We got up to see the sunrise from our wonderful windows:

Elisa faithfully met us to walk the few steps to the Alilaguna boat. We disembarked and made the long walk from the docks to the airport. All of a sudden my sadness fell away and I got that little tingle of excitement–here we go! The flight to Barcelona was on time and came off without a hitch.

We got a taxi from the airport to our apartment for the week in the Gracia neighborhood. The place was still being cleaned so we left our bags and went for a walk; we found a small place where we had some jamon (like prosciutto) sandwiches and a salad. We sat outside and watched the traffic. They have cars here! And went to a supermarket for a few groceries.

I had booked a “free” walking tour for 3:00 and we had to skedaddle to make it. We got a cab using the “Free Now” app, jumped out a few blocks from our destination because the traffic was intense. We made it just on time to the Plaça Catalunya for our enjoyable and informative tour of the Gothic quarter. The guide, Franco, gave us a great overview of Barcelona’s history and we saw a bunch!

When we got to to the cathedral there was a small Christmas market set up and this tree in front. Fanco explained that there is a movie being shot here and this is the set.

He showed us how the facade does not go all the way to the end of the church:

The tour ended in the beautiful, palm tree filled, Plaça del Rei.

From there we walked, just a few blocks to the Boqueria market and took in the sights and smells. We sat down at a bar serving food. We shared a plate of garlicky mussels and clams, and a plate of sausage and potatoes “bravas.” Ken had a beer and I had a glass of cava and then a glass of really decent house red. It was a perfect meal for us!

We decided to walk back from there and it was all great until about the last 10 minutes–just too long! But our step count really got the benefit: 20K! My feet are well aware.

Finally we had a moment to get organized in the apartment. The air conditioning doesn’t seem to be working so there was a series of texts and finally a visit from the owner. She says she will have someone here tomorrow to fix it.

So… Barcelona. First impressions are of vibrancy and youth. I feel energized and ready for our week here.