Anyone been to Barcelona?

[stephbob]

I leave a week today, woohoo! I'm just wondering what I should be looking out for, things to see, things to do.

I have a few touristy suggestions, but there's nothing like people's personal opinions! I have my case packed already (had to take things out of the boxes I have packed for my move to Florida!) only to find out that it's bloomin' hot there today, and I've packed all winter clothes, haha. So I'm stuck. Got my camera ready too, and a comfortable pair of walking shoes!

I'm so excited! This is my first vacation since 2003! Unless you count days at the beach, which I don't lol.

[Richt]

Re: Anyone been to Barcelona?

I've been to Barcelona twice Steph, and its a lovely City.

Be sure to walk up the "Las Ramblas". Which is the main street in the City and to visit the harbour. If you like football (Soccer) go to the Nou Camp which is Barcelona FC's ground. Its the 2nd biggest stadium in Europe.

But as you are female, you are likely to want to go shopping :-p Las Ramblas is the place for you.

HTH

Rich

[sallyseachange]

Re: Anyone been to Barcelona?

Have fun Steph!

[Laurenfra]

Re: Anyone been to Barcelona?

I hope you have a great time. I cant wait to hear all about it.

[stephbob]

Re: Anyone been to Barcelona?

I think I'm actually a man trapped in a woman's body, because I hate shopping lol. I don't follow my mother, anyway! hehe. I will definitely check out Las Ramblas. I'm also going to head off to see the churches and all, but I bet I'll get there and just be overwhelmed by it all. And then come home wishing I'd seen more lol.

I was meant to go with my college about 4 years ago, but I had to pull out at the last minute, so this is kind of a make up trip

[ladyinred]

Re: Anyone been to Barcelona?

Is that where segrada familia (Gaudi's Cathedral) is?? If so, you should go see that - it's a fascinating piece of architecture - I just kept walking around and around and around the outside of it. If I'm not in the right city, then at some point in your life, you should go to wherever that cathedral is. Heeeee.

I was in Bahthelona (that's how they say it there) almost 17 years ago. As Rich says, it's a beautiful city. Lots to do. I also hate shopping, but it's a great place to people watch. I got a beautiful pair of sunglasses from a street vendor there - supercheap but I just loved them. Have fun Steph!!

[stephbob]

Re: Anyone been to Barcelona?

haha, loved that first but, LIR! It sounds familiar, so it may well be in Barcelona. I'm brushing up on my Spanish too - should have been doing that for the last few months, since I'm meant to be studying it, haha, but I've been slacking just a tad :X

[presidentholmes]

Re: Anyone been to Barcelona?

Oooooooooh I love Barcelona.
The Sagrada Familia is an absolute must, it was one of my dreams to see it and it doesn't disappoint.
The whole city is a work of art, so chic and cosmopolitan.
Climb the mountain up to the Olympic Stadium, I saw my one and only live soccer match in there, Real Madrid v. Espanyol, pretty cool for my only soccer match.
There's also a fort on top of the hill with museums, plenty cafes, a cable car, the Joan Miro Foundation if you like modern art.
So much to see and do there, I'm envious, you'll love it!

[presidentholmes]

Re: Anyone been to Barcelona?

The Sagrada Familia-

http://www.barcelona-pictures.com/sagrada-familia/

[stephbob]

Re: Anyone been to Barcelona?

Hello all, I have returned!! Had an amazing week! Stayed in my friends house which is in Santa Coloma, just about 20 minutes by Metro from Catalunya Square. We did all the usual tourist hotspots - Las Ramblas, The marketplace, The Sagrada Familia, The cathedral, the harbor. We climbed up the colomn by the harbor and got to see some wonderful views of the city! On Sunday, we went to Tibidabo, which is this theme park at the top of the mountain. One **** of a trek to get there though!! We had to take 2 trains on the metro, then another train (over land) then walk up a hill, and then take a tiny bus to get there!! But it was so much fun, and the whole park is built into the mountain, so the views are spectaular!

As I said, overall we had a great time. But to be honest, Barcelona wasn't how I imagined it would be! For one thing, it's by far the dirtiest city I've ever been to (Even beats Kansas City, MO, and that's saying something!) And the people I found to be really, really rude. Women threatening me on the metro, one woman with a baby in a stroller wanted to fight!!! All because she was pushed in rush hour while hundreds of people were trying to get through one set of doors! Crazy...Also got security called on us TWICE in El Corte Ingles because the guy thought we were stealing. Firstly, I've never been so embaressed in my life, because I'm an honest person, and I would never do anything like that. Second of all, his attitude left much to be desired. First time we went in there, we saw him do the same thing to an American couple by us, and they must have been in their 60's. Hardly the typical shoplifting type I'd say, and they were acting so innocent. Then my friend was buying 2 big beer glasses and a little snowglobe, so to carry it all, she put the snowglobe in one of the glasses AT THE CASH REGISTER! And the guy went mad. The next day we went back to get something else, and on a completely different department. He saw us, came over, and followed us, AGAIN! My friend kicked off about his attitude, and he said that "British people steal" and that's why he was following us. Nice! Then he called security on us and we were asked to leave.

*sigh* But, yes, lol, overall it was a great week, and a much needed vacation!! From someone who's used to traveling at least once a month, going nearly 5 months with only a road trip to a friends house is weird!! No more traveling now until my move in February if all goes well!!

I have over 500 pictures, so once they're all sorted and uploaded, I'll post a link to my photobucket for you all to see if you want