I have to say, Barcelona (of course pronounced BarTHelona) is a city I will for sure go back to, probably next time in the spring. There is just a great energy when walking through the narrow streets of the older neighborhoods. It almost feels like a movie set from hundreds of years ago that is just frozen in time. It feels very quaint and cozy and is just nice to wander through somewhat aimlessly.

We did do quite a bit of wandering seemingly aimlessly, but often because we were having trouble finding what we were looking for. One afternoon my friend Sue and I had purchased some new Brazilian sneakers and I had decided I wanted to go back and get a pair for my sister (nothing to do with the hottie Brazilian sales guy). Problem is, all of the quaint and cute little streets look exactly alike and it is somewhat hard to navigate. Really best to just wander and enjoy until you come across what you think you are looking for.

One of the highlights in the city is of course the architecture of Gaudi. The main cathedral has been in construction for around 60 years, and is expected to be complete in about 30 years. The details on the outside are incredible. There are of course many religious figures carefully carved out of stone, but then there are also giant colorful fruit bowls carved at the tips of steeples. A bit random.

We took a tour through a house he designed and built located on a main street in one of the newer neighborhoods. We were just doing some window shopping when we stumbled upon it. All of the shapes and colors we saw while going through the huge home really made me think, what was this dude on and where can I get some? Parts of it are like Wonderland with a fireplace shaped like a giant mushroom leading up to brightly colored chimneys on the roof. What is impressive is that all of the somewhat strange elements are functional in some way or are there to help create the feeling of water and movement. The entire house is open in some way to have continuous air flow yet is designed in a way to keep out the rain. If you do get a chance to visit, be sure to do the audio tour which is sure to entertain. I am sure it is meant just to educate, but believe me you will get a laugh or two from the faux guide. Just wait till they try to figure out why in the world this amazing architect blocked the door to outside with two large columns.

My favorite part of the city was of course the huge food market, the Boqueria, located just off the main strip Las Ramblas. Any chef or foodie would be in heaven wandering through this place. First of all, there are cured pig legs hanging all around. Hundreds and hundreds (you will find that they are hanging throughout the city, but especially at the market). It is a pork lover’s dream. The seafood merchants have such incredible fresh selections that you could never find in the US, even on the coasts. There are chocolate merchants with truffles and other creations. Every kind of nut you can think of. A huge and beautiful selection of produce. Cheese coolers filled with every European cheese imaginable. I think my friend Sue had the hardest time with the butchers. Tripe, beef tongue, sweetbreads, oh my! Though I guess for some, the piles of multiple goat heads that are skinless yet with eyes looking at you might be a bit much. To top it off, there are bars throughout the market where you can sit and have some Tapas and beers. It is like an amusement park for foodies.

I was unable to make a trip to see El Bulli, as it is only open in the warmer months. We did get to eat at Chef Adria’s brother’s restaurant, Inopia which is a very casual tapas spot. There are polaroids of famous chefs from all over who have visited the spot. Surprisingly the crispy chicken strips were really the best thing we ate. They were crusted with potato chips…yummm. Other favorites during our trip were the empanadas at Pizza al Born; the grilled bacon, cheese and date sandwich at Bubo; the tomato bread everywhere which is simply garlic and tomato rubbed on crusty bread. Forget referrals from your guide book, just wander around and look for cute little places filled with locals. And get ready to eat lunch at 2 or 3 and dinner at 10pm or later. You would be hard pressed to even find food served between the hours of 5 and 8pm. That is siesta time, which you need if you plan to stay up till the wee hours of the night clubbing. I, on the other hand, seem to be getting old and was out cold by a bit after midnight.