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 stories and legends were fascinating - the 2 and and a half hours flew. The labyrinth of tiny streets and squares with various churches, monuments, and squares plus the castle, Palace and political buildings are a definite must to visit.
Together with a lovely young couple from Melbourne, we found our way out of the gothic quarter back to Las Ramblas and to the Market, as suggested by Francesca. Certainly a chaotic place but right up our alley - food and drink overload! After a cool drink an and empanada we continued on but ended up with a beer and some prawns in a market cafe.
Found our way back to our hotel around 4ish for Raym to chill and I headed off for a little more retail indulgence.
Then back for a swim, freshen up and drinks before embarking on our last night not only in Barcelona- but in Spain!
The port/beach area was our choice of location so we decided to walk the length of La Rambla to the Port. It took less than 20 minutes to reach the Christopher Columbus statue where he is supposedly pointing towards America but in reality is more likely to be Libya, or his homeland of Genoa in Italy according to local sceptics.
The area was really bustling - people everywhere. We had heard there was a music festival in the beach area but the crowds seemed to be dominated by families. Despite our weary legs we continued on around the expanse of the impressive port area and its marina laden with some elaborate yachts and cruisers (the Darling Harbour of Barcelona) and further still to the initial beach area of Barceloneta. Again crowds of people about - on the beaches well as the esplanade and in the abundance of nearby restaurants and bars. Great atmosphere.
We chose a pleasant open air restaurant called El Pacifica and thoroughly enjoyed our final Seafood Paella ... and Sangria of course! Was delicious.
Walked back along the beach under much cooler conditions to Barceloneta Metro to catch the train back to Prassig de Garcia which was only three stops. Unfortunately after only two stops there was some major problem causing a delay, hence we walked the rest of the way. By now 11pm and both exhausted from a great deal of walking and heat!