Hola = hello! Bringing to u some memories from one of the most romantic cities in europe = barcelona =)
~ ATTRACTIONS ~
1)
Park Guell - This fairy-tale park is located high up in the city. Right at the entrance we were welcomed by the Hansel & Gretel cottages, devoted to Gaudi's creation. Gaudi's one of the greatest architect in Spain. U ll see his name again later. At the center of the park, there're steps and multi-coloured esplanade curving to the peak, offering scenic views of the entire city =)
2)
La Rambla &
Buqueira Market - La Rambla's a mile-long avenue, with singers, human statues, jugglers, radiant flower stalls, cafes and souvenir shops along. It's very happening and busy. And at its core there's a buquiera market. U will be thrilled to witness the stuffs being arranged so nicely and cute by the seller, including poultry, fruits n bread thus it's so colourful n vibrant =)
3)
Port Vell - The two ends of La Rambla are the Plaza Catalunya n the Port Vell respectively. The entire street's about 20 mins, we tried it ourselves =) Originally for maritim purposes, it's transformed into a smart harbour. There's modern jetties, cinema, shopping mall and night spots around it which i think would be a common hang-out place for the spanish :D
4)
Barri Gothic - It's more of the old town of the Catalunya. Catalunya is located within Barcelona but usually Catalunya people do not regard themselves as spanish. A picture of the Roman wall ^^
5)
Cathedral - A story comes tgt with tis cathedral. Tis is where Santa Eulalia, who was cruelly martyred for protesting Christianity is buried. She was pulled to the streets and undressed. But then some sorts of lights appeared and closed her nudity - which was said to be miracle of God. As she was 13 by then, there are 13 swans in the cathedral to reflect every stage of her life.
6)
Sagrada Familia - This is an unfinished cathedral by Gaudi. Restoration and construction are stil being carried out and it is predicted that another decade is required for completion. The building's very unique and u could take a ride to the top of one of the towers.
In the inner, it's simply superb and amazing. Unlike older cathedrals, it is contrasted with very modern but stil classical design of a church. It's very clean, white, peaceful. The design of the structure was so fine that sunlight that shines in was just so soothing and cosy. Coupled with the music played in the church, it felt so warm and great to be in the church. Personally i really love this place a lot a lot. Shhh honestly, i had a crying feel when i was inside.. =P
7)
Olympic stadium - In case u do not know (just like me), Spain held olympic in 1992.
8)
Barcelona football team stadium
9)
La Predera - Another weird-looking but eye-opening building by Gaudi. The most striking feature is the top of the building, people refer to as 'rock quarry'. The twisted verandas and chimneys are all made of biazarrely sculptured limestone =D
~ FOOD ~
Because when i said we cant read spanish menu it's bit hard to believe/imagine, i took a snapshot of it for u to test ur spanish xxD
1)
Pastas - Though pastas belongs to the italians, the spanish eat them as well =)
2)
Paellas - That's the most most MOST delicious western food ever! It originates from the words 'payaya' = specially for her. The story begins like tis: A guy asked a girl to her place for dinner, then realised he has no groceries. So he stuffed everything he had in his fridge (mushrooms, rice, meat etc) and cooked it into paella. Once u try paella, u shud b able to guess that he shud ve had an awesome dinner with her lorrr.. Hehehe..
But there're still varieties in paella.. In a short 3 days, we had black paella:
Yellow paella (this is the best!)
... green (vegetarian i suppose) paella..
3)
Tapas - Tapa = put on the top. In the past, it stems from a cover on top of the beer. Upon trend changes, it's like side dishes. Spanish tapas spanish tapas ^^
Nevertheless, in spain they have customised tourist menus. U can hv 3-course meals for about 10 euros. But food portions are generally bigger here. So for two little stomachs like pui yee n me, it's just nice for us to share a meal. But whenever we indicated to the waitress that we wanted to share a meal, her eyes were like jutting out of unbelievable expressions. We were thinking that either she thought that we are too poor, or she thought that we are too stingy.. =((
~ CULTURE ~
Language's a bit problem here. But fortunately all the road signs are very tourist friendly and it's not likely to be loss here. But walking is inevitable. Hohoho.. Anyway if im allowed to comment, food n attraction wise, spanish's better, especially with the sagrada familia and paella. On the other hand, portugese ppl r more friendly and portugese guys are generally better-looking than spanish. ^^
