Barcelona

We had a lovely time in Barcelona, although we did encounter several mishaps along the way!

Our flights were via Germany as this was the cheapest way (£450 cheaper than flying direct). Unfortunately our flight from Heathrow was delayed on the way out and we missed our connection. Eventually arrived at our youth hostel at about 1 a.m., 7 hours later than intended and both shattered.

The following day (Saturday) I wasn't feeling too well, but we managed to get out and stroll around the city, visit the beach and the nearby park, including a ride on an impressive cable car with fabulous views across the entire city.

On Sunday we traveled out to one of the hills behind Barcelona and visited a communications tower. There was a glass lift which took us up the tower to an observation floor, where there were impressive views in every direction. We then had a lazy afternoon on the beach and I read my book (something I don't ever seem to have time to do at home). It was a book that I bought at the airport - The time traveler's wife. It was recommended by my brother. I rarely buy books new (usually from charity shops) but thought I might want something to read on holiday. It was a good book.

Unfortunately Simon was ill on Sunday night, and feeling rough on Monday. Never-the-less, we went to visit Sagrada familia on Monday Morning - an extremely impressive church building which was started in 1881 and is still in the construction process now! We climbed the 400 stairs up one of the spires and (again) enjoyed wonderful views. For a picture click here.

We then sat on a park bench while deciding what to do with the rest of our day. While lifting my arm off my handbag momentarily to point to something in the guidebook, my handbag was stolen. It was done with such stealth and speed that by the time I had noticed it's absence there was nobody in the vicinity. Fortunately I had nothing of great value in it. In fact, the thief will probably be quite disappointed. The most annoying thing to be stolen was my mobile phone. It was old and decrepit anyway and I had been looking for an excuse to replace it. The worst part though was losing all the phone numbers that I had saved on it! And to make matters worse, I hadn't intended to take it with me, but Simon had persuaded me to, so that we could get in touch in the event of becoming separated.

Anyway, I now have a brand new phone (with the same number). It is an all singing, all dancing phone with camera, MP3 player etc. And because I hadn't had a new one for so long I got it for £20 instead of it's listed price of £70.

The other thing that was stolen with the handbag was the key to the padlock for my locker in the youth hostel. This locker contained all af the belongings that I'd taken on holiday. I was worried that I might not be able to get into the locker, or that I would have to pay a lock smith some extortionate fee. My fears were unfounded though. We returned to the hostel and I explained what had happened to the receptionist. Before I had finished explaining, she picked up a large pair of bolt cutters from behind the desk and called the bar man to come and assist me. He strode into my room, and cut through the padlock as though it was cheese. I'm obviously not the first to loose my keys!

On Tuesday morning, we managed to squeeze in one last cultural visit before returning to England. We went to look around Casa Mila "La Pedrera". Another of Gaudi's accomplishments, an apartment building with no angular walls or corners. Everything is made of curves and the whole thing is very light and airy due to two "air wells" going down in the centre of the building. Click here for more photos.

So, all in all an excellent weekend away, and it was wonderful to be able to spend more than just a couple of snatched hours with Simon.