Trip 45

January 12,2024

Really day 1, because we arrived late in the afternoon on the 11th and promptly went to sleep. We checked out of our arrival hotel (Hotel Nobu) and took a short taxi ride to our new hotel. It is indeed beautiful and we have a great view of the city from an upper level, including towards La Sagrada Familia, which we’ll visit in a few days. We have a very nice suite.

The view from the 18th floor of hotel is awesome. Can’t wait to see it up closer, though I have a feeling its size will be overwhelming. As large as the structure is, without zooming in as I have, it seems quite a ways out, surrounded by the Barcelona sprawl.

We’re taking the Metro (TMB) out to the Gothic area (Barri Gòtic) , but walking to the nearest metro, the streets are lined with orange trees.

The metro drops us off a short distance from Las Ramblas, an enormously popular pedestrian area with tree lined walkways down the center and cafes along the side. We take a turn to the street leading us to the gothic quarter- narrow streets and alleys with an occasional breakout to a “Placa” , a large square. Notice the balconies on each side.

One of the oddities we spotted in a shop window must be an oddity particular to Catalonia. The “Caganer” (the crapper) is a figure for nativity scenes. The “log of Christmas “ is indeed unique (to me).

We turned directions and walked back down to Las Ramblas towards the harbor. There is a floating walkway /bridge over to a large shopping center. The marina is inside to the left of the bridge and we later saw the bridge swung open to let a small yacht in. Before walking across, we notice a cable car that comes across the harbor. I’m not sure what the endpoints are, but the views must be spectacular.

As evening approaches, we head back to find the metro and our hotel. So very little time to see so much.