Day 16 (Friday 22 Nov 19) arrival in Barcelona

We have enjoyed our cruise dispite missing a couple of ports. Some of our fellow passengers (from a county across the Atlantic) have been very vocal about the cruise. We were disappointed missing two ports but overall enjoyed the cruise and were well looked after by crew. The cruise line has offered 20% on a future cruise and $100 ship credit. New Zealand here we come??? We have two years to decide on a cruise. Our room was comfortable and fitted our needs well. 

We waited about 40 - 50 minutes for a taxi but line had 100s waiting. The line moved quickly and effectively. Our taxi driver was great, she provided great information about the city. Her English was better than our Spanish.

Our apartment (Carrer de Fontanella, 11, 08010 Barcelona, Spain)   is very nice and spacious. It is located in centre of Barcelona’s older districts. 

We went for an explore of the squares and streets near La Rambla (watching for pick pockets and scammers) and tried a Spanish version of fast food: Pans & company. We are being ripped off in terms of quality. This food was cafe quality and fast food price, very nice.

 The streets near La Rambla are also interesting despite the pick pockets working the streets.

Barcelona is like most European cities we have visited, just overflowing with culture and wonderful old buildings. (In Australia, we allow ultra rich developers free hand to build apartment blocks on culturally significant sites. In Europe they protect and repurpose old buildings. We can certainly learn from Europeans ! )

We found the most amazing Christmas shop during our initial explore.

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Just amazing shop with so many beautiful decorations. Sadly they don’t ship overseas, so we will be limited (for purchase) by more robust items. 

Our second explore took us further down the La Rambla, discovering scoundrels as thick as thieves, but they scatter fast when the police arrive. Melissa was nearly knocked over by one of the fleeing north African (Moroccan)  gentlemen as he rapidly gathered his blanket of goods by the corners.  Alas he was too late. 

Later we returned to a square a street away and off La Rambla. Still too close as we ate Tapas. Four types of scammers we saw:

1. Hustlers selling something 

2. Performers - who perform then actively ask for money

3. Performers work while mates case the patrons with which appears intention to steal

4. Pick pockets 

We saw all four in 20 mins while eating Tapas. (Hence Melissa with hand firmly on bag)

We also visited the De La Boqieria Markets off La Rambla. They sell all manner of food at good prices. We will return for lunch at some point.

After Tapas we explored some more near one of cathedrals.

We also found a shopping arcade made especially for geeks ( Cos was happy)

A long day but enjoyable. We finished the day with local wine, meat and cheese on dry biscuits  from Venice.