Paradise re-visited

There's something quite magical about slipping into a city - like slipping into an old favourite coat - the comfort, the embracing nature of the familiar - Barcelona is all this to me - having lost none of its capacity to fill me with wonder and appreciation at its sheer beauty and warmth of the Catalan people and culture.

Having arrived at the new airport and making my way to the Hotel Banys Orientales I amazed myself about how much I actually remembered - little details and landmarks that I have obviously carried around in my heart and mind for a long time. The Hotel, situated in the wonderful winding medieval lanes of the Barri Gottic is even more charming, chic and designer than I had imagined Every small detail has been attended to in the renovation in the Modernisme/Deco tradition. Pure Luxury!

Having landed in the lap of luxury, I quickly unpacked and made my way down through the alley ways of the old city. A hustle and bustle of people shopping in the colourful and very intersting shops - no sign of a supermarket - what a relief! Many scrumptious temptations of the sweet and savoury kind ... and of course designer everything. Of most interest for me are some of the small antique print shops and art suppliers.
Strolled down the Rambla (from an Arabic name Ramla meaning dry river bed) for the uninitiated - this is the one of the most vibrant and famous walking strips in the world. Unfortunately, like so many places it has become too touristy for my likes. Turned off and headed to the stunning 1850's Placa Reial - a Square adorned with palms, and neo-classical architecture and lamps - two of whuch were designed by Antoni Gaudi. Settled in for the free 'theatre of life' unfolding before me - jugglers, lovers, piano accordionists .... literally every shape, size and type of human being..not to mention the dogs! I'll let you visually take in my calorie consumption!!!!

Later in the evening I was finally joined by Adele who arrived in Barcelona via a drop off (Tomas) in Lisbon. We continued in the manner I had already grown accustomed to - feasting on a variety of Tapas washed down by copius and refreshing vats of Sangria.

We wandered back to the hotel , rambling through the ancient laneways which had now taken on an eerie feeling - neon lights, shuttered shops and cobblestones lit by the exquisite lamps painted a a rather gothic atmosphere.

Stumbled into the hotel and did not need much more than a shower to collapse into bed - Tomorrow the conference .... and Gaudi of course!!

Love L