Setting off, and Barcelona

Well, I've just had a great weekend in Barcelona. Thanks to Lindon and Sam for the lift to the airport - here's me leaving the home for the last time, and final goodbye's at the airport:

Met up with Georgina and Chris, and Steve and Lucinda on the other side of passport control and set off. Having arrived, we went out for food, and then here's what we did (as much as I can remember anyway :>):

Day 1: Went to Gaudi's La Pedrera, the old cathedral and the gothic city, and then down to the marina, and then bought great olives at the old market. Went back to the place and had food in. And then drinks - got chatting to John until the small hours swoping IT stories. Here's a pic of the chimney's at La Pedrera:

Day 2: Hung out with Chris, Georgina, and Elaine at Gaudi's Cathedral - my favourite building site in the world! We then met up with Cisco (hope that's how it's spelt - let me know if it's not) and caught the tourist bus - and almost froze to death. We hung out at the Marina for a bit, walked up La Rambla, and then on to Hard Rock Cafe for Ruth's birthday party. I only managed to eat about a quarter of the food because the portions were so big - but it was good - and they played some cool heavy rocking music on a big screen. Here's a pic of Gaudi's cathedral:

Day 3: Had a late start. and Johnie and I headed off with Paul and Joshua to the Basilica - and then for food. Fried fish in the sunshine. Paul and Joshua headed off to find something for Joshua to eat, but when he got back he scoffed what we hadn't managed to eat - white bait and squid - which he called goldfish. And to wash it all down (just the one sip!):

We then left Paul and the dude and headed off to Montjuic for the view from the fort.

A glass of wine in one of the squares, and it was back to the place for a meal which Paul cooked. And then out for a swift half with Paul, Philip, and Johnie. I got this great photo on the way home:

Anyway - the next day it was airport day, and I was going to travel with Phil and Wendy. We were supposed to set off at 7 - but we all slept through the various alarms we'd set. So I managed to get ready in 15 minutes (thanks Wendy for the coffee and toast) and after a hurried goodbye to Paul it was off to the airport.

Barcelona is one of my favourite cities - old and modern architecture sits side by side with great art, and a feel good easy going attitude. The company was great - the food was great - the weather was great - what a great start to the trip...