Early in the morning at London Gatwick Airport, we met up with Simon & Carol (the power couple who left Singapore last year) and off we went to Barcelona, just 2 hours flight.The hotel we stayed in Barcelona was recommended and booked by Alfonso (this man in the restaurant who's a friend and a colleague of Matt's dad, who's originally from Barcelona.)
It is in the older historical part of Barcelona called Barri Gotic, slightly south of the city.
Alfonso knows his food and wine... The hotel happens to have a very authentic Spanish food restaurant with a classic and luxurious high ceiling chandelier hanging white warm interior (and it's just lunch). There we had the first taste of sumptuous, late and long lunch like they do.
We were so full after the late long lunch - something we are not used to, but can get used to - so we walked around the city aimlessly for 2 hours. Let's say, getting lost is part of the fun when you are traveling...
The architecture is called Casa Calvet - a building which Gaudi was appointed to build in 1898 for a guy name Calvet, in the city.
Mercado de la Bouqueria (Bouqueria Market) is one of the biggest and liveliest market in the city. Just going in and seeing all the local produce is a lot of fun!
There are many stalls, like a stall dedicated to Eggs of all kinds, Olive oils and Salt from all over the world.
What I found strange, was that unlike many other culture, people here wake up late and stay up late. So market at 8am on the weekend is still very empty!
Wow, you got to see the Gaudi building with your own eyes! Lucky you! It must have been quite a sight, as it is already photogenic on the blog.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I heard about the Spanish people being the party people, waking up late, and staying up late. I'm amazed that the rumour was quite accurate. Haha.
Those piggys are really cute. It must be quite scary when they take off their glasses, though. Oink, oink!