Barcelona the city of Art and long lived Passion. The city is warm and inviting and filled with luxurious foods. From a background of a well known cafe culture, the city is packed with a mixture of people. Street’s are packed with stalls and performers. My first day was spent looking at the La Sagrada Familia, a beautiful roman catholic church designed by the well known Architect Antoni Gaudi. Basing his designs on nature, his detail is spectacular. I took the lift to the top of it and overlooked the city, spending majority of my time in the amazing gift shop.
When I was walking around I was fascinated by the Spanish fashion, every woman having there own individual style. With attitude and confidence, the Spanish are great examples of an ideal woman. The city is home to a great art movement. Pablo Picasso spent majority of his twenties cavorting around the city. The Four Cats Cafe is one of the most famous haunts to Picasso with a beautiful art deco design. The Cafe become famous as Picasso created the front cover for the menu. Looking around the Picasso museum was one of the highlights of my time there. Gazing at his fist sketches as a young boy whilst progressing to a professional painter. His famous painting Science and Charity was the most delightful piece to look at. I particulary enjoyed the Blue movement, unique for it’s time, in every room you get to follow his life story through his pictures. His last pieces were harder to identify with but nonetheless still important for his time as an artist.
The major thing I adore about Spain is there excellent taste in it’s cuisine. Tapas and paella was its most featured. The first night we spent it in a traditional restaurant surrounded by the widest collection of Tapas. Not usually a fan, I was easily swayed. The taste of the chorizo and parmesan were to die for. Every single item of food had the highest of presentation to it. You could tell pride was taken in the preparation of it. I was even impressed by the menu of McDonald’s, beer with a happy meal, now that is cool. Also never been a smoker myself I actually could appreciate the smoking indoors. The last night I went to a little quirky bar. Crisps and Spanish meats on the counter, you were spoilt for choice. The prices were ridiculosly cheap too! A beer was a pound, not even Wetherspoons could beat that price.
The shopping here was fantastic. Every street was jam packed with little shops. I even found an Underground Second hand clothes shop. It caters for everyone’s taste, not a specific. If only we had a bit more of individuality in England too. If I was more flushed for cash I would go on a huge shopping spree. I did find a great tights shop called Calezonia, which sold every type of Ladies tights that could you imagine! I bought some great leg warmers with zips, would look great really with any skirt that you have and at a great price too of 6.95 euros.
I would definetely return to Barcelona, if not just for the shopping. The city oozes excitement and the Christmas decorations were beautiful. I know I have mentioned the food loads, but the food was delicious. It has every country’s cuisine, you’d be spoilt for choice. Gaudi’s bulidings were a must to see. The Sagrada Familia was one of the highlights and at night time it’s a very romantic setting. To go with a partner is the ideal city. It’s just a shame I didnt have longer to explore, but for the amount of time that I was present there for, I did manage to see alot.
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