I travelled to Barcelona, Spain earlier this year. It was one of the most awe inspiring places I have ever ventured. The food, the culture, the people are all amazing. One thing that particularly stood out to me is the juxtaposition between the rich and the poor. Arriving in Barcelona airport, you have no idea what to expect of the place. It has been completely renovated in recent years, and it probably one of the nicest i've seen. Jumping into a spotless taxi, which are significantly better then any Australian taxi, you drive through the industrials outskirts to reach town.
We stayed in a nice hotel in a suburb we were told was quite safe and that we had no problems with. Walking through the streets though, it was clear not everyone had the luxuries in Barcelona that we did. On one block is all of the world's major fashion houses, ritzy apartments and well-dressed people. On the very next block it is an absolute ghetto, that simply reeks of poverty. Families of 10 or more people cram into apartments half the size of my hotel room. Reading the local newspapers the were several stories of theft, violence and gang related crime. Fortunately we didn't see any of this during our stay.
The gothic architecture in Barcelona has a reputation for being some of the best in the world, and it definitely didn't fail to impress. The Barcelona Cathedral is well worth the visit. Las Ramblas is the popular tourist strip in town, which is lined with markets day and night. We strolled up and down, but found the postcards & novelties for sale not nearly as fun and walking off of Las Ramblas and exploring the side alleys. Whatever you do, do not eat on Las Ramblas! We payed a fortune for a very average tapas meal. Eating where the locals eat, no matter how dodgy looking the place is the way to do it - so cheap, and so delicious. I recommend a jug of sangria and some Patatas Bravas at the end of a big day exploring.
Rambla de Mar is the big marina at the end of Las Ramblas. The long boardwalk the goes around the crystal blue water is a nice walk to do that doesn't take too long, as long as you don't get stuck in the crowds. There's plenty of shopping around Rambla de Mar as well, with all the high street brands in a brand new mall on the boardwalk. We really wanted to check out this particular restaurant called Tickets, which is El Bulli founder, Ferran Adria's tapas bar. Unfortunately it books out months in advance, but we did have a peak in the window and it looks amazing. So if you have the chance, go and tell me what it's like.
My favourite part of all of Barcelona was a little suburb called Barcelonetta. To get there, catch the metro to Barcelonetta station, and walk away from the water. 6 blocks of boutique shopping, underground bars, amazing restaurants and cool people. We spent half a day exploring the shops, it was here that I discovered
Watch Out For The Small Things , an amazing handmade jewellery store that fuses vintage pieces with new. All the stores in Bareclona close at 2pm for the storeowners to have an afternoon siesta, and usually reopen around 5pm. We went back to Barcelonetta later that night for dinner and drinks. 1 tip - write down the name and location of your hotel to show the taxi driver. Turns out my spanish is not that good after a few jugs of sangria.
All in all, Barcelona is the most diverse and interesting place I have travelled so far. Worth the visit, and as long as you are cautious and aware of your surroundings you shouldn't run into any trouble.
xxBear
