Day 2 Barcelona

Today we explored the beach area in Barcelona. When I was here last - it was mostly undeveloped and casual . Not today. Other than the significant number of women who chose to go topless which is refreshingly casual, the beach is now very developed. And here's the thing - so is the cost of being there. Spain used to be cheap cheap cheap but is now no different than Paris or London. On the other hand - I gotta tell you it is beautiful. I really love the architecture, historical and contemporary art and the integration of "beach" culture in the middle of a large modern city. The other wonderful thing is scooters everywhere. I have never seen so many in one place. I actually teared up at one point.....

Jake and his friend Matthew with the beach in the background

Well the surf was up and while there were no surf boards around the body surfing was fantastic. This took up a fair amount of our day.

There is more public art (contemporary) in Barcelona than anywhere I've ever been. Along the shore there is one great piece after another. Below is this huge copper thing on the building. Part of a salmon - don't know but I love the way it transitions the beach to the city. I mean its not as cool as the rubage pile in front of the Save on foods memorial center but its pretty cool.

After the beach we casually walked the streets of Barcelona admiring the quaint little apartments and shops. Barcelona is clean! Not a scrap of litter anywhere I saw. I would say that is I had to choose between a trip to London Paris and Barcelona knowing what I do from this trip. It would be Barcelona by a long shot. There's a great feel here. It feels safe, fun and there's is tons of history and culture to explore.

 

Reluctantly we headed back for Montpellier. Not because Monpellier isn't a wonderful place but there was so much more to see in Barcelona. Well you have to leave something for next time.

SIDEBAR - we found the coolest product on the way home. Cappuccino in a can - yup. And its amazing. Its like a can of Coke with a pop top and bottom. You pop the bottom first and compress the plastic disk you find there. That activated a chemical reaction in a chamber in the bottom of the can and within 3 minutes you have a hot cup of delicious coffee. Think of this for soups, hot chocolate etc. Great for vending machines at your local ice area where most cities have removed the concession stands. Amazing idea.