The first day.

1. Avinguda Diagonal – one of the broadest and most important avenues in Barcelona.

M is a big fan of FC Barcelona so the first direction we took was the official shop of the club. I’m not sure if we bought anything cause the prices were quite high. I suppose the first day we just took a look (and pictures ;)).

 

2. University of Barcelona

As a Ph.D Candidate I had to visit University of Barcelona. Actually, we just “visited” outside because it was closed, but it counts, doesn’t it?:P

 

3. La Principal and the best mojito in Barcelona

La Principal was a place where we had our first meal in Barcelona. The restaurant is popular among locals so it was an interesting cultural experience. We ordered “menu del dia” which consisted of two meals plus a desert and a cup of coffee per person, and price was really affordable – around 14 euros, as I remember. It was really tasty. I can’t recall what exactly we had, but I remember the way M ordered:D. As befits a scout, M had read a lot about the city itself and the culture as well. Then, willing to behave like a typical Catalan, showed that nice waitress two fingers and imitated a gesture of cutting his throat (it was supposed to mean he wanted two “cafes cortados”). Surprisingly (;)), the young waitress had no idea what M had in mind. When he explained her, she laughed and said that it’s better not to do it if you don’t want people to get scared of you ;D.

 

4. La Rambla and Barri Gotic

For those of you who have never been in Barcelona, la Rambla is a one kilometre long street composed of six shorter streets (Rambla de Canales, Rambla dels Estudis, Rambla de Sant Josep, Rambla dels Caputxins, Rambla de Santa Monica and Rambla de Mar). It’s situated in a ghotic quarter (Barri Gotic) and leads to the sea. It’s a very touristic spot, full of local musicians and artists.

On the street we stopped by Mercat de la Boqueria – a big bazaar with lots of food: meat, fish, vegetables, sweets, drinks and so on. We were about to buy some delicious snacks but eventually ended up window-shopping:P.

Later on, when we got hot after sightseeing Barri Gotic, we decided to have a rest and drink something refreshing. It wasn’t very wise to visit a pub which was in the exact centre of the quarter, but “the best mojito in Barcelona” on the signboard was too tempting;)). As it turned out, mojitos were just regular, but at least large (in proportion to the price…). Anyway, good marketing.

5. Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya

The palace is located in the district of Ciutat Vella in Barcelona, in Barri Gotic. It houses the offices of the Presidency of the Generalitat de Catalunya. We couldn’t enter the President’s house, but at least I had an opportunity to practice my Spanish with a guardian (and impress my beloved;).

 

6. La Barceloneta – a seaside district

In the evening we decided to have a romantic supper at the seaside. Well, maybe supper is not a perfect term for grapes and beer (ok, I also ate a kind of sandwich), but about the romantic part I haven’t lied;). We enjoyed the view, sitting on the sand and fantasized about common future plans:]].