Birmingham to Barcelona

Tuesday 14th August 2007 – Birmingham to Barcelona

Worked on the computer initially, packed up left the apartment at around 12md. Wanted to go to the Black Country Museum but it was raining so decided to go to the Bilston Art and Craft Museum which is where most of the Brighton’s apparently originated from. Very interesting history but did not have long enough here as the traffic was bad and we had to get to the airport . Discovered that Bilston was the centre of Wedgewood and ceramics etc. Drove to Birmingham Airport, dropped off car (still raining), checked in at BMI Baby (a cost effective airline) – discovered we were 12kg overweight and paid an additional 70 Pound!! Flight took around an hour a half and arrived at our magnificent hotel called Eurostar Grand Marina Hotel in Barcelona. Was 10pm when we got to our room – had a little explore of the hotel and off to bed after a lovely bubble bath.

Wednesday 15th August 2007 - Barcelona

Wandered down for breakfast which was buffet. We have mainly eaten fresh smoked salmon, bircher muesli, fresh fruit juice, omelettes etc while we have been away. Caught the blue tourist bus to Los Rambles and found a Pharmacia as I was sick. Purchased some drugs – had lunch which included sangria (huge) local beer and tapas (which means small meals). Delicious! Continued on with the blue bus (a double decker bus with no top tourist bus). Completed what is known as the blue route. Barcelona is beautiful with many tiny balconies around all of the old buildings. A lot of Gaudi’s influence is seen (architect) and Barcelona will be one of our highlights.

Thursday 16th August 2007 - Barcelona

Today we woke up to beautiful downtown Barcelona with Pam’s cold showing no sign of improvement. The hotel is part of the “World Trade Centre” and breakfast was outside in the central square and at 10.00am it was 25 degrees. My sort of temperature.
Back in room by 11.00am with Pam in back in bed asleep and me trying to catch up with emails and getting my computer back on line. Pam up at 1pm feeling a little better after dosing herself up on more drugs. Caught a taxi to see Gaudi’s La Famila which is a magnificent temple/church which is yet to be completed, having started in late 1800’s. Gaudi was the architect and the church is devoted to the 3 stages of Christ’s life. Unreal church. We have found the architecture in Barcelona to be just fascinating. Beautiful little balconies and very unusual designs which are not modern but very old world and beautiful. After this we decided to do a tour on the “blue” bus (bus touristic) and stopped off at the top of Los Rambla which is the main street and runs for 5 kms. Called in and had a beer and a huge sangria (this should go well with the drugs and the antibiotics methinks!) watched the street performers and the other tourists and then on to Los Caracoles (?the snail). Wonderful old restaurant ?1835. You actually walk through the kitchen to get to the restaurant (OH&S???).Had a meal of snails, sole, gazpachio and monkfish. Watched a couple of CIA guys minding their charge who was eating at the same restaurant! Walked quietly back to our hotel (still 28 degrees at 11pm – just a beautiful night for walking – blue, blue sky even at night). Settled down for a long night – Alexa and Nathan’s baby due in the next few hours or so.