Mini-Moon {Day Four Part 1/2}

Another scorching day in Barcelona kicked off with a stroll along Las Ramblas

After the hype we read online about Las Ramblas we were a bit confused, I mean, it’s grand for an oul stroll and yes it cuts through the heart of the city centre, but I wouldn’t be shouting about it from the roof tops – but, to each their own!

We made a beeline for Mercado de La Boqueria which has been in existence in some form since 1700!

Once you turn off Las Ramblas, a cacophony of sound becomes your guide toward the markets entrance. You’re met with bright colours, noise, steam and the scent of spices that envelops you, pulling you further into this busy and well loved staple of Barcelona

Any bit of real estate under the metal roofing is crammed with fruit, veg, meats, seafood, freshly squeezed juice, pasta, sauces, spices, sweets, you name it – honestly – if it’s food, chances are they have it!

What I loved most was that you could tell it was a market for the locals, yes there were tourists like ourselves dotted around, but we were really there to take in the ambiance, it was the locals who were shopping, we were just happy observers!

Top tip: If you’re going to buy, make sure to head in towards the middle stalls or even right at the back, this is where you’ll find far better prices, the stalls at the front are much more expensive (they’re betting on us tourists buying first and looking around second)

Eventually we made our way out of the maze and back onto the pedestrian road

We came across a lovely little bakery where we stopped for a gander and got to sample some macarons (well in all fairness, have you met me?!!).

They had fantastic window displays, chocolate swirled and twirled into wonderful designs and in some cases, little stories

We went for a long walk, taking in the various shops and stalls that Las Ramblas had to offer, until we were beside the water, then we turned left and walked along the promenade

^ We have no idea about this lobster fella, but we sure did like him!

The streets were so busy, yet void of the suited and booted that I’ve come to know in London. I mean, it was lunchtime on a Thursday! Where were they!? Eventually we decided that there’s a designated section of Barcelona for them all, but they have to change out of business attire before re entering society

This was the ONLY logical explanation we could come up with

With a grumble and a growl I realised it was high time we grabbed some much needed foodage. Being won over by the fact that they had fairy lights outside, we opted for Alsur Café (plus it didn’t hurt that it was right next to our hotel!)

We trawled through their devastatingly nom sounding menu, ordered and proceeded to wait (while desperately trying not to gnaw through the table!)

“What you want, When you want” is their ethos as well as wanting to make you feel included and really welcome, the staff were all very sweet and love a good chat – whether you speak Spanish or not!

They have this mirror set up so that when you walk by, if you look into it, it tells you you’re amazing and gives you a tiny red crown on your head – WHO DOESN’T WANT A CROWN?!

Our drinks arrived, Himself opted for a beer called Big Bear made by Barcelona Beer Company, I loved the bear on the front, apparently he came out of his cave to fight against low-quality beer!

According to Himself it was a very nice pale ale and definitely worth a recommendation – so there you go, Himselfs stamp of approval!

Meanwhile I sipped away on a very fresh Mimosa

Soon enough our food arrived *cue hungry happy dance

I had ordered the humous, guacamole and romesco platter with pita bread

I was THRILLED with my choice

…until Himselfs arrived and suddenly I had food envy

Look at those griddle cakes!

We massacred the lot in record time helping ourselves to each others dishes and then did that, sit back sigh thing everyone does after really good food

We headed inside to settle the bill and I fell in love with the place all over again – the decor was very cool – patterned, quirky and full of colour with their drinks menu written all over the pillars in the centre of the room

^ and their walls were tiled, reminding me a lot of this place

^ but this was definitely my favourite – words to live by!!

Afterwards, we headed back to our hotel to catch some rays and enjoy a few cocktails before our posh dinner that evening, but before we made it to the pool we were ushered by a member of staff into their foyer for a photo

I’m so glad the woman took it, it’s the only non selfie type shot of the two of us that we have from the minimoon, although, I wouldn’t’ve minded being in slightly better clothes, talk about not matching your surroundings!

Rxx