Traveller's Tales

I visited Barcelona, in Spain, in August 2003.  I remember seeing the city on some tv holiday programme.  What stuck out in my mind was the work which Gaudi is most famous for, which I later discovered is known as La Sagrada Familia (but is sometimes incorrectly referred to as "the Cathedral").

If you only get the chance to visit one attraction whilst in this city, make it La Sagrada Familia.  La Sagrada Familia is a work in progress (you may have noticed the cranes which surround it).  The façade which Gaudi worked on is a sight to behold and almost appears to be dripping, like a melted candle.  The façade which has been created by a modern architect is not as refined as Gaudi's - it is simply decorated and has an angular, blocky appearance.

Another interesting place to go to is Gaudi's Parc Güell, where you can wile away several hours people watching and just taking in this wonderful landscaped garden which overlooks the city. 

Whilst Gaudi's architecture and designs will probably account for most of the time you spend in Barcelona, there are other, more modern attractions to be seen.  The Magic Fountain is enchanting, as it majestically performs to music, to tracks such as Queen's "I Want To Break Free".

Speaking of music, I was surprised to discover a band performing on a street pavement, doing covers of what sounded like Metallica songs.  Barcelona is of course famous for its pavement performers, especially at La Ramblas, where human statues are commonplace. 

In my quest to visit every Hard Rock Café in each city which has one, I had to go to Barcelona's.  They are all the same of course, but by the end of my trip I had tried Spanish cuisine (there are many tapas bars around and you can wash the tapas down with some Sangria) and Italian, so I was ready for some good old American burger and chips type grub. 

If you've been to any Hard Rock Café where one of the customers is celebrating a birthday, you will know that the staff make sure that if it is your birthday, you won't forget that particular one in a hurry.   Some girl sitting near my table was apparently celebrating her birthday with her boyfriend in tow.   I missed the bit where the staff brought out the sparkler lit ice-cream for the girl (had to go to the toilet, not that you really needed to know that) but I did get to witness the present opening part - the girl did not look thrilled when she opened her present from her boyfriend - he had bought her an Alice Cooper doll, complete with full make-up!

Anyway, whatever your taste, you are bound to find something to suit both your palate and your cultural yearnings whilst you are in Barcelona, so bon appetit.

Author: Dorraine Bennett       ©2003 Dors Productions