Bit of a sleep in and leisurely brekkie, organising our next couple of days, as we didn’t need to be in Plaza Catalunya to meet our walking tour of the Gothic quarter until just before 11am. Already a warm morning- it’s going to be a hot one again! We’ve done quite a few walking tours but I think our Chilean guide, Francesca, has surpassed them all. Such a vivacious and passionate personality with impeccable English. Her historical portrayals, quirky local...

Our first really early start this morning as a big day ahead (just for something different...he he)! Alarm set for 6.30am... think we were the first down for brekkie (couldn’t resist the €5 breakfast special!) We were walking the short distance to Passeg de Garcia Metro around 7.45am thinking things would be hectic at this time - but not in Spain when businesses don’t start till much later! We had purchased our 10 trip ticket as advised by Angel at our hot...

After last night’s storm, with rain continuing through some of the night, awoke to slightly cooler temperature and light cloud cover. Had a very basic buffet brekkie in our hotel before walking for about half and hour along the river to check out the castle area and gardens. Enjoyed a coffee near the hotel, at the edge of the tramline and old markets- chatting with the friendly Argentinian owner. Before 11.30am we had negotiated the lift exit from the carpark a...