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Published: November 2nd 2010
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Monday 25th October 2010
Onwards and southwards again this time to the package tour resort of Lloret de Mar.
A slight mishap occurred on the way when we hit a sleeping policeman a little too quickly ( note to self - remember to brake in advance every time ) - causing the pull down bed above the cab to part from its fixing and decend onto the driver and passenger ! Fortunately Max was able to hold it aloft like Atlas whist I pulled over to make a temporary repair.
Lloret proved to be less than motor home friendly with parking being impossible even at the half empty coach park at the edge of town where we were turned away. However we did get directions to the only campsite open in town and after booking in and a spot of lunch we walked into the town and spent a pleasant afternoon there. We had a stroll along the promenade, some beach time and did some shopping.
Put to a vote Burger King and Ten Pin bowling won the evening entertainment referrendum after which we headed home.
Our neighbours tonight were a very nice Irish couple who it transpired has suffered
a real mishap. The lady in question had fallen and damaged her knee so they went to the local hospital. Whilst there their motorhome had been broken into in the car park and their laptop, camera and other valuables had been stolen - not a good day and a reminder to take security seriously.
Tuesday 26th October 2010
Headed south - destination Sitges - a very pleasant up market seaside resort south of Barcelona.
Slight navigational error approaching Barcelona leads to very interesting journey through the city rather than on the southern ring road - still we survived without incident !
Arrived early afternoon at our chosen site and headed into town on the local bus which ( yes you’ve guessed it ) stopped right outside the site. Walked through the old town to the beach where chillin was in order, I even got my shirt off which allegedly caused reflected ‘dazzle’ problems to aircraft coming into land at nearby Barcelona airport !
Here we were also able to buy some bits and pieces to effect a more permanent repair to the bed fixing from a small hardware shop. Here sketching the bits I needed got
the required results.
Sitges is a small but elegant resort and in the early evening it comes to life with many bars and restaurants tempting you in. Tempted we were and so stopped for Tapas at a small bar where a decent glass of wine cost less than an OJ at 1.5E - I’ll have another…
Wednesday 27th October 2010
After yesterday’s busy day a relaxing day on site is in order so we got some domestics done and planned tomorrow’s visit to Barcelona.
Thursday 28th October 2010
Buzzzzz, Buzzzzz - what time is it ? it’s the middle of the night surely ? No its 0800 !
We had set the alarm to make sure we caught the 0850 bus to Barcelona.
At just before 10.00 we arrive in the Placa Catalunya in the heart of the city and make our way to the top of the Ramblas the 2km avenue which leads down to the port. We stop to drink from the Font de Canaletes which superstition has it ensures we will return to the city.
The Ramblas has a mesmerising range of human statues, flower stalls and pavement cafes which keeps the boys
amused. A visit here cannot go without a look at the Mercat de Sant Josep ( La Boqueria ) filled with a fabulous range of fruit, vegetables, fish, meats and cheeses. Here we sat at one of the market cafes for coffee and sample the potato omelette. The elderly Spanish gent sat next to us is enjoying a plate of delicious seafood and is washing it down with white wine - now that’s what I call breakfast !
Next the Placa Reial just off the Ramblas a traditional Spanish placa but with palms and lamp posts designed by Gaudi. Back to the Ramblas and a trip ( without Max ) to the top of the Columbus Monument for a great view of the city. This brings us to the port area and a stroll over the bridge to Maremagnum for a spot of shopping - it’s the boy’s birthday next week.
After lunch we head to the metro and ride north to see Park Guell, designed by Gaudi and a little off the wall like much of his architecture ( see pics ). Its late afternoon and we make a quick stop to for a close up the Sagrada Familia
- Gaudi’s expiatory temple which is still under construction after over a century. From here we stroll down the elegant Passeig de Gracia lined with exclusive shops. This is also home to Gaudi’s La Pedrera apartment block ( the stone quarry ) with its odd chimneys and Cassa Batilo a masterpiece of modernista design.
Our day ends where it began in the Placa Catalunya and a short wait for our bus home.
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Paul French
non-member comment
Barcelona
Morrises - good to see you progressing well. The pictures from Barcelona brought back memories of a long weeked spent there nearly ten years ago. Probably best if Mr Morris keeps his shirt on though; white flesh and brown arms! Paul.