La Rambla, on a quiet day

La Rambla & Old City

Barcelona is a walking city. It is devided into neighborhoods. Each neighborhood offers glimpses into the Catalunya culture and past. The city's reputation brings crowds of touists and many local folks on bikes. At congestive street intersections alertness is the key to a succesful crossing.

Today we started our walk from Placa Espanya to Placa Catalunya where the Rambla starts. The Rambla is about a mile walk that ends at the waterfront. Though we were early, there were thousands of people. It is a famous walk with stores and museums, cultural centers and venders of every imaginable like. There were fresh vegetables and crafts. It is also famous for its pick pockets. We prepared and left all our papers at home; and, wore our purses and pouches in the front. The Ramba runs along side the old city with its narrrow streets and tightly packed housing. We wandered between the old city and the Rambla. The streets in the old city are lined with small stores offering handmade goods such as shoes, clothing, ceramics and jewelry It is also the Catalan film and theater district. We visited two churches while we were there. The Cathedral and the Basilica Santa Maria del Pi. Both are important examples of Gothic style. The present Cathedral was started in the 13th century and not finished until the 19 th century It is framed by the remains of Roman Watchtowers and heavy stone walls. The Basilica has been rebuilt after being destroyed in the 17 th century. It has one of the largest rose windows in the world. While walking along the Rambla, we visited Joan's favorite store, Desigual, which is a Spanish clothes specialty outlet. We stopped for lunch at Murpheys an Irish pub and resturaunt. We then finished up our walk at the waterfront. This too is a neighborhood of boats and long wide streets with statues and sculptures. Lots to see. We fortified ourselves with ice cream and made the long treck home.