The Headless Tailless Fish

It was another scorcher day in Spain with the temperatures in the mid-nineties so we abandoned the usual sightseeing events and decided to just hang out at Olympic Beach for the day.  This seemed appropriate as this year’s Olympics are coming to a close this weekend.  Bob and I had both been there before but with somewhat different memories of exactly what we could expect.  It’s actually a very nice wide beach but as far as I’m concerned with a plethora of ugly buildings surrounding it.  Many of these buildings were constructed for the 1992 Olympics but even the older ones aren’t what I would call appealing.  In its defense there is a nice walking trail that runs along the beach and a nice wide boardwalk right at the water.

Once again it was amazing how many people were sunbathing with the heat warnings from the loud speakers constantly advising them to drink water not alcohol and to watch the kids and old people.  I don’t actually think the warning was meant for Bob but………..I kept my eye on him at all times just in case.  

The copper fish is very controversial here in Barcelona as it is not well liked by the locals for a variety of reasons.  I kind of like it but completely understand that a county that eats its fish with their heads on probably isn’t going to like a headless and tailless cooper fish!!  I personally think it is the most artsy and attractive thing about Olympic Village but I usually keep that to myself in these discussions.    

Walking back to the flat we walked by Port Vell and took a look at the Nau Victoria which is a replica of the first ship to ever sail around the world in the 1500s.  The ship was incredibly small and basic there was no way I could imagine crawling aboard and setting sail for parts unknown.  This was Spain's crowning moment when they owned the seas and were ready to discover all the world had to offer.  Luckily for us the Queen gave Columbus the money he needed!!

Bob has had hints of tapas’ since he’s been here but wanted more so we tried to go to my favorite tapas restaurant El Xampanyet for lunch but found they were closed for vacation.  This is true for many of the stores and restaurants in the area.  Most are closed for these first two weeks of August but some are closed for the whole month.  Actually Schilling is also closed and I’ve been going through a bit of withdrawal over that one!

Since we missed out on the tapas for lunch we opted for Bar Lobo for a tapas dinner of grilled ham and artichokes, ham croquettes, and tempura asparagus with the usual bottle of cheap wine of course.  It was an early night as tomorrow we are off to Girona or the little Barcelona as it is sometimes called around here.

I hope this heat is over soon, Spain is running out of ice!!