Barcelona and Puigsacalm

It's been relatively busy out here in Spain over the past few weeks with one thing or another. I'll try and cram them all into this without boring you to death. 

Every weekend I seem to go to Barcelona. This is far from a chore and seen as it's only an hour and half away, why not?! The Barcelona Bucket List is slowly but surely being ticked off and it's great fun doing so. Although the trips to Barcelona are mainly cultural and touristy, I do manage to squeeze in the odd Starbucks and fastfood indulgence from time to time as a reward for living in the least touristy place on earth. Along with wondering down La Rambla and super walks along the beach watching the crazy surfers out in January!

Recently I have visited Sagrada Familia which is the big Cathedral designed by Antoní Gaudi. It's immensely impressive on the outside but slightly disappointing on the inside, and certainly not worth the 11 euros I paid to get in. It is arguably the symbol of Barcelona and it's clear to see why. However, it is yet to be completed and so adding to the wonder that is Sagrada Familia. My Grandad Harry had a theory that every night all the work that had been done in the day would be removed so that it would never be finished and continue to be this extravagant tourist attraction. Who knows?
I have also been to another of Gaudí's famous bulidings; Casa Batlló. This is basically a house built on the Passeig de Gracia running through the centre of Barcelona that is a bit wacky. (Gaudí was a bit wacky). It's a fully functioning, practical house but with weird and wonderful 'stuff' in it, all designed and overseen by Gaudí. It was really interesting to visit but I don't think I'd like to live there, I'm happy with my little flat. 

The last leg to the top.

On Sunday, the gym I go to had organised a little excursion- a walk to Puigsacalm. This should have really been labelled as a climb as it is, according to wikipedia, 'the highest mountain in the Catalan Transversal Range...and has an altitude of 1512 metres.' Now, although I didn't start the walk...I mean climb from sea level, it bloody well felt like it. It was extremely steep and it definitely nearly killed me. Ok that's an exaggeration but it was pretty difficult and my legs were aching like mad afterwards. Having said all this, it was a grand day out in great company (mainly old ladies who were out climbing us- to be fair they had sticks) and the views from the top were spectacular. It was lovely to get some proper fresh air and see another part of this fab country. 

Thankful to be alive

Other activities that have been undertaken over the past few weeks include seeing Les Misérables twice (it's immense, and if you haven't already seen it then do!), being subjected to a questionable English production of the Ugly Duckling and Pinocchio at school and indulging in some gorgeous strawberries and cream IN WINTER!



Well that's all for now folks but I'm sure I'll have some more Barcelona stories to fill you in on soon. Ciao for now!!

P.s. Hi Fran.