Every Tom, Dick and Harry seems to be writing city guides these days, so I don’t pretend that this Barcelona guide has any degree of authority. The number of museums visited = one, and number of top ten attractions that I went inside = zero. But for once I was child and semi husband free (Dr. Husband was at a medical conference during the day.) So embracing this freedom I wandered the streets, soaking up the atmosphere, sun, and stopping to eat, drink and photograph. I thought I’d share with you some of the delights I discovered.
Pintxo
When I think of Spain I think of Tapas. Yet, there is something even more delightful than this, Pintxo. They are tiny plates of food that cost about 1 euro each. The food is lined up along the bar and you grab a plate & pick up whatever takes your fancy. On departure they count the number of bowls / sticks and you pay accordingly. If you do it like a local then you wash it down with beer or vermouth. Though, being a tourist I stuck to the Sangria. There’s a huge assortment of food from prawns, squid and octopus to cured meats, spicy sausage, various cheeses and of course tortilla. Dr. Husband and I stumbled across an entire street where Pintxo reigns. In a moment of uncharacteristic spontaneity we opted to work our way up Carrer de Blai sampling gastronomic delights. It was a bit like a bar crawl, European style, so with a good dollop of food and sunshine. It was cheap, cheerful and very satisfying.
Miró
The Museu Picasso, in the beautiful La Ribera district, is probably the museum of choice for most tourists. I, however, preferred the Fundació Joan Miró. Situated up the steep hill of Montjuïc, it is housed in an all white, über cool modernist building, designed by Josep Lluís Sert. Natural light floods in, and it has an amazing terrace at the top where several of Miró’s sculptures are displayed. According to experts Miró’s work has been interpreted as surrealism. But art is subjective, and I loved the pops of colour, and slight nod to what would become the Pop Art and the Memphis movement. I also loved his nonchalance towards critics and bourgeois society. Several of his works were titled, Senso titol (untitled) and he is quoted as saying, “To hell with auctions, appraisals and all that crap!”
Architecture
Barcelona has an incredible variety of architecture. Up on the mountain of Montjuïc is the site of the 1992 Olympic Games, and it is an incredible place to wander, do some exercises or, like me, write. Then there’s the magical, fairy-tale like work of Antoni Gaudí, and some beautiful medieval palaces and churches in the Barri Gòtic.
Ceviche
Ok, so this seafood dish originates from Latin America, but there is only a certain amount of tapas one can eat. I stumbled across this seriously trendy Ceviche & Pisco bar, Lascar 74, one lazy lunchtime. The décor is industrial, but clean, light and airy, and I discovered the bar stools had been upcycled from scaffolding and off cuts of wood, which in the name of sustainability, I loved. Now, if you are ignorant like me, you won’t have twigged that ceviche is raw seafood, and Pisco is brandy. Have I mentioned recently that I am pregnant?! Thankfully the owner was incredibly kind, and pointed me to the two dishes on the menu I could eat – Ensaladas Lascar and El Laksa. The former was a salad of spiralized courgettes, with a pesto dressing, figs and walnuts, the latter a Malaysian Laksa with (cooked!) prawns, endameme beans, mushrooms, spring onions and peanuts. They were delicious and a welcome change from the meat diet I had lived on. Also at 10 euros for 2 small dishes it was a complete bargain. Click on the address below for a link to google maps.
Nails
If you are childfree, it’s a pretty good excuse to go and get your nails done. I found it quite hard to find a good, clean nail bar so when I did I thought I had to share it with you. I had a lovely spa pedicure for 15 euros at Nailalista. The address is below, click on the link below and it will take you to google maps.
All photos n4mummy & Dr. Husband
Looks absolutely amazing – nice to hear a different take on Barcelona. Definitely on my list:) X
Author
Thank you Abbie, I’d go back in a heart beat if I could! x