Barcelona and about time for another holiday

by anna (and david)

It was great to arrive back in Barcelona. The city screams holiday fun and that's what we were there for. We jumped straight in, although there was a twist this time, as part of our second day was occupied with helping the Reddy-Hewston clan get from the airport to their apartment. Travelling with two under two changes the dynamic somewhat (we managed to reward ourselves with some tapas and welcome drinks and a very tasty panda). Still, not that much, a long lunch at Escriba, followed by a swim, and drinks on the beach until well after sunset, set the holiday tone. (Sorry you guys weren't there Hetheringtons, to really relive memories from our time there three years ago! - we added a new dimension this time with an extended post sunset session on the beach, and some forcings back in the water with the incredible waboba ball)

We were in Barcelona because, well, we love Barcelona, but also to meet up with a few sets of friends. Firstly, we were lucky enough to be able to stay with Peter, a guy we used to work with at LEK, and Nuria, his spanish wife. It was super to see Pete again and meet the lovely dynamo that is Nuria. We had a great night doing a mini 'beers of Spain' sampling with Pete on their balcony. They also gave us the opportunity to feel like locals (and risk life and limb) by lending us their "bicing" cards. This gave us access to bicycles scattered across Barcelona that you can pick up and drop off as you like. Great concept. Unfortunately, it only works in countries where helmets aren't compulsory (great fun and very handy. Needless to say I easily beat Anna in a sprint finish at the end of the Beach to Apartment stage ... not hard when you're the only one racing, mind you!!!!)

The second bunch were, of course, the Hewstons, four of them now, with a lot of kit (not that we can really talk at present). The second mission in Barcelona was to spend some more time with these guys and celebrate the 40th of another mate, Chris. The 40th was sensational - well done Carmen!!! - celebrated on the rooftop of Chris and Carmen's apartment building with their friends from Spain and abroad. As any good spanish party should, it lasted all night and we found ourselves getting lost in the streets of Barcelona as we tried to make our way home in the dawn light, feeling nauseus watching the early morning joggers who'd had a full night sleep already (one of the biggest nights of the trip so far, which you get when "40 something" poms are staggering around with bottles of vodka, gin and some kind of banana schnapps. As Kev was keen to point out at any opportunity it was "Our time". Unfortunately it wasn't for him on the way home when somehow he got lost, after we put him in a cab, and made a donation to a very friendly pickpocket).

Last but not least, it was awesome to catch up with Cookie, Ash and Nell with some wines at the terrace bar of Hotel 1898 overlooking Barcelona. This is notable for the first bar I've come across with a sensational location and gorgeous kit out that doesn't gouge with their prices - and it had friendly wait staff!!!! It was great to see the guys, even if it was only short, and we only learnt later that Ash and Nell were on a secret honeymoon having eloped!!!

We spent the next week with the Reddy-Hewstons on the beach, almost literally, in the Costa Brava (stretch of coast that covers most of the space between Barcelona and France). We hired a house that fit all of us, as well as Chris and Carmen who popped up for a few days, and spent the time between the house, the backyard pool and one of the many beaches of the area (don't forget my bbqing). As usual, fitting in some great meals (the highlight being in Llafranc) and new experiences. Ever tried a razor clam? We hadn't. We were proud to help teach Ben and George what holidays were all about ... although apparently it's going to take them a few years to grasp the sleeping-in concept :) - (an excellent week checking out a great part of the Spanish coastline and spending some quality time with the Reddy-Hewstons).

We rounded off the couple of weeks with a few days back in Barcelona (this time staying at Chris and Carmen's - thanks again guys!) that included taking in a Barcelona FC - Sporting Lisbon game at Camp Nou with Pete. Great atmosphere even if the 58,000 people didn't come even close to filling the massive structure. (It was my first Champions League experience and first time at the Nou Camp. Even from the cheap seats it was great vieiwng)

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