Barcelona and I had a brief but passionate love affair in the summer of 2007..when I visited the city under the guise of “trying to learn Spanish.” So much for that! I spent a month and a half wandering the streets, marveling at the beautiful sites and architecture, ditching Spanish class, and trying my best to fall in love.. What do you expect? I was barely 20 at the time.
Me and my classmates in Barcelona! July 2007
yupp..this is what we did instead of going to class..!! Acting a fool in Barcelona, July 2007
So here I am..back in Barcelona again..but this time, accompanied by my family..
Ahhh…Barcelona..you are such a beautiful city..and such a welcomed change after spending the better part of a year and a half in Lebanon, and in Beirut in specific.
You make me appreciate urban planning, architecture (and urban restoration), design interventions, and efficient, well-thought methods of public transportation. Even though it seems like everyone and their mother got the memo to visit Bacelona this Easter..everything runs smoothly and according to plan. And I truly admire how you seem to understand the benefit (both social and financial) of making constant improvements to yourself to ensure the happiness of both residents and tourists alike.. (Beirut could learn a thing or two from you…)
Ohhhhh! and how could I forget to mention that I haven’t heard a HONK in two and a half days! Even when pedestrians are clearly in the wrong and deserve to be honked at. Amazing. Makes me realize how much the noise pollution and traffic, contribute to stress levels in Beirut. Beirut would be such a pleasure to navigate if it wasn’t for these two things. I wonder if urban planning can take place in the reverse – long after a city has been built??
Anyhow, here are a couple of highlights from my first few days in Barca! Enjoyyyy…
My Mom and Sister at Plaza Catalunya - Barcelona's nerve center
Design intervention close to Port Olimpico, Barcelona
the famous shrimp near Port Olimpico, Barcelona
A sculpture in Plaza Catalunya, Barcelona
Beautiful Barcelona..
Design installation outside a museum in Barcelona
Another design intervention...
on Las Ramblas..the most famous street in Barcelona
The street performers are everywhere along Las Ramblas..all competing for your attention (and your money!
A street performer in Barcelona on Las Ramblas..
The Boqueria Market - a Barcelona must see! I've never seen anything quite like it! See the pics below..
The pepper vendor..
The fruit vendor..
The egg vendor..
The meat vendor..
The fish vendor...
Come back soon for some more!!!
