A Walk in the Park

Just about as much is closed in Barcelona on Mondays as they are on Sundays so Rob offers that he would like to spend the biggest part of the day visiting the Parc de la Ciutadella and I think it is a great idea.  The park is an easy walk from the flat but for some reason I haven’t been there yet this summer.  We’re out about 11am and the streets are quiet and the weather pleasant.  At home Rob is an early riser and he’s having trouble adjusting to how late Barcelona starts its day. 

We decide to at first walk past the park to the Arc Del Triomp. The Arc is impressive with a nice walk running from the Arc to the park.  We are both amazed by the beauty of the lampposts and the decorative gates to enter the walkway.  As always there are many gargoyles present to keep the evil spirits from entering.  I’m reassured by the gargoyles it’s for sure no one needs those evil spirits hanging around. Rob wants to take a picture of me with the Arc behind me and I turn and take a picture of him taking a picture of me.  We laugh.  Rob like taking pictures and even does those ones of just our faces where he holds the camera in his hand something I’ve never been able to accomplish because my arms are too short.  But seriously I have a question, why does every country in the world that I visit always have an ‘Arch’ celebrating their victory or victories but we don’t? Maybe we need to start it and build a victory arch in Washington, DC?

Barcelona’s city park is beautiful.  Barcelona takes care of its city and that is never more evident than when you stroll through the park.  There is a lot more going on here than just a park and there are several very dramatic buildings strategically placed such as the Parlament de Catalunya, the Museu de Geologia, the Museu de Zoologia and the big attraction the actual city zoo.   We talk about going into the zoo but both agree we don’t like to look at caged animals so don’t.  There is a rather large pond with ducks and there are the adorable children laughing with glee as they feed and chase the ducks. 

But the major attraction for both of us was this majestic fountain.  There was some renovation work going on however it didn’t detract from the fountain which was still stunning. The fountain is located at the far edge of the park and we had to walk around a bit to actually find it and we were really glad we didn’t give up before we did.  When we leave the park we agree to weave our way through the Born neighborhood.  Almost everything will be closed there today but it is a neighborhood that attracts Rob and he is anxious to see it so we will give him a preview today and come back again later when it will be livelier.  In the Born we relax at an outdoor café me with a glass of cava and Rob with a glass of Rose’.  I’m not sure when the Rose’ fad hit the States but it appears it has.

One of the few stores that is open in the Born is Bubo’s. This is a truly Spanish Chocolate Shop and even though I’m not a dessert person this store’s windows have always been so beautifully colorful I stop to look each time I pass by.  Rob who does have the sweet tooth spots this place at once and is asking, ‘Can we go in, can we?’ just like a kid and there is no way I can say no.  This shop is superb with exquisitely designed and presented items for anyone with the least bit of a sweet tooth.  The delightful woman who runs the shop passes out free samples of anything you show interest in. Before I know what he’s doing Rob is buying some kind of award winning triple chocolate cake thing for us to share.  This is even funnier because we are on our way to lunch at La Boqueria but I realize immediately Rob is not going to be denied.  We share and enjoy this decadent cake.  The chocolate is so good we both buy a can of Chocolate covered Macadams to take home and share with our friends.  At least that’s what we say we are going to do when we buy them!

Universal Kiosk is as crazy as ever when we finally get there but by now I have the learned the ropes of this place just like the locals and immediately seek out the one and only guy in this madhouse environment who can actually put your name on the waiting list. Today the list isn’t long and we are sitting down at a table in no time. Rob and I agree on two of my favorites, the green salad with tuna and the grilled vegetables.  I give him the honor of selecting anything at all for our third item after all he is the guest!  He opts for the calamari which is prepared whole, unbuttered, with lots of olive oil and served over French fries.  This is also one of my favorites so I am in luck here and Rob loves it.  We’ve eaten a late lunch and are ready to head back to the flat and rest awhile.

After a nap and some showers we are both feeling like new people and are ready to venture back out but neither of us is all that hungry after our big late lunch so we decide it’s a perfect night for appetizers/tapas at the Terrace Bar on the rooftop of Hotel 1898.  This is one of those places that never disappoints and with the cooler weather it is even more pleasant than usual.  We are in no hurry and leisurely snack on our crunchy shrimp on long sticks and Manchego cheese dip with pear slices and enjoy the views of Barcelona at night.

It’s not that late as we stroll home but we’ve agree we’ve been going strong since Rob has arrived and it’s a good night for an early end.  Or so we thought…………..

Walking up Ferran I suddenly notice the lights on in Schilling.  Schilling’s is open!!  OMG I’ve been waiting for this for almost a month while they completed some renovation work.  Schillings quickly became by favorite place for a cocktail mainly because of Cristo the bartender who I absolutely enjoy.  On quiet nights we have shared long conversations which have developed into a delightful friendship.  Now when I arrive he comes out from behind the bar to give me the customary Spanish two kisses on the cheeks and I love it. Everyone can wait for their drinks while I am being greeted!  I peek in and Cristo’s tending bar I look at Rob and he doesn’t say a thing just makes the turn into the bar and the next thing I know we are ordering our drinks.  Rob and Cristo become fast friends and we enjoy yet another drink on Cristo before we call it a night for real this time.

This day that started with a walk in the park, was a walk in the park from start to finish