I mentioned that we stayed in an apartment in Barcelona, for an extra few days after our tour finished and we have been so glad we did. The Spanish are friendly and gregarious people and being on our own has meant we have had more of an opportunity to chat. Our Spanglish is really improving as a result!!

We bought a T-10 metro ticket and whizzed all over the city, interspersed by lots of walking. We went to the famous food markets ‘la Bouqueria’ which was a kaleidoscope of colour, sound and smell.

I search out the food markets wherever we go, I’m a sucker for them and Barcelona’s offering did not disappoint. We strolled the tiny alleyways in the gothic quarter, we shopped (just a little bit) and, after having siesta at home, headed out again at 8pm to the other side of the city, to see the magic fountain. On the site of the 1992 world expo Spanish pavilion at Plaza España, (which is worth a visit just on it’s own), every Friday and Saturday night from 9pm to 10.30pm, the main fountain is lit up with multi coloured lights and orchestrated to music. It was fabulous.

We had perfect weather, a great vantage spot and the atmosphere was absolutely wonderful. And it’s not just for tourists, the locals were out in numbers to see it as well. It was such a lovely night. Walking back to our apartment after taking the metro home, I had to stop in my tracks as, walking towards us, was a women walking her pet ferret, in a harness and leash. She was totally unperturbed and the ferret looked happy enough, but I was astounded. Not what I expected to see at all and probably won’t again.

The following day, our last full day in Barcelona, was spent strolling the wide avenues of stunningly beautiful buildings for hours and having a coffee (‘cafe con leche’) at a gorgeous tiny bistro on a tree lined street. As it was Sunday, it was lovely and quiet, as most of the main retail stores were closed, something that was just so refreshing to see. Unexpected in such a big city, but lovely to realise that their retail staff have a break on the weekends too. There were families out and about, but not the usual mayhem that can be a major city, particularly one that attracts 20 million tourists each year!!

Off to Bordeaux tomorrow, so I’ll really have to brush up on my French again, after nearly 7 weeks in Spain!!