The best-laid plans…
30th December. Almost the end of 2009. Looks like we are changing plans … again. We had decided to head for Basque territory – a town called San Sebastian at the western base of the Pyrenees – just for a day trip, but in light of the latest news we are having more than second thoughts http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/europe/3199365/Spain-raises-terror-alert
Yesterday we went up Montjuic to the castle – a fortification to protect the city of Barcelona in the event of an attack from the sea. Nowadays one gets there via funicular and then cable car. It is a stone structure built like a stockade, now-waterless moat (saves using taxpayers funds to clean the thing), draw-bridge and all. It is certainly built for battle with its canons, ramparts, outer walls and inner walls, and windows sloped ready to pour boiling oil down on those who would climb the walls. It looks the part yet there is something about it that makes me wonder how old it is really … and whether it’s just a good tourist attraction. It lacks something … character? Heart? It’s easy to see the outer walls are recently built. I almost get the feeling that the rest of it is not so old either, yet the brickwork seems authentic….
Evening – and a visit to Barcelona’s oldest pub, Casa Almirall, which is reputed to be a hotbed of radical left-wing politics. Unfortunately we couldn’t understand a word spoken … which just left some of us having a beer. As a pub it had a great atmosphere and old-time decor. We then headed into the El Ravell area lookinjg for some live music. We were probably too early at 10.30 pm since nothing much gets going before midnight so headed home to our apartment in Esquerra de l’Eixample.
Today the flea market. We came out empty-handed, not even a flea. Everything imaginable for sale, origins and quality all dubious. There were a few interesting items, particularly old toys. We puddle about today, some shopping, tram rides, a planning day.
Wow! San Sebastian would have been a big day trip from Barcelona. I’d love to have a look around Basque country, after reading about some of their history. I’m also fascinated by their unique language, not related to the Romance languages at all.
Hope you’re continuing to explore plenty and enjoy all the sights. See you soon.
Gail
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