Drove around "nabe" and found hotel named Hotel Sagruda Famila
Needed "rest" but did the city bus tour. Saw the sites and rested, even napped. in process saw The Rotunda, The" Apple of Discord" block: 3 dueling architects out designing each other in building homes for the rich.
Walked the Rambla, wandered into Bacqueta Marqueta, nibble along the way, Had wine at cafe in St Ann's Square. Hopped on the bus again. The beaches in town were full. by 4 the Rambla was" jammed" At 8 ate tapas at a very local Catalan restaurant. To bed by 11, an excellent beginning.\
Day 2.....Off to the Costa Brave, north of Barcelona. Destination: Porta de la Selva . Originally a fishing town, now there are fewer fish in the Med and fewer commercial fishermen. Alba, nephew Peter's wife, had a grandpa who fished from this town. Her parents live here part of the year.
Cassidy, Trini,Erika,Lee, Charlie and I rented the house of an "old fisherman" . Alba's mom and Trini get the credit for finding this gem. Cell phones work but the internet is reachable only at library and yatch club. Catalan is eaten and spoken here. Sitting on and swimming off of boats, anchored in deserted coves is just the most difficult part of the day. Left the boat at 10 pm, ate at what looked like the town square; 'just one table" at 11 on Sunday, as if they had stayed open just for us.We are so special! Steamed mussels, no frills, and salted baked whole fish or paella, then came desserts: Cheese with honey, flan. Just an ordinary dinner!
DAY 3 Grocery shopping to fill the empty larder, meal planning as we went.sieta, off to the boat for swimming.Searching, gaathering sea urchins.
Then sail repairs, dinner on the terrace and more sail repairs.
A day well spent. Adios!
