When the East meets the West!

29.10.2005

After what was a truly relaxing and well needed pit-stop, I bid both Almeria and Robert goodbye before boarding the train that would take me to Malaga before switching to a night train to Barcelona.

I sat down at my designated seat opposite this guy who looked suddenly elated at the prospect of my joining him. This ought to have been a sound warning for me to change seats as there weren't that many seats taken. Anyhow, sitting down, I quickly buried myself in my Harry Potter book before I was interrupted by the guy. He introduced himself and within a minute, he began to fill in me on his tragic love life and how he was just a normal guy seeking love and affection and how he had so much to offer if only there is a woman out there who would give him a chance. He then looked at me enquiringly and I of course without missing a beat looked back blankly as if not understanding his meaning. Already I was contemplating different excuses to offer him for my untimely escape from his company but he proceeeded to regale me with further details of his love life despite my silent protest and look of fear. Eventually, sensing that I was nevver going to propose to be his girlfriend, he outrightly suggested that perhaps we should get together, this is despite the fact that we were going different places that night, so which meant he expected that I would just completely forget my trip in order to be with this Mr Don Quiote. I quickly muttered something along the lines of not looking for love but just wanted to travel and he eventually (after I repeated this statement at least 5 times) and finally the guy conceded that I would never be dancing the flamenco with him anytime soon or be sharing many a siesta with him!

As soon as the train pulled up at the station that I was meant to get off, I couldn't get out of my seat any quicker. Bidding Mr Valentine a quick goodbye, I thankfully disembarked before continuing my journey onwards to Barcelona!

30.10.2005

I arrived nice and early and headed straight to my hostel, which I understood from the hostel's email instruction that it was in the 'heart of the city' only a few metro stops away. Heart of the city my ass! It was at least 6 metro stops away, lasting a good 25 to 30 minutes ride and in the metro, that's not a brief travel time. I was also a bit annoyed to discover terms like "upon exiting the metro, our hostel is just a few minutes away from the metro" turned out to be a good 15 minutes walk uphill on a street. So by the time I dislodge my turtle shell, my mood did not match the sunshine that greeted me that morning. Anyhow, I made my 6 metro stop rides back into the heart of the city, excitingly anticipating my visit to the city's Cathedral. I was also informed given that it was Sunday, there was a free show of Barcelona's traditional community folk dance being held at the square outside the Cathedral. As you can see from the photo, the locals took this event quite seriously, dressing appropriatekly for it and moving with the grace that would have made Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers proud. It is hard to describe the dance, except to say they all held hands forming a huge circle and pretty much moving to the music,, converging forward and back and side stepping skillfully.

Ole, ole, ole, ole, feeling hot hot hot! OK, the oldie folk dancers didn't exactly perform to this music but it's my blog and I'll make it up if I want to..

So, after being treated to a pleasant exposure to folk dancing Barcelona style, I decided to drop by at the Cathedral. I was disappointed to discover that like many historical and significant buildings in Europe, the Cathedral was under restoration and therefore it's maginificent architecture was marred by the ugly scaffolding built around it. Luckily, I got around this problem by taking the picture of the church from the back. Whilst it was a hot sunny day, I was glad that I didn't resort to dressing cooly, meaning I would have been turned away by the church fashion police who reminded the crowd to respect the church dress code of covering yourself appropriately. We certainly do not want to tempt the priests do we?

Just outside the back of the church with one of the many monuments

The church as viewed from the back.

As I was still finding my bearings, I decided to simply walk around just to get a feel for what the city is like. It is certainly a very busy city but somehow, unlike the forboding feeling of chaos and "impurity" that I felt about Madrid, my vibes on Barcelona was more promising. Even though the atmosphere was that of a loud hustle and bustle, yet people seem to scurry around not so much in impatient haste, but more as if they could not wait to celebrate life, a rush to enjoy their day as much as they can. From the many buskers performing on Barcelona's main pedestrian street of Le Rambla, down to the police officers directing the busy afternoon traffic, everyone was good natured in going around their business, smiling, shouting in greeting or lounging chatting with friends while having a coffee at many of the outdoor cafes spread sproadically around town.

Unsurprisingly, during my walk, I made several wrong turns here and there when looking for a particular street and during one of these faux pas, it turned out to be one that was worth making as I came across an interesting graffiti with a even more interesting website address. Have a look!

Finally! Being appreciated and receiving a way overdue accolade!

The fragrance of freshly plucked flowers mingled with recently brewed spanish grounded coffee punctured the air pleasantly as I made my way further down Le Rambla and heading east towards the Parc de Ciutedad (city park of course).

As it was a Sunday, there were quite a people sauntering around, mostly young families pushing strollers through the park, a few young kids chasing one another around and several joggers taking full advtantage of the beautiful day. Who could blame them? I happilly joined them, walking through one of the many entrances into the park. I first came to a large rotunda in the middle of the park where several guys were playing some music while at the center, a young man was gyrating away, obviously practising his flamenco moves while a small group of people encircled him, happily absorbing the festive atmosphere plus a free flamenco show. After a few minutes, I reluctantly tore myself away to enjoy the rest of my walk through the park.

I eventually arrived at this most magnificent centerpiece located at the heart of park. It is hard to describe what it is. It's not exactly a monument, nor is it a fountain, but I suppose the closest description I can come up with is that it seems to resemble an elaborate and majestically well decorated man made pond. I guess another one where the picture speaks louder than the words.

See? Told you it's easier to show than tell! Beautiful no though?

Yours truly travelling incognito...

As many of you probably know that I love observing people, that is, in a objective, "trying to figure them out in the development and understanding of the human psychology" kind of way and not in a scary, freaky and spooky kind <cue Twilight Zone music>.

So, the City Park was an optimal venue for my lil hobby as I patrolled and gazed, strolled and was amazed, by how the Spanish truly give meaning to the word, Leisure. Siesta is one thing, but it was difficult not to smile appreciatively and be entertained by the people of all ages going about their daily relaxing ritual ranging from the hyperactive precocious kids, screaming and laughing as they chased one another around the park to young couples walking hand in hand, the girls with dreamy looks and the boys with mischevious twinkles in their eyes that did not bother to hide the anticipation and promises of frivolous fun they were going to have. Then there were the older couples who were equally happy and content to simply sitting on oak wooden benches, watching and living vicariously through the younger park goers as they go about enjoying the remaining sunshine of the day.

So it was with this feel-good and relaxed feeling that I eventually left the park and made my way back to the city, stopping by a hostel that was actually located in the central city and booked my accomodation for the remaining of my stay in Barcelona. Already I was excited at the prospect of the next few days in this city, oh yes, the vibe is certainly good.