Fun Experiences in Barcelona

A place where senses are overwhelmed (in a good way) is none other than the famous La Boqueria Market in the heart of Barcelona, Spain. From fresh fruit juices, candied almonds, and warm baked bread to fushia dragon fruit, fish, and cheeses, this market has it all. Filled to the brim with locals doing their weekly shopping, as well as plenty of tourists all vying for a peek at the colorful wares.

Located just off Barcelona's most popular avenue, Las Ramblas in the Ciutat Vella district, this market began back in the early 1200s, but it wasn't until the 1800s that the building and location of today was founded.

I love this quote from the chairman of the market - he says on their website, "...this is not only a market to come and buy, but simply to enjoy the pleasure of wandering around. As we offer our services for you to receive the friendliness of all vendors." The wandering around part is the lovely thing about a market such as this. And this is just what we did on several occasions during our stay in Barcelona. Sometimes we'd buy a cup of fruit juice or a candy, but other times we'd just take in the colorful atmosphere.

There were a few items for sale that we saw over and over, one was freshly squeezed fruit juices of all flavors packed in beds of ice: coconut (my favorite), mango, orange, dragon fruit, passion fruit, pineapple, strawberry, and many combinations. There was also a LOT of seafood, and we watched booth after booth of the fish butchers wacking off fish heads, letting the guts spill out and scales fly. A little shocking, but just part of the experience. You'll also notice several fresh bakeries in the stalls selling baguettes, rolls, and pastries.

Take your time to really enjoy this market, and if you haven't had your fill on the items you've sampled or bought from the vendors, check out a few of the cafes on the perimeter. The Organic Market towards the back is a great to-go restaurant that offers organic natural salads, wraps, sandwiches and more with lots of options for vegetarians! As one of my most favorite markets in Europe, I can say that no matter what, don't miss this experience in the Catalan capital city!

• http://www.boqueria.info/
• Rambla, 85-89
• Bus 14, 59 and 91
• Open 8am - 8:30pm, Mon - Sat

If you happen to be in Barcelona on the weekend, definitely try to make your way over to the Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia (or "La Seu" in Catalan). In he large plaza in front of the church, known as Plà de la Seu, traditional Catalan dances are held on Sundays at noon and sometimes on Saturdays around 6pm as well.

We didn't know that this went on, and just happened upon it - and glad we did, for it's a wonderful spectacle to witness. On those days the people know to come out, and slowly crowds gather, form large circles and start dancing to the live band of Catalan music players who've showed up as well, siting on the steps to the church. The dance that commences is that of the most traditional Catalan dance, La Sardana. Although quite toned-down from most latin dances, this is a tradition that this region is trying hard to preserve, so you'll see people of all ages participating. Many older folks enjoying passing on the dance to the younger Catalonians.

When new people approach wanting to participate, they toss their bags/purses/coats, etc into the center of the circle and then shimmy in between two other dancers. The circle grows as everyone knows the steps. Holding hands, mostly held up high, small footwork patterns are performed in rhythm. A friend who was with us wanted to learn, so jumped in and quickly caught on.

Originating in the 16th century, this dance is a proud part of the Catalan history, and you can see it on the people's faces as they dance together. If you're lucky enough to see this, just know that this somewhat spontaneous occurrence is one that holds a deep part in the hearts of the people there. They unite only because they are Catalan and proud of it. Whether they were coming from the market, on their way to work, or just taking a stroll in the city, they drop what they're doing to hold hands, dance, smile and then continue on their way. It's a unique sight.

• Dances held 12pm Sun, (periodically 6pm Sat)
• Plà de la Seu (Cathedral Plaza)
• Free admission

Barcelona's most famous street, La Rambla, is bustling with activity no matter the hour, and a must-walk for any visitor. Because this avenue is really a series of smaller streets, it's sometimes referred to in the plural, as Las Ramblas. Either way you say it, this street offers many sights, sounds, and smells to take in.

Separating the Barri Gotic quarter and El Raval districts of the city, this avenue features a grand, tree-lined sidewalk in the center of the wide stretch of concrete and pedestrians crowd the center walking past street performers and flower carts. you'll not be at a loss of things to look at, as everything from chipmunks in cages, live music, painters at work and mimes to horses, souvenir stalls with plenty of kitsch, street performers from men painted silver and women covered in fruit fill the sidewalk.

Some of the highlights of the popular buildings and attractions that are off La Rambla include the Gran Teatre del Liceu (the city's famous opera house) and Mercat de la Boqueria (one of Europe's premier street markets). There is also the modern art museum, Centre d'Art Santa Monica, and several sculptures and fountains along the way.

You'll find plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes, and ice-cream parlors along the avenue. More than actually walking inside any of these shops, just looking at the outsides of the buildings was excited to me. Some of the architecture along La Rambla is worthy of your notice. There are strange lightposts, like a dragon holding an umbrella, and several design periods represented in the colorful, detailed facades.

A few things to note, is that because this is a big tourist attraction, and constantly gets crowded, it's one of the city's concentrations of pick-pockets, so beware and watch your belongings closely. Also, take a stroll down this tree-lined street as an attraction in itself, but wait to eat or shop when you're off the main drag, as everything along the city's famous street is a bit inflated in the prices. If you're visiting Barcelona, this is definitely a place to go!

• Located between Placa Catalunya to the north, and Port Vell to the south.
• Metro stops on Green Line, L3: Drassances, Liceu, Catalunya. Metro stops on Red Line, L1: Catalunya.
• CAUTION: one of the prime pick-pocketed areas
• Avoid the south end at night, as it can be a little shady

If you want to get out of the city streets of Barcelona, take a short walk south to the lovely harbor area and Barceloneta beach. Renovated in for the 1992 Olympics, this entire area is very pedestrian friendly and offers wonderful open boardwalks with cafes and shopping to enjoy. Known as La Barceloneta, this neighborhood in the Ciutat Vella district is easily reach on foot or by metro.

As it was a clear spring day when we visited, we decided to take a nice stroll along the boardwalk. Starting at the southern end of La Rambla by the monument honoring Christopher Columbus, known as Colom, we crossed the main street and headed towards the beach. It seemed as if we had no choice, as on top of the monument, Columbus stands proudly with and outstretched arm pointing the way fo the sea...so of course, we followed his command. The beautiful wooden planks of the boardwalk, make a lovely walkway for us to saunter. Under trellis and passing several sculptures (including a giant metal lobster), we admired the ships docked at port.

A little further down revealed the neighborhood of Barceloneta, complete with outdoor cafes and open-air concerts. We came across several impromtu bands performing on the wide sidewalk, which drew quite a crowd. By the time we reached the sand, we were greeted by clear water and groups enjoying picnics. Unfortunately, as it was spring, the water and air was a bit too chilly for swimming or sunbathing, but the sand was dotted with loungers anyway.

Be sure to take a look at the art work , "Homentage a la Barceloneta" designed by Rebecca Horn...you can't miss it. It's the towering installation that looks like 4 rusty shipping containers with windows stacked on each other. If you continue walking southeast along the coast, you'll end up at Port Olympic where many of the Olympic games too place. Enjoy a view of Barcelona's seaside mountain peak, Montjuic in background, and if you want a break from walking, grab a Trixi for the way back. This is a fun, beachside tricycle-taxi service offered for a few euros.

• Metro stop Yellow Line, L4: Barceloneta
• Walk along the harbor from the city starting at Colom (southern end of La Rambla)

The sign on the door said, "Unusual, Exotic, Delicious". Sounded good to us, so on one evening during our stay in Barcelona, decided to try the Belgious cafe next door to our rental apartment for dessert. The apartment owner had recommended it to us, and everytime we'd passed it, the smell of waffles with Nutella lingered in the air. Earlier in the afternoon, we'd stopped in to check out the menu, and when we returned later that night we were in for a tastebud treat! There was a list of waffles or crepes with sweet toppings (fruit, marmalade, Nutella...) and salty toppings (cheeses, onion cream spread, salsa...), lots of fun fruit drinks and chocolates...

...then there was the gelato.

Flavors that were so strange, that we had to taste-test many of them. The cashier was super nice and so generous with the samples and recommendations of their 50 flavors. Here is a small list of the unusual varieties (all handmade in small batches there in town):
* Lavender
* Violet
* Spinach & Bacon
* Curry
* Red Wine
* Anise & Mint
* Açai
* Black Olive
* Baileys(R) Irish Creme
* Gin & Tonic

After tasting most of these (minus the bacon one as we're vegetarian), and then some - we ended up settling on combinations of the Anise & Mint together with a chunky dark chocolate fondant, and a pistachio (which was so fresh, it was entirely brown) and a 70% cocoa.

This is a must-stop for anyone who enjoys a sweet treat! With a unique, modern atmosphere, good prices, friendly service, fresh ingredients, and outstanding taste - Belgious is an experience for your tastebuds!

• http://www.belgious.com/home.html
• Located at Avinyó 50, (just a block off La Rambla)
• Metro stop, Red LIne, L1: Liceu
• Open 12pm - 1am (Mon-Thur), 12pm - 2am (Fri, Sat), 5pm - 1am (Sun)