Hi! "Ger" <BR>My friends got a kick out of your adventures in Barcelona. I enjoyed viewing your pictures online also. Some of them remind me of York, England especially the narrow streets of the Barri Gothic which remind me of the Shambles in York. Architecture in Europe is so outstanding! We are going to be in Barcelona November 2nd for only 2 days. We found out what people mean when they said make hotel reservations early! We didn't realize they celebrate All Souls Day (4 day weekend)and it seems everyone again will be in town. We FINALLY got reservations at a hotel in the district of Sant Marti, zona Clot which is a little further away then we had planned. We wanted to be closer to Placa Catalunya and La Rambla. Are you familiar with anything in that area? We arrive late afternoon on Saturday, and it will probably be dark by then and wondered about going out at night. Of course, we could always take a taxi I suppose to somewhere else. That's why I appreciated what you said about how to dress on Sunday as that will be our one full day there. Is anything open on Sunday? Like museums, shops etc.? <BR>We then will be heading off to the island of Mallorca for the remaining 2 weeks. We will be at Cali Pi (south) for a week and then Port Alcudia (north). Wondered if you remembered anyone talking about the island(s). Also has anyone been to Spain since September 11th? We wondered about using lockers at the Barcelona airport for our luggage also (for our trip back). Anyway, we will use some of your tips in Barcelona and who knows maybe you'll be hearing from the 3 Musketeers next! (somos tres mujeres). <BR>Sorry about typos. Too many alcohol units!# <BR>Hope to hear from you or Bridget or someone soon! <BR>Laurie

Laurie: <BR> <BR>I hope this gets to you before you leave. I am in Europe (Paris at the moment) so I missed your post. <BR> <BR>I'm afraid I can't help you with information on the district your hotel is in and I have not visited Mallorca (but have visited Majorca). Her is my recommendation as to how you should spend your time in Barcelona <BR> <BR>Your first night - Saturday: Firstly, there is no such concept as "late" in Spain, particularly on a Saturday night. I don't know where you are arriving from, or how long your journey, but, if you have an ounce of energy, shower, change and venture forth for dinner. Dining starts at about 10 pm at the weekend. The best advice I have received on Spain is from Maribel and I attach her restaurant recommendations as a separate post. This lady is an expert on Spain really knows her food so I am sure you will be delighted with her recommendations. A word of warning: The wine is wonderful, so you will be enticed to consume sufficient units to render you senseless and useless the next day - RESIST!. <BR>I would suggest that you book the restaurant ahead, before you leave. If I were you, I would call your hotel (hotel staff in most countries speak English so you should not have a problem) and ask them to book a table at the chosen restaurant. At least for the first evening, I would DEFINITELY recommend taking taxis until you have the opportunity to orient yourself in the city. However, the subway infrastructure is new and excellent and would favour it over taxis during the day. At night, as I travel own, I find it safer, in most cities, to take taxis rather than public transport. : <BR> <BR>Day 1- Sunday: Take the Bus Turistic to orient yourself to the city. Sunday is perfect to do this tour, as there will be no traffic. Start as early as you can and ask your hotel about the nearest stop and the scheule. The places I would recommend you "hop off" (and use the discount coupons) are: Northern Line - Pg de Garcia, Sagarada Familla, Park Guell; Southern Line - Funicula Montjuic (I did not do it, but it supposedly offers the most incredible view of Barcelona) Barri Gothic. <BR>I would then explore the Barris Gotica, on foot, and have lunch. If you are dressed up in your Sunday finery, I would LIKE to suggest a very nice restaurant close to the Cathedral but, unfortunately, I can't remember the name and I don't have my notes with me (Note to BRIDGET - Please ensure that all future successful dining experiences are clearly described and posted!). It is mentioned in Eyewitness "Exploring Barcelona" and is quite famous. Consult your books regarding opening times at the museums. Generally, in Europe, museums are open on Sunday and closed Monday. This would be an opportunity to see the Picasso gallery which is a pleasant, short walk from Barri Gothica.. <BR> <BR>(Cont....)

Cont....for Laurie <BR> <BR>Day 2 - Monday: Consult your books but, generally, most galleries/museums will probably not be open (some may be). I suggest you explore L'Eixample and the Moderniste architecture as it is completely unique to Barcelona. It will also gives you the opportunity to SHOP (Spain has some incredible and entirely unique designers and, in my opinion, designs the best shoes on the planet - FOOTWEAR AS AN ART FORM!). Maribel advises: <BR>"Shopping on the Passeig de Gracia is a great experience: Loewe, Adolfo Dominguez, Roberto Verino and the Catalan designer, Antonio Miro. Peek into the boutiques at the Bulevar Rosa, and also the L'Illa shopping complex on the Upper Diagonal." On the P. de Gracia, I can recommend the CITRUS restaurant for lunch. Try the fish (wonderful and very fresh). Meal (per person assuming (lunch) starter, main course, wine, water, coffee) was very reasonable for the quality of the food and service (as always in Barcelona) was excellent. <BR> <BR>I hope this helps you with your trip. Perhaps you have done so already but if you have not, do a search on this site on the following topics to get more intelligence: "Barcelona", "Spain", "Mallorca". <BR> <BR>Looking forward to the trip report from the Musketeers and please be careful of consumption of excessive alcohol units! Have a wonderful holiday <BR> <BR> Regards ….. Ger <BR> <BR> <BR>Maribel's Restarant Recommendations for Barcelona: <BR> <BR>A few favorite restaurants: <BR>1) "Set Portes" (Passeig de Isabel II #14-near waterfront behind a collonade <BR>of 7 archways)-founded 1836-Barcelona institution, sprawling, lovely <BR>Parisian cafe decor-black/white tiled floors, bentwood chairs, mirrors, <BR>marble tabletops, beamed ceilings, super efficient waiters in long white <BR>aprons, 11 different rice dishes-popular with families on Sundays-great "pa <BR>am tomaquet" (a Catalan bruschetta), spinach with raisins ("espinacas a la <BR>crema con pasas")-piano music after 10, menu in 4 languages, good selection <BR>of sorbets and gelats for dessert. Large portions-a classic-book ahead! <BR> <BR>2) "Agut D'Avignon" (Trinitat #3-in alleyway)-popular with politicians at <BR>lunch, romantic at night, comfy, elegantly rustic farmhouse decor, beamed <BR>ceilings, seasonal menu, good crema catalana. <BR> <BR>3) "Senyor Parellada" (Argeneria #37-La Ribera section)-hard to find, <BR>stylish modern decor (Soho style), pale yellow walls, an atrium with <BR>skylight, atmospheric, popular with publishing crowd and artsy types, <BR>creative Catalan cuisine, caldereta de pescado (bouillabaisse), romantic at <BR>night-owner speaks English <BR> <BR>At the top, but not outrageously expensive: <BR> <BR>1) "Ca L'Isidre" (les Flors #12-in Raval district, near the <BR>Paral.lel)-small <BR>and family run-fav of the King, walls lined with paintings, artichoke <BR>hearts stuffed with wild mushrooms and duck liver, loin of lamb, homemade <BR>desserts made by daughter who trained with French chef Alain Ducasse, highly <BR>professional service, faithful clientele, popular with local celebs., <BR>highly recommended (NY Times loves it), reserve 2 days in advance! But go <BR>and come by taxi only!!!! <BR> <BR> <BR>(Cont...) <BR> <BR>

Cont.... <BR> <BR>For tapas in the Barri Gotic: <BR> <BR>1) "Cal Pep" (Placa de les Olles #8-near Picasso Museum)-get there early (by <BR>1:30) to have tapas at the lively, miniscule, crowded bar, exceptional <BR>grilled fish ("peixet fregit"/seafood prepared by owner and helpers <BR>outfitted with walkie-talkies and anchorman type microphones attatched at <BR>their lapels to keep up with the stream of orders, just order what others <BR>are having, house white wine <BR> <BR>2) "El Xampanyet" (Montcada #22, up the st. from Picasso Museum)-old time, <BR>classic champagne (cava) bar since 1929-"pa amb tomaquet" <BR>-anchovies-cider-great homemade p. chips on the house-always crowded. <BR> <BR>3) Across from the Museu Picasso, in the courtyard of the Museu Textil I <BR>D¹Indumentaria, is a charming outdoor bar/café which keeps late hrs. Nice <BR>for a coffee/pastry stop in morning. <BR> <BR>4) Basque tapas at "Euskal Etxea", also in El Born, at Placa de Montcada <BR>#1-3. The El Born area has become quite fashionable for dining lately. <BR>Also try "Santa Marta" and "La Vinya del Senyor", opposite the Santa Maria <BR>del Mar church. <BR> <BR>In the Boqueria market, a little hole-in-the-wall 10-stool breakfast- lunch <BR>counter called " Bar Kiosko Pinocho", to the right of the entrance off the <BR>Ramblas. Look for smiling Juan Bayan (with bow tie-hope he's still around), <BR>Let him fix you the special of the day. This short-order chef has been <BR>acclaimed by all the gourmet/travel mags. His food couldn't be fresher, and <BR>they'll be 3 deep at the bar at lunch time, waiting for his little treats. <BR> <BR> <BR>MANY THANKS TO MARIBEL! <BR>

Thank you so much for your reply! Yes time is getting close for us to leave, tomorrow night! We hope to be able to see some of what you told us about! I have to keep this response short for now, you know between working and packing it's been hectic. We'll post a report later this month after we get back. <BR>Laurie

topping for caitlin!

Topping for Bob

Topping for Nick.

Last of the all time great posts

Egos pulling up their old posts again.