First Impressions of Barcelona

We approached Barcelona from the sea and as the plane circled over the city, I could make out the infamous Montjuic on one side and the Sagrada Familia on the other. In the haze below, the church resembled the crowned head of a creature emerging from the depths of the earth - it's organic structure challenging the dead-straight lines of the grid that was the city surrounding it. I later learned this part of town was called the "Ensanche" and that Antoni Gaudí thought very little of it. To him, the "misuse of straight lines in urban planning led to a checkered pattern of disheartening monotony".

If the city could convey such a contrast from the air alone, what contrasts would expect me on the ground? As much as I looked forward to finding the answer to that, when I got to my accommodation I was in such desperate need of sleep that I decided to take a long afternoon nap.

In the evening, followed the southernmost segment of the Ramblas (Rambla de Santa Mónica) all the way to the Ramblas del Mar - a continuation of the promenade on the sea. It offered quite a few entertainment options, such as restaurants, bars, a movie theater and an aquarium. I was in luck, as today was the last night of the Christmas fair along the port, with food stands, light installations and happy Barcelonians, seemingly without a single worry in the world.Read more