Barcelona!

Day one in Barcelona was a hiker’s delight. Although we learnt temperatures here are currently ten degrees warmer than usual, so we did not get the full advantage of cool days. Today the maximum was 22C. The architecture was phenomenal with block after city block of elegant and majestic structures, mostly eight storeys. Spent a couple of hours in the basement of the central cathedral viewing Roman ruins. Their planning and skill in construction was amazing. They clearly placed great emphasis on wine and seafood! Also we walked to the market of Boqueria (enormous but overcrowded) and beyond to the sea front and port. A whole different side to Barcelona. Signage around Barcelona leans more towards their (other) local language - Catalonian. Just to add to the confusion.

After a full day just in awe of the city and all it offers we met Rafael, a former Camino compatriot, for dinner. It was a superb evening and we got to know our friend a little more. A wonderful man skilled in discussion who enlightened us on the many issues confronting Spain today.