After grabbing breakfast at a local bakery, we headed over to meet Beth at Poble Sec then onto La Rambla and the Mercat de La Boqueria, a famous indoor food market. From there we wandered over into the gothic quarter and down to the Barcelona Cathedral (not the Sagrada Família), into the Església de Sant Jaume (Church of Saint James) and also the MesóndelCafè1909, reputedly the oldest coffee shop in Barcelona, founded in 1909. We marvelled at the varied architecture (not the famous Gaudi buildings) as we wandered the streets, finishing with a tasty lunch at La Taberna de La Ronda. Back to our respective hostels for down time before venturing out in the rain for Beth and I to visit the Sagrada Família. We were booked to climb the Passion Tower but unfortunately it was cancelled due to the wet weather. Five Guys burgers for tea afterwards eased the disappointment.
Busy breakfast bakery… but oh my word, the smell of fresh pastries was amazing! Into the Mercat de la BoqueriaJamonJuicesJamon and cheese conesEggs… emu & ostrich at the back!Peppers/chilliesOlivesNutsJamon with little snout logos Salted pork bones, traditionally used as a base for rich broths, stews, and traditional Spanish cocidosNow that’s a knife!Fish Shell fish including urchins Spices Fancy icecream conesBarcelona CathedralRear of CathedralChurch of St James There was a moving installation “childhood in exile” inside the church… figures of children scattered in the pews…… and thisAbout the instillationSt James… and the Camino connection Meson del Cafe 1909Inside MatteoCrema Catalana, a local specialty Architecture as we wandered… note the mosaics at the top of this building (L)Still around! Shopping trolleys chained up at the entry to a supermarket Lunch … patatas bravas Mushrooms Shared roasted suckling rabbit with frites and veal with carrot creamThe Sagrada Família Looking at the model Pope Leo celebrated a mass marking the 100th anniversary of architect Antoni Gaudí’s death earlier this year. Adoring shepherds (with dog) on the nativity facade of the Basillica Simply stunningThe cream stone construction on the right is an elevator shaft
The Kiss of Judas and the Magic Square – if you add the numbers in any row, column, or diagonal line, the sum always equals 33 – the age of Jesus Christ at his crucifixion.
A chocolate version at the Torrons Vicens chocolate shop oppositeBack outside our Hostal…very pretty
What an amazing day!! Oh those markets!!!
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