. After that the boys went to the apartment while the four of us headed up to Carrefour and Boqueria for provisions.
On our return the apartment was cleaned and so we settled in. Tim and the boys went to the Irish Pub to watch soccer; I joined them later for wifi as the apartment doesn't seem to have it.
For dinner we took the advice of the owner and went to El Gran Cafe. We had a great night. The waiter was from Cuba and is such a queen. Hilarious fun accompanied by great food.
We walked along the streets; deserted during the day they come alive at night with tiny bars and patrons standing in the lane way. Back to Placa Reial for helados and then to the apartment.