Barcelona!
Trip Start
Jun 06, 2008
1
11
21
Trip End
Ongoing
Barcelona,
Catalonia,
Spain and Canary Islands
Friday, June 13, 2008
Hotel was great; after some days in dodgy lodgings it was nice to be in a semi-luxury setting. The desk guy was great and alll the staff were awesome in giving directions and helping out. With only 3 hours sleep under out belts and after the forced march in the sun, we passed out for 2 hours after checking in and then went out to explore the city. Another round of double-decker bus tours. I know everyone raves about Gaudi and his work, but I didn't find it alll that impressive. The old town catherdal was much more impressive. We bussed all over seeing the sights, including the Olympic facilities, and then I left Richard at the Gaudi cathedral, as he wanted to wait in line to climb to the top of the spires. Time was getting short and I wanted to catch the Romania game so I hopped a cab. I wasm pressed for time as the game had already started, so I wound up in the wost possible venue you can imagine...the Hard Rock Cafe- yes that winning combination of high, prices, bad service and crummy food.
On top of the cathedral
Just because you have Madonna's bra on the wall does not mean you are cool (how is she hard rock anyway?). But, at least they had TV's even though the sound was off so we could all enjoy Phil Collins music. Of course they made you order food also, so after eating a $13 plate of bad chicken wings, I got out of there at half time and went down the Ramblas. I found a Tapas place, and after Richard got lost on the bus, he joined me there. After some pretty good food, a lot of sangria and a Romania tie and a Holland win, we got the bill...YIKES! 120E ....did I mention the dollar sucks right now? Luckily Richard was drunk on sangria and picked up the check! Thanks!! Then, coz we both wanted to see more of the city the next day before we flew out, we decided to call it a night early (midnight). We started to walk to the hotel, but my feet were killing me from all the walking, so we stopped for a "last beer". Wouldn't you know it, we stumbled into a British bachleorette party. The ladies all ranged from 22 to 50. I swear the English have conquered Spain - they were everywhere! Anyway the last beer turned into 5 or 6 more, and since it looked good for Richard, we accepted thier invitiation to join them at a dance club. The girls were nice and it was interesting to see a pack of that many brits who all had all thier teeth...So Richard and I cabbed it back to the Hotel to clean up...and at his insistence (I wanted to sleeeeeeep), we caught a cab to the club. Not too much happening there and no place to sit, so I went to the bathroom and skipped out when no one was looking and got some sleep. Richard came barreling in an hour later. Struck out. After some serious snoring we got up and explored more of the city, taking in the port areas and the south city. Richard went to the beach, was late getting back so we rushed off to the airport to get to AMSTERDAM. I liked barcelona very much - except for the Hard Rock - and need to return to spend more time there
Comments
Barcelona
Barcelona rocks....loved that place too. I think I could live there. :)
Tell me you didn't miss the adult club on Las Ramblas..wow...that was an experience. Tell you about it next time I see you.