A second visit to Barcelona allows time to rediscover the city at a slower pace, on foot and by bicycle. Lots of festivals, food and fun!
My first visit to Barcelona was a brief affair. Intense but too short. I always dreamed of someday returning but like reuniting with a first love, I was uncertain. Would I feel the same? Well, many years later I finally made it back but this time I would slow down. The long ramble down La Rambla Catalunya will take you from sophisticated uptown to casual beach town, with unique neighborhoods scattered on either side. I wanted to explore them all but this city is big. Bicycles are a great way to get around. Dedicated bike lanes and uncrowded side streets made even a sissy like me feel comfortable. My first stop was the famous La Boqueria market. Fight your way through the crowds at the entrance and wander through the maze of stalls. Each one a work of art, piled high with colorful produce, fish, meat, cheeses, spices, anything you can imagine and more. All arranged to please your eye and tempt your tastebuds. Make your way to one of the small tapas bars at the market. And, if you are lucky enough to find a seat, sit down and order grilled shrimp, spicy peppers, a chilled glass of wine and just listen to the sounds of the market. Be sure to save room for the next stop. The tapas tradition didn't begin in Barcelona but they certainly perfected it. My visit coincided with La Merce festival, a celebration of Catalan heritage. There were various events, concerts, processions, fireworks, taking place all over the city.The most exciting was the Castell, a tradition dating back to the early 1800's. St. James square was packed with spectators, waving Catalan flags, all watching an 8 tier human wedding cake being built, one layer at a time, right before their eyes. The Castell team consists of people of all ages and sizes. Big people at the bottom.Little people at the top.The tension grew as the tower grew... taller and taller and taller. When the last little girl scrambled to the top, raised her tiny hand in salute to the crowd and started her descent to safety, the crowd responded with a roar of approval and a sigh of relief. The people of Barcelona really seem to enjoy their city. You see them sitting in cafes, strolling through the parks, hanging at the beach. And, they welcome visitors to do the same. Did my return visit to Barcelona feel the same? Nope. It was better. And, I fell in love all over again.