After the disappointment of the previous night's football I needed something to cheer me up. What could be better than the vista of the city of Barcelona that greeted us as we opened our curtains this morning.
When we last visited the Catalan capital we were treated to a day of constant rain so much so our trip was confined to a taxi drive to some of the city's highlights. This time the weather was the exact opposite with temperatures touching 23C as we left the ship at 9.00 under clear blue skies. Our old neighbours from Eastwood, Jane and Chris had flown into Barcelona yesterday on a short break with a friend from Brazil and we had arranged to meet them at the bottom of Las Ramblas. We met at the statue of Columbus and slowly ambled up Las Ramblas taking in the sights and sounds and occasionally stopping for photos.
Our first port of call was the Mercat de la Boqueria, the central market of the city located just off the main street. I love visiting markets, as you may have noticed previously, as I think it gives a great impression of what the local people eat and drink. This one was no exception as alongside the superb displays of fresh fruit and vegetables and the countless cooked meat stalls....
...was this stall selling the local delicacy of sheep's heads.
At least that is what I think they were as the eyes followed you as you passed just like a flock of sheep.
After a short stop for a drink, it was getting warmer all the time, we proceeded into the Old City to visit the cathedral. This is situated in the heart of the Barri Gotic and is completely built unlike La Sagrada Familia on the other side of town.
Inside the church was as impressive as the exterior with magnificent carved stone columns and many small side chapels each dedicated to individual Saints and decorated ornately.
The area around the cathedral is like a rabbit warren of small streets where you suddenly come across interesting photo opportunities like this small fountain and balcony.
Further on we came across a small museum housing exhibits that feature in carnival processions, such as a pair of giants, a turtle (with a cat's head) and this bull.
The temperature was now around 28C so after a short detour to a biscuit and sweet shop......
....Sylvia and I made our way back to the ship leaving Jane & Chris to enjoy the rest of their holiday in peace.
The show tonight was called "My Generation", a collection of sixties songs finished off with an all-audience "Hey Jude". A fun show although some of the voices didn't quite fit all of the songs. On returning to our room we found a snake almost eating our chocolates.
Tomorrow a new port for us, Cannes. We are really looking forward to it.
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