Today’s Schedule – Meander around Barcelona
My Observations
The flight was relatively smooth coming across the Atlantic Ocean. Hardest part is adjusting to the time. It is early afternoon in Barcelona. Back in Michigan it is not quite midnight from the day prior. Even with only a few hours rest. Need to reconnoiter the “neighborhood.”
We are staying at the Hotel Catalonia Diagonal Centro Balmes 142, Barcelona, 08008 Spain All our Barcelona days here. Nice location.
http://www.hoteles-catalonia.com/
The area is referred to as Eixample. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eixample
I like the arrangements of the street corners with a diagonal cut, which help both pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Vehicles are smaller here, even the vans used for shuttle from airport. Normal would be about the size of a Ford Focus. Streets are filled with many motor scooters and lesser motorcycles. Some bicycles. Those are generally rented at kiosks on many main streets. The bikes you can rent in one area, and return at another. Seems handy.
I notice our shuttle driver is on his cell phone, with many times responding what sounds like the exotic island in Indonesia – Bali – Bali. Since he doesn’t speak English can’t ask what that means. Our desk clerk, Maria, says, literally; OK – OK. Reminds me that many teens would have said in USA, “whatever.” (-:
Although I have some understanding of Spanish language, realize he is speaking Catalan. Culturally, different than Spanish. Over the next few days will learn just how different. Even is a planned referendum vote to separate politically from Spain – Wow.
We get a nice room with balcony overlooking the street – Balmes. Can see the Catalan flags hanging from many apartment buildings. Most of the buildings seem no more than 6 to 8 stories high. Our balcony overlooks the 3 flags representing Spain, Catalonia and Barcelona.
We decide to walk the area, and were told to consider getting a pass at the Metro station. For 3 days use, about 10 Euro and can be used on many varied available transports; train, bus, subway. We decide to see and stop wherever we want.
We see a home furnishings shop – Azultiera. Are shocked to see animal parts for decorative use. Heads, backsides, even a complete giraffe. I must say – not to my wants.
We continue on and note many Art Nouveau buildings – everywhere. Now that it is starting to get dark sky, many of the entries are lighted and we get a better view. Very ornate. Reminds us of Vienna, Prague and Budapest.
Looks too, like many places we can try for meals. Some serve inside. Others have sidewalk cafés. Just a block away are the 2 main places to see and be seen. Passeig de Gràcia and Rambla de Cataluya, which eventually in “Old” Barcelona, is quite a sight. Both are wide boulevards with special places for pedestrians only. We don’t go too far, and spot a photo of a burger – looks interesting – Hamburguesa Semana – Hamburger of the week if I can remember the few Spanish words I know. So, Carol and I decide, let’s try the place. I get the burger with “everything” on it to include a fried egg. Carol tries the hamburguesa Mexicana. Of course, cold libations are ordered, but note seeing many places highlighting “gin and tonic.” A bit strange I think.
On the way back to the hotel, walk up to the main boulevard – Diagonal Centro. Looks to be 8 lanes wide – with separate lanes for bicycles and scooters, and others for cars, trucks and motorcycles. The street side benches are quite artful with the tile work. All through these 27 days, will be amazed at the amount to tile work – everywhere!
Back at the room, time to get the batteries charged for all the electronics. Then download and catalog all the days photos. Gives me a chance to see what I might need to improve upon or include on future shots.
Tomorrow – new adventures.
Photo 1. Is coming into Amsterdam airport. Water, water everywhere. They know how to keep the ocean away from the lowlands.
Photo 2. Finally, here at Barcelona airport.
Photo 3. View from taxi on way to Hotel Catalonia Diagonal Centro (-:
Click here for today's online photo album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day2Of2714Oct14TuesdayAmsterdamToBarcelona
My Observations
The flight was relatively smooth coming across the Atlantic Ocean. Hardest part is adjusting to the time. It is early afternoon in Barcelona. Back in Michigan it is not quite midnight from the day prior. Even with only a few hours rest. Need to reconnoiter the “neighborhood.”
We are staying at the Hotel Catalonia Diagonal Centro Balmes 142, Barcelona, 08008 Spain All our Barcelona days here. Nice location.
http://www.hoteles-catalonia.com/
The area is referred to as Eixample. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eixample
I like the arrangements of the street corners with a diagonal cut, which help both pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Vehicles are smaller here, even the vans used for shuttle from airport. Normal would be about the size of a Ford Focus. Streets are filled with many motor scooters and lesser motorcycles. Some bicycles. Those are generally rented at kiosks on many main streets. The bikes you can rent in one area, and return at another. Seems handy.
I notice our shuttle driver is on his cell phone, with many times responding what sounds like the exotic island in Indonesia – Bali – Bali. Since he doesn’t speak English can’t ask what that means. Our desk clerk, Maria, says, literally; OK – OK. Reminds me that many teens would have said in USA, “whatever.” (-:
Although I have some understanding of Spanish language, realize he is speaking Catalan. Culturally, different than Spanish. Over the next few days will learn just how different. Even is a planned referendum vote to separate politically from Spain – Wow.
We get a nice room with balcony overlooking the street – Balmes. Can see the Catalan flags hanging from many apartment buildings. Most of the buildings seem no more than 6 to 8 stories high. Our balcony overlooks the 3 flags representing Spain, Catalonia and Barcelona.
We decide to walk the area, and were told to consider getting a pass at the Metro station. For 3 days use, about 10 Euro and can be used on many varied available transports; train, bus, subway. We decide to see and stop wherever we want.
We see a home furnishings shop – Azultiera. Are shocked to see animal parts for decorative use. Heads, backsides, even a complete giraffe. I must say – not to my wants.
We continue on and note many Art Nouveau buildings – everywhere. Now that it is starting to get dark sky, many of the entries are lighted and we get a better view. Very ornate. Reminds us of Vienna, Prague and Budapest.
Looks too, like many places we can try for meals. Some serve inside. Others have sidewalk cafés. Just a block away are the 2 main places to see and be seen. Passeig de Gràcia and Rambla de Cataluya, which eventually in “Old” Barcelona, is quite a sight. Both are wide boulevards with special places for pedestrians only. We don’t go too far, and spot a photo of a burger – looks interesting – Hamburguesa Semana – Hamburger of the week if I can remember the few Spanish words I know. So, Carol and I decide, let’s try the place. I get the burger with “everything” on it to include a fried egg. Carol tries the hamburguesa Mexicana. Of course, cold libations are ordered, but note seeing many places highlighting “gin and tonic.” A bit strange I think.
On the way back to the hotel, walk up to the main boulevard – Diagonal Centro. Looks to be 8 lanes wide – with separate lanes for bicycles and scooters, and others for cars, trucks and motorcycles. The street side benches are quite artful with the tile work. All through these 27 days, will be amazed at the amount to tile work – everywhere!
Back at the room, time to get the batteries charged for all the electronics. Then download and catalog all the days photos. Gives me a chance to see what I might need to improve upon or include on future shots.
Tomorrow – new adventures.
Photo 1. Is coming into Amsterdam airport. Water, water everywhere. They know how to keep the ocean away from the lowlands.
Photo 2. Finally, here at Barcelona airport.
Photo 3. View from taxi on way to Hotel Catalonia Diagonal Centro (-:
Click here for today's online photo album.
https://picasaweb.google.com/magwheel44/Day2Of2714Oct14TuesdayAmsterdamToBarcelona
