Walking Eixample

C. Còrsega

I’m thought of entitling today’s post “false starts” because our planned itinerary fell short twice. This morning I had intended to go take photos in the University gardens, but when I stepped out the gusty wind changed that plan. It’s too hard to take photos in a garden when the wind is up like this, but there’s still plenty to observe and enjoy.

I opted for a neighborhood walk instead, and strolled a 4 block radius around our apartment. You could tell it was a Monday morning. Most people were out heading to work, so there was that rush-hour buzz and energy. It was about 10:00, but very few businesses and stores were open. Things are late to close and slow to start here. Still, all that big city action and sound. So dynamic!

There are lots of dogs out for their morning constitutional or patiently waiting for owners outside shops or in cafes.

C. d’Enric Granados

As always, the architecture and colors catch my eye. The city seems designed for a flaneuse, at least in this bourgeois Eixample district. It’s a lovely walk.

Kitty has opted to stay in and work the puzzle while I wandered. We go out again about 2:00 and eat at an Indian restaurant a couple of blocks away. It’s our first Indian in BCN and it hits the spot with a local IPA from Edge Brewery. We share an order of tacos and a Tikki Masala. “Where is this Edge Brewery?” I am left wondering….

Masala73

We had planned a trip to the Modello Prison, recently closed and converted to a museum, but we find when we get there it’s only open for tours on the weekend. That is our first mess up of that kind, but not a huge loss. I’m also aware that our time here is running out and I’ve got more planned than we can possibly do. Time for some hard decisions in our three days that are left in Barcelona!

C. Valencia

We walk the 10 blocks or so home. There’s an old factory that has been converted to multiple civic uses including soccer field, high schools and a technical college.

Consorci Escola Industrial

I stop in a gelateria or cremeria I’ve been eyeing and enjoy fresh pistachio ice cream.

Now it’s time to head out again after a nice siesta. We plan on a Vermut at what has become our local bar and then home for tuna salad.

I feel totally saturated and am not feeling the pressure that Lorena does to not miss out on something. I am not home sick or missing home, just content to enjoy the apartment and our meals out. I am really looking forward to seeing flamingoes and eating paella in Valencia. We met a couple in a restaurant and when we said we would be spending two weeks in Valencia the man made a face. “What will you do for two weeks in Valencia?” Oh – get me to a market- that is all I need.

Postscript: