Hola Barcelona

 

 

Barcelona can be aptly described as a potpourri of age-old cultural heritage surrounded by a fast-paced metropolis; and it took us a short train ride from Barcelona International Airport to reach our hotel. Interestingly, the station, Barceló Sants was right beneath our hotel, which made it very convenient for us to move around. Having decided to make the most of it, we got going the moment we checked in.

One realises the importance of something only when away from it, and it wasn’t too long before I realised the importance of Indian food. My craving for it made us wander for quite some time and only after two long hours of search and inquiring, were we able to find a Hindustani restaurant. Due to prolonged hunger and authentic taste, we couldn’t help but hog like we never had! If only the Barcelonians would’ve been well informed about food joints, I thought, we wouldn’t have starved to death. After some voracious gorging, we ventured out to see the popular tourist attractions. Barcelona definitely looks beautiful when you move around in an open bus, and sitting atop one, I could feel the cool breeze caress my face...add to that the magnificent monuments around. We got down at the still unfinished church, Sagrada Familia, a work of Antoni Gaudi which has been under construction since 1882. It is expected to be completed by 2026, on the 100th death anniversary of Gaudi, which makes it one of the most sought after tourist spots in Spain. Barcelona has a long sporting tradition and has hosted several matches, including the 1982 Football World Club. So going to FC (Futbol Club) Barcelona was most certain. I felt privileged standing in the same place that has witnessed champions like Ronaldinho, Carles Puyol, Victor Valdes et al, and has had players from all across the globe set foot on this honoured sporting entity. The stadium, as one might have guessed, was huge and looked like it could accommodate half of Barcelona’s population! It has some nice shops which sell footballs signed by noted players and t-shirts with the players’ names on them. However, let me warn you, shopping in Barcelona is expensive with no scope for bargaining.

After a long day, the best way I could unwind was by visiting Barceloneta, the oldest and the longest beach, admiring the serene and peaceful milieu till the sun kissed good-bye... DOSSIER

The destination

STEERING THE COURSE

Barcelona International Airport is the second largest airport in Spain. There’s no direct flight but hopping flights ply from the major cities in India.

COSY CORNERS

You could park yourself at Casa Fuster which is a state-of-the-art luxury hotel. Barceló Sants, on the other hand, has low-cost decent rooms and serves great food.

THE ‘SEASON’ED TRAVELLER GOES NOW

Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate with mild, humid winters and warm, dry summers. May and June are the pleasant months.

‘SAVOUR’ FAIRE

Try the local tapas (bar snacks), which comes in large portions. Want a hearty lunch? Go for Catalonia’s staple dish, botifarra amb mongetes, a stew of pork sausage and white beans.

GET TO WORK

Take a bus tour. It stops at all the tourist hotspots. A stroll at the beach is a must if you wish to lighten up.

WHAT’S THE WORD?

There are two official languages – Spanish and Catalan. Although English is quite common, Hola! (hi!) and Como sean usted (how are you?) would help in breaking the ice with the Barcelonians.

KEEPSAKE COURTESIES

If you’re an ardent football fan, buy autographed t-shirts, mugs, pencils of Ronaldinho or Saviola. There are numerous little shops in Ramblas where you can pick up unusual gifts as souvenirs.

Aakriti Bhardwaj