Bristling Barcelona . . .

It was 1990 the last time I was in Barcelona – with a group of kiwi mates in an old combi that belched smoke and frequently broke down (actually it ended its days only one week later in Madrid). Back then we camped somewhere on the outskirts of the city and drank the cheapest beer we could find at the supermarket. Hence, I felt I would definitely be seeing Barcelona through different eyes this time . . .

Jo and I flew straight from Bali via Qatar. It was a long haul but hassle free with Qatar Airlines. Great service if anyone is wondering. We had left our resort at Bali at around 6am and it was another 23 hours before we arrived via taxi at our apartment in Barcelona – about 10pm Spanish time. Somehow, we felt it the best idea ever to find somewhere to have a celebratory beer. And so there we were, in an English pub, in the middle of Barcelona drinking Belgian lager with 23 hours of travel behind us. Best beer ever . . .

I can’t begin to describe what a surreal feeling it was to leave our Indonesian way of life in the morning and arrive in this European city in the evening. From heat, bustling activity and beaches to centuries old stone buildings, tapas bars and relative calm. All I can say is that it’s very different here – and for now, in this cool Spring temperature, it feels perfect.

We are in El Born – first time for me and second for Jo. It’s centuries old and full of character with tapas bars and design stores everywhere. The area is made up of a virtual labyrinth of alleyways, many of which cars thankfully cannot navigate – and so is a delight to explore on foot. No chain stores to be seen.

​Just about the best-known activity in this area is the Picasso Museum and that is where Jo headed to on our first day. Normally I will tag along to art galleries but I have to say Picasso leaves me cold and so I decided to explore the impressive Santa Maria del Mar. Built in the fourteenth century it is one of those churches which leaves you speechless. The spaciousness and sheer grandeur of the building makes you wonder how on earth those early architects and masons were able to construct such an imposing structure with none of the mechanical building aids we have today. I spent a happy half hour just sitting, chilling and people watching.

With temperatures now around 16-17 degrees I was beginning to regret packing so lightly. T-shirt and shorts are pretty much de rigueur in Bali but it’s a trifle nippier in these northern parts. I figured I had to buy something warm and was resigned to breaking my habit of purchasing second hand – when lo and behold Jo spotted a charity shop right in the midst of a row of cutting-edge designer boutiques. Jo furthered her hero status by finding a cardigan for me (its actually quite trendy believe it or not). Five euro – which will support Barcelona youth – or something like that.

If you are in Barcelona and have exhausted your shopping, eating and museum agenda – then a visit to the Parc de la Ciutadella is well worth it. Its spacious, unpretentious and such a great people watching experience. I spotted a diverse range of Barcelona – young lovers, Africans selling street art, teens playing outdoor table-tennis, jugglers, oldies and a fair few who were just sleeping of their morning beers in the sun . . .

I would come back to Barcelona. It has a great vibe and embraces being a city that’s just a bit different. April is perfect but I wonder how busy and hot it gets in July/August when European schools break for summer . . . ?

Next stop – a 30-minute plane trip to the Spanish Island of Mallorca.