"Two Tastes of Barcelona" Barcelona by Roadquill

Barcelona Travel Guide: 9,441 reviews and 21,469 photos

The old arena in Barcelona before a shopping mall

First Impressions -2001

Flying into to Barcelona from London was a snap, and the train took us right to Plaza Catalunya. We pushed our way topside and there you could sense a tension in the air. Lots of buzz, people walking around with a purpose, but a tension. Then we noticed tucked in various nooks, police trying to remain inconspicuous, but also letting people know they were there. Later there was a demonstration where apparently some local was beaten by police. The demonstration was peaceful, but it was an interesting first impression.

There is clearly a cosmopolitan feel about the city. But there are also the ties to the old. In 2001 the old bull fighting ring stood proud but abandoned. Weeds growing several feet high at the entrance.

Second impression - 2011

Familia Sagrada in progress

At least after the excellent coffee and pastries in the morning was "damn, there is a lot of Gaudi here." From the various homes he designed to Parc Guell to the Famila Sagrada, he seemed to be all over the place. Apart from Gaudi, Barcelona has an incredible amount to offer. I loved the buzz and energy in Barcelona. Coming back for five days, I kept finding new museum or new street or new placa. No signs of any gypsies, and I never felt uncomfortable in any area even late at night.

Plaza des Toros reinvigorated as a shopping center

Placa de Toros Reborn as a Shopping Center

Where once bulls were fought, the old bull ring is now a shopping center. A continual resurgence where what may have been trash is converted in opportunity and beauty. There are still many areas of Barcelona that need to facelifting, and some like the old fisherman village in Barceloneta or the tapas places in El Born, we hope can maintain their individual charm.

Last visit to Barcelona: Oct 2011
Intro Updated Aug 4, 2012
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Reviews (38)

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Transportation (1)
Aeri del Port / Cable car
Warnings and Dangers (1)
Giant Pidgeons
Nightlife (1)
Toast with a little Absinthe
Off The Beaten Path (2)
See All Day Trip to Montserrat
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Written Nov 10, 2011

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Flying with the Green Faerie - Absinthe Experience

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Comments (4)

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wise23girl Jan 4, 2012 at 12:11 PM

Will send link to Lauren...she never copies but she will be interested. She had been asked to paint bicycle somethings and this was her fun one which I have...I have used a couple of her originals in turn as my icon
Marg
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riorich55 Dec 29, 2011 at 12:51 PM

Look forward to viewing your Barcelona pages. We will be visiting Barcelona for the first time in May.
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Maurizioago Dec 7, 2011 at 12:44 AM

Taberna del Bisbe was my favourite restaurant when I visited Barcelona!

Ciao!
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Bada-Ran Nov 22, 2005 at 3:12 PM

Las Arenas bull fight ring's gonna be an entertainment and commercial mall soon...much better use for my taste;-D... and the other one should be demolished for me!