Barcelona

Hi Guys,

At last we are in Barcelona, the trip up the coast being pretty uneventful since Caleta-de-Velez, outside Malaga.  Most days we motor-sailed, with little wind and at night we anchored, mostly in pretty little places.  We arrived in Barcelona on Tuesday and we are quickly getting into the lifestyle here.   It is getting hot here and now we can understand why everyone closes for lunch and has a siesta.  We are also getting into the Barcelona time routine and last night we left the boat at 10pm to go out for dinner and only got home at 1am.  Everything was still buzzing though - I don't know what time the people here go home!  Even all  the little kids are out at that time of night.

The marina we are at is close to  Las Ramblas.  It reminds me of Lisbon in that there are restaurants just outside and also a bike track.  Unlike Lisbon though, it  is  buzzing here.  The restaurants are full, there are people everywhere, buskers, bike riders and we are just 5 mins. by bike from Las Ramblas an in the opposite direction 5 mins. from the beachfront.

Yesterday we went to La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's gothic cathedral in the making.  It is the most amazing thing. They have been building for 100 years now and it will still take a further 25-30 to finish it and there is still much to be done. It feels like you are in a giant plant or a forest when you are inside! We also went to Park Guell, to see the house Gaudi lived in. Today we are taking a bike ride to the park that overlooks Barcelona.  Apparently there is a great view of the city from there. 

I hope it is not too cold at home now.  I will have a swim for all of you.

Regards

Arti and Dimitri.