Blogs from Catalonia, Spain, Europe

Behind El Masnou, the houses and settlements stretch beyond the autovía, that then blends from a scene of urban to forested hills. Casas from the early 1900s, and other historic buildings, mix with a few modern buildings, as our terraza was. Once the hairdresser arrangements were made for later in the week (when P2s research failed at one overbooked one, we found a substitute near the NII road, Marga Sáez), we cycled up to Bouquet de Alella, to taste and potentially buy some local ‘vi’. A greyish day, it wasn’t the most photogenic. However, once at the gravelly patio entrance, flanked by barrels, with broad views to the vineyard and sea beyond, and purple bougainvillea against a stone wall, it felt very European. Early afternoon on a weekday, and we had the salesperson/ wine taster to ... read more

Almadraba is a section of the Benicasim beach coastline, near the northern end and before the Via Verde begins as part of the EV8. Typically Mediterranean, with a blue sea and promenade, the view out to the Mar Baleárico, in this case, was pretty clear. Ships sat off the port at Castello visible 15km away, dogs were being walked, and cyclists could move in separated paths to joggers, runners and promenaders. Disability access beaches and toilets, playgrounds for the 3-7 year olds, cafes / restaurants, and beachside showers and foot taps /washes at 100m intervals indicate it’s definitely been well thought out. And well populated, judging by the average age or hair colour of the cyclists, walkers, promenaders etc. The time of year (it’s off season), unoccupied summer accommodation (there’s a lot of places for sale/ ... read more

Even with a late start, I managed to get a nice sunrise shot this morning. The sun seems to come up late here, at 7 a.m. it is still pretty dark here. Today marks the end of our first full week of vacation. Two more weeks to go, and the action really starts picking up. This is also our last day in Tarragon with just a few more neighborhoods to cover. After breakfast we will focus on neighborhoods that will offer views of the Mediterranean Sea. I am not sure I can live on the Mediterranean without having a daily view of it. The rents seem to be so unrealistically low we should be able to swing an ocean view apartment. We had a quick and light breakfast given our late start and were off for ... read more

Our train to Tarragona did not leave until noon, so we did not need to get up overly early. We took our time getting ready, went down for our last breakfast in Barcelona then back to pack and head out. We had booked our taxi the night before, since we are in a pedestrian only zone, so the taxi has to have permission to get in and out. The taxi arrived on time, but getting back to the road took a bit longer than expected, hitting dead end after dead end. Finally, we were back on the Rambla and off to the train station. The delay did mean we went straight from the taxi to the train, no time to explore the station itself. Interestingly, the train stations in Spain have airport style security, all bags ... read more

Today is the first day we are doing something other than traveling. Barcelona is known for many things, Tapas and nightlife are certainly two of them. Perhaps the most famous is Antoni Gaudi, architect extraordinaire. What is work most reminds me of is Dr. Seuss, when I look at his buildings, I cannot help but think of Whoville and Wendy Lou Who. Today we will visit three of his houses. At the moment it is 7 am and we are getting ready for the day. The hotel has free bikes, so we are hoping to snag a couple so we can easily get around the city. If not, it will be walking and the metro. I will say I am exhausted, tomorrow may bring a slight change in plans and eliminating our morning activities, and instead ... read more