Ken and Elise's trip

Day 28: Barcelona Tour 2

Once again we climbed aboard the HOHO. This time we chose the orange line on purpose and before long we were once again at the top of the mountain. Ken wasn’t caring much what we did, so he cheerfully went along with my desire to get off at one of the stops and walk to the area where there was the city overlook. There were comfortable benches in the shade at the stop and Ken decided that he just wanted to stay there and snooze.

So, feeling quite righteous that I at least was going to walk to see things, I headed off on my own. What a walk it turned out to be. Just beautiful. Not only could I see the city spread out in all in all its glory below, but a short walk more revealed a magnificent view of the harbor Blake had thought so beautiful. From up here I could absolutely see what he meant. It was simply lovely!

I took a zillion photos, wandered through the lovely gardens of the mucho expensive luxury hotel that was situated at the spot and started walking back. I have to admit that I was feeling a bit smug that I (with the hurting foot) had walked and gotten the photos while my husband had snoozed in the shade. I was looking forward to showing him my great photos of the harbor, etc. and hearing him say, “Oh darn, now I wish I had gone!”

It was small of me I admit, but I actually felt a bit sorry when I saw him coming towards me. Now he would not only get a nice shady nap but he would get to see all the lovely sights that I had thought only I would get photos of. Yep, now you see what a small person can be!

Ken did walk down and get his own photos of the harbor and then we stood together looking out over the city. The view was spectacular. We could easily see the massive Sagrada Familia as well as the Coptic Cathedral and other major buildings. There are three smokestacks that dominate the view--they are in an area of Barcelona that was once an industrial area. It has long ago been gentrified, but they left the smokestacks as a reminder of what Barcelona once was.

It was getting late and we were hungry. We went back down and found something light for lunch. Neither of us really wanted to say out loud what we were thinking---we really needed to get on the green bus and head out to Parc Guell if we were going to do it. Finally Ken said he was sort of tired with all the walking. Our train wouldn’t leave until late the next day. Maybe we could come in early and get a cab and do it the next day. I quickly agreed.

We did have time left so I suggested we wander down the other famous thing in Barcelona--Las Ramblas. the Ramblas are supposed to be the largest pedestrian walkway in the world. We found it easily and started walking down it. It is HUGE and goes for blocks. All along the way are kiosks with millions of souvenirs. There are restaurants of every kind and gelato stores. We thought a nice cone of gelato would be nice until we looked at the prices. We are pretty much gelato experts now and we know what it should cost--nowhere close to what they were gouging the tourists there on the Ramblas. We walked quite a ways, got sick and tired of fighting the crowds, headed back to the more reasonably priced area of town.

My foot was killing me, so dear Ken once again placed me on a bench while he scouted for a place to eat. He found a chain called Pans which was cheap and had something for both of us. It wasn’t bad either--not fancy but basic sandwiches and drinks.

We caught our train and came home.

End of Day 28