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Borrego Springs, CA

Monday, November 8, 2010

A Mediterranean Love Story

When I left you last, we had arrived in Barcelona, after a sleepless night of travel.  As I told you, we waited to go to bed until nightfall in Barcelona.  Since that was several hours away, we decided to take a little walk to see the sites that we could.  That little walk turned into a five mile traipse around town. 
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After relaxing for a few minutes in our room at the Hotel Continental Palacete, we headed down La Rambla Market Street.  This famous street is in the middle of old Barcelona, and the hotel, which has been in existence since 1826, was located on La Rambla.
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There is a tree lined walkway between the two lanes of the road, and all sorts of vendors sell their wares.  Many outdoor cafes are located along the way, and a few statues. 
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There are many Human Statues/Performers along the way that can take you by surprise.  They are as still as statues until someone drops a coin into the container in front of them.  When that happens, the chosen one will burst into animation.  It is incredible how frozen they can remain.  It’s a little shocking the first time this happens, if like me, you don’t know they are live people.  :)  I liked the golden statue the most (could it be because of the feathers?)
I’m having trouble posting so will try to divide this into two parts.

La Rambla terminates at the Port of Barcelona if you walk far enough, and we did.  :)
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In 1892, this statue commemorating Columbus’ discovery of America was erected at the edge of the bay.  Columbus looks out across the Mediterranean, and points his finger in the wrong direction toward America.  :)

One of the first things that Pam and I noticed about this city is the tiny old streets, and the lack of street signs.  I guess everyone knows where they are going here.  We, however, did not.
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As we tried to find a certain cathedral, the streets got skinnier and skinnier.  We ran into several dead ends, and it seemed like we were going around in circles for quite some time.  Some people might say we were lost, but we choose to think of it as being on a slightly stressful adventure.  The first thing we were told about by the guide on our way to the hotel was to watch out for pickpockets, so that was on my mind as our path became more convoluted and dark.  :(  We were able to eventually find our way out of the maze, and after four hours, made it back to the hotel.

As we stopped for lunch yesterday, at an outside cafe, you just had to look around to notice that love was in the air on the shores of the Mediterranean.
_MG_6651Couples all over were kissing and nuzzling each other.  :)
_MG_6652                       But only one couple had the audacity to “go all the way!” in public.

Today, we made it to the Voyager of the Seas, and have embarked from Barcelona and are on our way to Cartagena, Spain.  It will take me a few posts to catch up with where we are now, so please stay tuned.

Thanks for stopping by….talk to you later,  Judy 

18 comments:

  1. The street names are usually on the corners of the buildings, which makes night time navigation just about impossible. This can be truly vexing for the first time traveller to Europe. Some times it's easier to follow parking garage signs or ads for large hotels or shops. They seem to be more prominently displayed. Have fun in Europe.
    Bob.

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  2. Back in the 60's while in the US Navy I took a side trip to Barcelona & then to Madrid, can't remember the name of the Hotel in Barcelona, but in Madrid it was the Hotel Metrolpol, like yours it was a really old place but utterly first class. Have fub and don't disturb the lover's.
    Sam & Donna.

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  3. It looks like a wonderful trip so far. Can't wait to see what's next.

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  4. Thanks for the virtual trip ... brought back memories of our pre-cruise visit in 2003. Have a terrific time.

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  5. Love the bull. Sounds like a great time. Can't wait to hear more.

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  6. thanks for the tour of Barcelona!!..what a trip so far!..we are riding along with you..can't wait till tomorrow!!..but my feet are sore!!

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  7. Oh! My eyes! Tell me that pigeon at least bought her dinner.

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  8. I'm sure it was the golden feathers!!

    You're supposed to turn your head ~ not take pictures!!! Have you no shame!? lol

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  9. Sounds like the trip is going just great. Barcelona looks like a great place to visit.

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  10. I would have loved to see those statues. If one does not know about it I can imagine jumping when they moved. All your pictures are good as usual. Thanks

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  11. You got some prize birdie pictures!

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  12. Hence the term "birds and the bees"...Ya gotta love a couple who show affection wherever they are...Did anyone shout out to them "GET A NEST!!!"???

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  13. The Human Statues/Performers reminded me of those here in San Francisco although these are not quite as elaborate. Your sightseeing sounds delightful, even though there's burlesque shows right out in the open! Enjoy and keep those pics coming! Blessings, K

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  14. Thanks for the tour of Barcelona! It looks like you are having a lovey time. Can't wait to read the next post and see some more great pictures!

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  15. Oh Judy what fun you are having! The couple displaying the PDA just crack me up. Looking forward to what else you find along the way. :)

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  16. I have not been in Barcelona in over 12 years, so I really enjoyed your pictures.

    I would have bet a lot of money on the fact that I would never see a picture of "going all the way" on your blog! I guess that it why I do not gamble-clearly I would have lost :)

    Have a great time.

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  17. We can count on you to find some birds to photograph!

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  18. Hi Judy and Emma! I bet your legs were tired at the end of this walkabout! Was Emma with you? Nice pictures. I want to go there too! Love the pigeon shots! I hope you'll stop by my blogs when you have a minute. Take care...

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