barcelona revisited - día dos

Barcelona - Friday 3rd of December - 28752 steps

Before breakfast we visited Palau Güell in El Raval. On the rooftop we were surprised by the spectacular view over the city.

We had breakfast on the terrace at Gran Torina on the inviting Plaça del Duc de Medinaceli.

We continued our walk along the harbour to Barceloneta and wandered the straight streets of the neighborhood. We walked across the Playa de la Barceloneta and enjoyed some empanadas de pollo we bought at Baluard, the best bakery of Barceloneta, at the sculpture L'Estel Ferit (better known as the four twisted cubes).

In the afternoon we thoroughly explored the El Born neighborhood and traversed Parc de la Ciutadella.

Time for another refreshment with olives and tapas on the terrace at Bar Bodega Flassaders 1956 on Plaça de Jaume Sabartés, before we continued the brisk walk to Sagrada Familia.

The construction of Sagrada Familia is always in progress. This time we were able to admire the new huge star on the second tallest tower of the basilica. The star is 7.5 meters wide, weighs about 5.5 tons and is made of steel and glass. We were just a week early to see the star illuminated for the first time, but it was impressive anyway.

Near the Sagrada a garage door was opened just as we passed and we saw our orange Mini Cooper parked in front of the Sagrada.

Via the Passeig de Gracia we walked back to our hotel. We couldn't wait to take off our shoes and lie down before the evening program starts.

barcelona revisited - primer día

Barcelona - Thursday 2nd of December - 20953 steps

Early rise for our city break to BCN!

And after the flight and short train trip to the city center, we popped up at Casa Battló on Passeig de Gracia. A clear blue sky and only the autumn leaves on the Gaudi tiles reminded us that it really is December.

Check in at La Casa de Antonio, room with a view and balcony and awesome original tile floor.

First coffee on the terrace at cafe La Principal around the corner. Ultimate BCN atmosphere!

Stroll around in the streets of Raval and traditional lunch at Bar Lobo.

After lunch we crossed the Rambla to the Barri Gotic district and had another drink at Plaça Reial.

Another walk on the Passeig de Gracia and another drink on another terrace at Plaça de la Universitat, because it's possible!

Take a short rest in our room and in the evening out for tapas at Tapas24.

The city is completely lit up with Christmas lights everywhere, all streets in their own style.

summer souvenirs

The best summer souvenirs are mostly the flea market finds. It feels good to bring home the wonderful roadtrip memories.

Those vintage finds are more valuable, because you know exactly where you found those treasures and what you did that day and where you had lunch, still after years...

The white iron patio chair, wine jug and some iron table football players we found on a small sunday market on the side of the road in Corçà, near Girona.