Can't believe we're in Barcelona! Yeah! Our host, Germaine, is wonderful. We met Germaine in Melbourne earlier this year, after she approached us about a house exchange. It was great to see her smiling face welcoming us when we arrived on Friday afternoon. On Saturday, Germaine walked us all around the "Born" area and part of the "Gothic" area, so we had our own personal tour guide!
Germaine's apartment is in a great spot. I took this pic, from my computer screen, with my phone. It's grainy and not good quality, but shows you how close we are to the beaches for which Barcelona is famous.
Germaine's apartment is on the fourth floor (with a lift!). The apartment complex was built for the Barcelona Olympics in 1992. We look out our bedroom windows into the huge 'quandrangle' with the pool. The units opposite are the same as ours -- all with balconies overlooking the 'inside' area. It's very secure as you need a key to enter.
Tomorrow, Germaine is going to Madrid until Saturday. Katrina (Daryl's daughter), Stéphane, Alistair (2) and Laure (9 weeks old) arrive about midday. So we have 5 days together and then we all leave next Saturday morning. When Germaine returns in the afternoon, she will find her apartment peaceful and quiet!
Parc de la Ciutadella (Citadel Park) after our arrival on Friday 29 Sept.
And on Friday night –– a big surprise!
Cacerolazo (kasero-laso) or casserole is a form of popular protest. At 10 pm., people bang pots, pans and other utensils in order to call for attention. They are “pots and pans demonstrations”.
The word comes from Spanish cacerola, which means “stew pot” or casserole. It started in 1971 in Chile, against the shortages of food during Allende’s administration. In 2003, 90% of Spaniards were against the Iraq War. They protested from their homes by turning lights on and off and making noises with whistles and hitting stew pots.
Walking through the 'Born' area (Germaine and Daryl)
Casa Perris (House of Perris). Fantastic place for nuts, dried fruits, spices, etc.
Hofmann Pastisseria -- totally sinful!
Famous culinary school - shop is outlet for their cakes.
Won award for best croissants in Spain.
Daryl and Germaine
Germaine and David
Alleys full of surprises
The buildings existed long before electricity became available. It's all 'retro-fitted' and never looks particularly safe. (Reminded me of Italy and Malta.)
Deb, this one made me think of you in Italy.
La Colmena (The Beehive) in the Gothic District. A cake shop for 150 years!
And they have a nice philosophy:
Plaça del Rei (King's Square) – a 14th century, medieval public square. Legend has it that executions took place in the corner of this square and that the executioner lived right where he worked!
Barcelona Cathedral (in the Gothic District)
More food !!!
And at the end of the day, we went home quickly! We didn't want to get caught up in the march of people protesting their right to vote for Catalonian independence. This hurried videoclip shows just the start of the long line of protesters.
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