How to have a relaxing day of discovery in this most crowded of tourist venues:
1. Stay away from the city centre. Begin your day mooching around a neighbourhood market.
2. Stroll through the university zone and a peaceful park. Visit the serene and beautiful Monasterio de Pedralbes, and spend time in its ancient cloisters.
3. Afterwards, in the nearby well-heeled suburb of Sarrià , find a quiet square to linger over a restorative clara.
4. Later still, mooch round looking for a lunch spot where the locals eat: office workers, the granddad who’s collected his small charges from their hockey game, that sort of thing. Enjoy.
5. Later, much later, meet Emily and Miquel. Another meal, I think. Watch this space. It hasn’t happened yet.
I like your choices of places to visit, all new to me.
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I sort of don’t want to give them the oxygen of publicity. They’re wonderful, and in part because they’re still not overrun.
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Looks like you’re having a great time and seeking out hidden gems. I’ve never been to Spain, probably mostly because of the language barrier; I can at least get by in France. I wonder if those monastery cloisters inspired the Boston Public Library courtyard! (https://www.flickr.com/photos/wallyg/4896699372)
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They were built in the 14th century so maybe Boston looked at Europe. I always find cloisters so restful. I always feel more comfortable when I know the language but the Spanish always give you credit for having a go.
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Sounds blissful.
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Yup.
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Ah yes such good tips. The lunch spot looks like a particularly good find. Funnily enough I’ve just bought some serrano ham, obviously not a whole leg!! Your photo reminded me of a snack I had years ago at the Museo del Jamón in Madrid. Hope you have an enjoyable meal with your daughter.
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We’ve just got back. Such a good time. Spain is made for eating out.
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I love European neighborhood markets! There is nothing like them here in the US. Maybe in the cities – the older parts of a older cities (pre-1900) – but certainly not the suburbs where I live. Europeans know how to shop for food – and the food is amazing. Certainly appears you are enjoying your visit.
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Oh, I dunno. One of my greatest market experiences bar none was Pike Market in Seattle. I’ll never forget the spirited fish vendors or the stunning variety and quality of the fruit and veg. on offer.
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Can’t beat a good mooch, beats the tourist traps every time.
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Definitely.
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keep enjoying your relaxing stroll around the back streets and finding hidden gems 🙂
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Oh, we shall! Thank you.
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SO much better than doing the tourist-y stuff! It sounds like a really nice holiday!
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It was lovely. And of course seeing Emily and Miquel was best of all.
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Your stories and beautiful photos reminded me the trip we made in 2015, but stayed in the city. 🙂
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You’ll have to go again. So much to see …..
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On my list again! 🙂
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Sounds like a perfect day, being like a local, love it!
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Got to make use of m,y daughter being a local!
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It’s up there on my list of favourite cities.
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Oh, I’m so glad you’ve had a chance to visit.
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