41 26.0 N 002 14.6 E Badalona, nr Barcelona
Fri 27th August 2010

We flew back to Barcelona on Wednesday to find the boat intact, the sun out and the temperature 30 deg C. Taken to Luton by Kate (big thank you!) at 9am we sailed through both airports (hand luggage only and pre checked in online), straight on to integrated transport system TMB (trains or trams, metro, bus plus funicular -we had 2 journeys left on a pre-paid pack of 10 from last time) to within 50 metres of the boat. Could not have been easier. As always, the Spanish transport system is superb.

Jobs done: heads serviced (loo to non-sailors!) and new gaskets put in, new lead on vhf radio, boat cleaned and filled with water, stock up done, engine air filter replaced and a few other bits and pieces. Now for some sightseeing before heading back to the islands. I just don't think we realise how big Barcelona is…..

We popped into town yesterday afternoon for a little pre-taste. Decided to start at the waterfront area (as one does, haven't seen a boat or water for ages!) and toured around the Port Vell complex, all modern boardwalks, mirrored facades, leisure facilities mixed in with commercial shipping. Hot, so popped into the maritime museum (under renovation) so limited displays but fantastic galley on display. We wanted to take a "transbordador" high across the port (like a horizontal cable car) but it was miles to walk and did not seem to be running, possibly due to high winds. So headed (5pm now) to the funicular to take us up to Montjuic overlooking Barcelona, where the olympic village is, big parks, huge views, a castello, etc. Our TMB pass took us up the funicular - next was cable car or bus right to the top - it was now getting late and we were flagging, so decided to head back down after admiring the view, hope to return another day to do it justice. From top of funicular right back all the way to the boat without leaving the transport system and all on one ticket off our pack of 10 - if you link journeys, whether bus, tram or train - it only counts as one.

Even so didn't eat until 9.30, better than Wed night which was 10.30. So today we will head out, hopefully a bit earlier, and a bit more organised.

Still hot!