June 14, 2015 - The Aquarium, the Arc de Triomf, and general wandering

Just as we discovered last summer in Florence, as we near the conclusion of our visit we feel more and more comfortable moving about the city. Barcelona is quite large, but really very walkable. And we've finally figured out the map! It helps to have been immersed to some extent in the language so we can actually read the signs now.

This morning we set out at a leisurely pace to walk down the Via Laietana to the sea. Sunday mornings have their own particular feel in most places we've visited, and this one is no exception. The pace is a little slower, there are many more children and large family groups enjoying the small pocket parks, and Port Vell, the old port which is now a major tourist haven, was filled with (from the sounds of the conversations) locals.

The area surrounding the Aquarium, the IMAX theater, a huge shopping mall, and a number of bars and restaurants is tidy and very pedestrian-friendly. Lengthy boardwalks made of a very forgiving surface slope upward gently, then down again. The marina is filled with beautiful sailboats and yachts and other watercraft. The sky is a deep blue; there is a cool breeze. In the near distance we can see Montjuic clearly.

Inside the Aquarium, we quickly decided that maybe Sunday wasn't the best day for this visit. There were children everywhere! It is a most kid-friendly venue, with great touch-tanks, an almost life-sized wooden submarine that's open for exploration, climbing opportunities, and an outdoor terrace playground. Our grands would have loved this place! Wish we could have made them appear by magic ....

After our Aquarium tour and little bit of shopping in the gift shop (couldn't resist) we strolled outside to an lovely outdoor restaurant/bar and had a little lunch. How pleasant to sit outside and enjoy the sights and sounds and not have to be anywhere in particular!

After lunch and a quick look around the marina (we have pictures of one boat that is just unbelievable, can't wait to get home and post it), we set out to walk up to the Arc de Triomf. I must admit that neither of us had known that such a structure existed in Barcelona - but it does. Built in 1888 for the World Exposition, it is larger than Paris's Arc de Triomphe, constructed of red brick with friezes on all four sides, and faces with its back to the city and its front to the sea. It's quite beautiful, as is the park in which it stands, and, interestingly, the space was quite uncrowded. I suspect this might not be a huge venue for visitors, but it's well worth a look.

Now to our wandering: Since we had a pretty good feel for the general direction of the Cathedral and our home base, we simply began walking that way. So much fun to take the narrow streets and discover the small placas filled with neighbors having lunch at a cafe or simply having a coffee and talking. It's Sunday, remember? We even found a little organic tea shop that advertises iced tea! Without sugar! Hurrah!

Eventually we ran into the Via Laietana again, and from there easily found our way back to the Placa Nova and the Cathedral. Today there is a jazz trio set up and playing, a small antiques/flea market, and many Sunday afternoon strollers moving around in front of the church. We have returned to our room for a brief rest - then we'll venture out again!

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Back in the room after a tiny bit of shopping and a wonderful dinner with friends, followed by what I swear will be my last gelat. This delicious ice cream, which owes everything to the Italian gelato (hence the name), is so tempting. I'm particularly partial to the dark chocolate ....

Tomorrow, we visit the beautiful Spanish city of Valencia, home to one of FSU's study abroad programs. We're looking forward to a tour of the FSU site and also to a look around this city. We'll be up early and home late, as we're doing this trip by bus. There's a distinct possibility that tomorrow evening's blog will be considerably foreshortened!