Viva La Barcelona…

Looking out the window of a Spanish pension I smile and whisper “Viva la Española”. It’s the first day in a place supposedly founded by Hercules and as far as cities go, it’s a real winner.  There’s certainly the spirit of excitement in this town -
it’s summertime and I don’t think anyone goes to bed early. Initially I chose to simply wander the streets and lose myself in the vast maze of alleyways and squares – that’s usually the best plan. Just like in Florence, Barcelona is a city of deeply contrasting aesthetics, particularly with its architecture. You’ve got Roman, Moorish, Gothic, Baroque, Edwardian and modernist – it’s all here. And in some cases you find different periods all collated into the same structure – this is definitely an eclectic city.

When I consider Spain, my knowledge is limited mainly to its reputation for food, passionate people, guitars, Picasso, striking coastlines and good waves (and a few other things that I’ll leave alone). But when speaking of food, particularly Spanish, I’d be confidant in saying I got a handle on it. But after my first expedition into Barcelona’s markets and tapas bars, I realize I was kidding myself.

After wandering the streets and passing some tapas bars, one grabbed the attention; it looked lively and I spied some pretty tasty looking plates. Now I’m not sure of the precise edict, but basically you just enter, grab a bench, get a drink and start grazing. With my limited Spanish, I started ordering, no big achievement, since pointing and smiling can achieve the same aim. There were endless combo’s of seafood, meats, cheeses, with olives, peppers and other spices - it’s was easy to get lost – as I did. The standout choice was one of the simplest, a small chorizo-type sausage with a splash of golden olive oil. This number was unbelievable – worth every bloody Euro. After plowing through half a dozen and some cold beers, the barman counted my toothpicks, I paid and bailed. Again on the streets with a few drinks under the (ever-expanding) belt, this was the perfect state of being for further exploration.

In Barcelona, there’s a food market that’s holds legend status across all Europe  - it’s known as ’La Boqueria’. Going since 1217, it’s safe to say this venue has history. As soon as you enter,  there’s a certain emotion,  similar to how Cortez might have felt if he’d discovered ‘El Dorado’. In every direction you’re seeing the best selection of anything and everything imaginable. My eyes popping and jaw dragging, I took a deep breath and started to shuffle forward. Wherever I went it was spectacle of lavishness – so much quality. Fruits all colors of the rainbow, so bright you needed shades, the cheeses too many to list, fresh seafood and of course the meat – “the meat!” – this was completely off the charts. Also along the market’s edge were several little wine bar/cafes and informal tapas set-ups.  Here you could really set up camp with the best of the best and disappear into the land of the lost. I’m already plotting on how to smuggle a leg Jamón ibérico (Iberian ham) back home.

Finally back at the ranch it was all about collapsing and fading into oblivion – this bear was well and truly spent. In parting, my only advice to anyone visiting Barcelona – leave the diet program at home – because once you’re here it’s all about consuming some of the best food in the Mediterranean. Goodnight…