" Barcelona and Me "

Part II of our trip leads us to the Arc de Triomf structure, dated is what it looks like but interesting details once you look closely,
It is imposing just like I'd imagined.


Barri Gothic area, literally beside the beautiful Barcelona Cathedral, which is a must visit.


Tempting gift shops and whatnot along the streets of the Gothic quarter.


I think this one is heading to Dali's petite museum.
Interesting find as well.


One museum we almost wanted to skip because earlier that day, we went to Columbus' tower to view
its 360, but was dissapointed in its crammed and claustrophobic space.
But this newly renovated Palau Guell begs to differ.
Thankfully we both agreed to take a look inside and was the tour really worth it.
If only we weren't pressured for time, we could stay there for hours.
So much to see inside and what's more, you can take all the pictures you want without restrictions,
accompanied with an audio explanation in every room.
The entrance fee was 10 euros.
This is the exterior.


and a shot of its interior.


but the piece de resistance is at the top floor are
Gaudi's signature mosaic tiled works or
Trencadis which can be seen in the chimney tops.
really mind blowing, even the flooring is a bit wavy, you seem to be floating on top of the edifice.
the view is also breathtaking. ^0^


We also went to the huge Arenas de BCN and thereby, stopping at Placa Espanya.
the structure is the biggest torre I've ever seen. ^-^


Then, we were lured by this huge dome shaped structure ahead, we don't know what it was yet, but we went further,
and finally to MNAC museum.
Not what we had planned to visit, but sometimes its good to let your feet wander to where it leads you.
Again, the view of the Tibidabo and the city was picture perfect.


On our last day, that was the 25th of Dec.
ALL the shops are literally closed because of the holiday, we were worried where to eat or what to see,
so, we walked around Universitat, Passeig de Gracia, the winding roads of Calle de...,
all the way to Eixample where Casa Batlo and the more Casas are located.
But the one thing I forgot to see was La pedrera's Casa Mila.
I thought, we already did but I got the Batlo and Mila all mixed into One. ^0^
Well, we did took a haste photo of it while in the bus, I was hoping to take a closer look into it though.
Oh well...
and no, we opted not to go inside Casa Batlo even when it's open on that day.
the entrance fee cost 18.15 euros.




Most of the buildings here in BCN are interesting, something I don't see here everyday,
In fact, a lot of the locals are always looking at us when we were taking fotos,wondering
what in the world are they doing?! ^0^



One middle aged man kept calling me "Nee-Hau" several times, he thought I was chinese. ^-
He said, go further up the street, " Hay una bonita Casa Alli. " - there's a nice house there.
I said to myself, this better be not a sick fat joke or else...
and he was right, it was indeed beautiful. ^-^




and one thing that is clearly evident in all the shops are these loud Graffiti art.
even this tree wasn't spared.


In the alleyways, you'd sure to find clothesline all in a row.


Of course the trip wouldn't be complete without a few stranger shots.
I'm surprised to say that most Catalans are not camera shy, in fact, when they see your lens zooming their way,
they will give you their candid smile. ^-^

This is along Estacio de sants.


and oh! I just like the symmetry in this foto, it took me 15shots to capture the unblurry one. i think there's also a hint of my reflection.


and oh! i wish i could taste those tasty Paella, the smell coming from the pan will make you go hungry.


although, we never tried the metro, we did take a few fotos inside.
not really inviting was all I could say, It was dark and dim, there were beggars and potential thieves.
If you've been to Singapore or elsewhere, you know what I mean.




and wherever you go, you'd sure find one Pinoy in the city. ^0^
and the menu here says it all.


lastly, the trip wouldn't be complete without meeting a fellow blogger from BCN daily foto.
Here's a foto of Rob, Mandy and Me outside the bar.
Thanks for giving us a quick tour, a taste of the catalan's Sangria and your warmest welcome, despite your busy schedule.


and to Albert, a dear friend of Pepperoni, who treated us with warm teas and delectable brownies at Caj Chai.
It took us awhile to find the place, because even the locals have a hard time remembering the narrow streets. ^0^


so ends the BCN tour here.
I will be posting more of the trip on my other blog, Mon Journal de Voyage which I hope you could take a visit.
and Next stop, On va a Paris. ^0^
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" Barcelona and Me "

It took me almost two weeks before I can take a pause and post a few bits of my trip.
Believe it or not, I still have a huge hangover with Europe that I'm still adjusting with its time zone. ^0^
Thankfully though, i think i'm back to normal again.
Beware though, this is a terribly Long post, so skip if you think you needed to...

Well, First off, I would like to share Barcelona (BCN) with you.
I have good impressions with them despite the multiple warnings about carteristas ( pickpokets).
In fact, even applying for a Schengen Visa here isn't as hard as I thought it would be,
the consul who interviewed me, didn't catch her name but Thank you! ^0^
she was nice and polite, although you have to pay for a fee when
asking for a schedule for the interview,
It wasn't hard, except for the security guard downstairs where you had to wait for your turn,
he can be a bit bossy, but the second time, we were there, he's already smiling and even wink at us
and said, "oh!
good luck on your trip, you finally got your visa." ^0^

Contrary to the french embassy though.
Our first request was through email for a schedule and because we haven't received any reply,
we thought It got lost or something, we decided to gave them a call.
The person on the other line, unfriendly and sort of irritated as she was, said to patiently wait for
the email and that night they did reply and had scheduled us a month before the
said trip, just a month! and while you have to wait for 15 days for your visa.
How can you even make plans with days of waiting and not knowing if you're going to approved or not?!
We tried calling again hoping for a re-schedule but that person again said they're busy and
can't accommodate our questions.
Desperate and about to give up on my trip,
I stumbled through a local blog here called Wanderlass.com, who shares her insights about the French embassy
and later realized that most of their schedules are really like that,
the consuls, depending in which window are sometimes hot and cold,
the employees are more unhelpful than their boss.
unless, you're someone who knows someone, then maybe you can set a better schedule.
And disappointing to say that I'm not happy about are those Pinoys working inside the embassy
who thinks highly of themselves and takes a snob off these people applying for a visa.
They're the ones making the schedule, skimming your data and filtering the details, you know what I mean...

We finally applied in the Spanish embassy, I glad I did and the trip made it even worthwhile.
In fact, I miss BCN terribly that I wish I can visit it again soon. haha!

Now for the post,
to describe Barcelona in one sitting isn't enough and as much as I wanted to post every picture of
what i've seen, it will take forever.
so here's a glimpse of BCN. hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did. ^0^

I think for a first timer, the Hop on -hop off bus called Bus Turistic, a double decker bus and is
the best ride you could take.
there's a red, blue and green line that goes in different directions,
but during the winter months, the green line is not available.
It will take you to its major sights and worth the time and money.
I commend the every 10 minutes wait for a bus to arrive and helpful staffs inside the bus,
they spoke good english and they don't cheat you with time schedules.
plus the discounts and handouts they gave you are also informative.
for two days, it's less than 30euros.



You can't say you went to BCN and not see the imposing Sagrada Familia.
this one taken during lunch time, the weather was pretty great btw.



this one at a different angle taken earlier.


next stop, Park Guell.
The hilly climb on top is worth it once you're there,
the view's amazing and although, flocked by tourist from left to right.
the works of Gaudi is awe inspiring.


The famous Placa Catalunya, just 10 minutes from our hotel,
come sundown, the place is pack with people.



Las Ramblas and its fancy lights.



Things you'd find along this area.
Lots of shopping galore, souvenirs, souvenirs and more souvenirs.
Tourist opening their maps and finding their way,
Your easiest way to el raval, port vell, barri gothic...
Street performers, sketch artists and more! ^0^



getting lost at La Boqueria- be like the locals as you wander around stores selling bombones ( candies),
Jamon, fruits, marisco, etc...


where Columbus is pointing...



Rambla del Mar -
the sea view, though I've seen it many times in fotos and blogs, looks beautiful once you're there, plus the
amazing weather.
If only I could stay there for hours and let my mind ease off and not worry about anything. ^-^


More BCN fotos hasta mañana!
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