And if you are unfortunate enough to get your pockets or bags 'picked' on Las Ramblas and lose anything of value then you'll need to go to the police to get a report for insurance. That will take several hours out of your sightseeing plans. Be careful,and read this...

http://www.barcelonayellow.com/bcn-t...elona-top-tips

I was in Barcelona last September for 4 days. Didn't get pickpocketed, didn't see anyone get pickpocketed, didn't use a moneybelt(I never do) and yes we walked down the Ramblas and I took photos as well.

I am not going to add anything to this discussion except for a note about the visit to Cologne. There are no Carneval festivities really in Nov. 11.11 is just the beginning of Carneval season, so no parades or anything like you get the few days before Lent begins. You might want to plan to do or see something else on this day.

There are plenty of Indian and Asian restaurants in Germany. I also found lots of plain, vegetarian options on menus. Just order ala-carte. Spinach, egg plants, leeks, zuchini, corn, salads, mushrooms, rice, tomato sauces, cauliflower, broccoli, and of course potatoes in various forms.

Continuing the veer off topic--I spent a week in Barcelona last year staying in an apartment on Las Ramblas a half block from La Boqueria food market where you can buy lovely fruit and veg and there is a regular supermarket (Carrefour, as I recall, but don't quote me on that) along Las Ramblas closer to the Placa Catalunya where you can get all manner of food items, such as yogurt and muesli. Contrary to others' advice, I would highly recommend staying in this area for such a short trip--the tourist sites are walking distance and there are two metro stops close by if you don't want to walk. You can enjoy the lively atmosphere in the evening. I did not get pickpocketed, nor did my travel companion and neither of us use a money belt, just cross-body purses (and that's more for ease of carrying than security).

As for energy bars and nuts, yes yes and double yes. You will have a hard time finding time to eat on your trip, much less finding suitable restaurants. Nuts and dried fruits are a great snack because the fruits have sugars for quick energy and the nuts have protein and fat for long energy when the sugars wear off.

... continuing the veer off topic ... the only place, over many years and many countries, that I've ever had my purse snatched was in a Catholic Church in New Jersey ... :)

Please, please write a trip report on your return with photos if possible.

I've done crazy itinerary trips in the past. I was never able to maintain such a searing pace as you describe for more than a weekend but I admire your stamina.

My advice; pack nuts and dried fruit in your carry-on. (note Can't take juice through security though)

the OP last posted on aug 29th. i think she's already set off on another whirlwind tour!

Thank you Nicegirl, I got much needed encouragement. I have booked a hotel 100 meters from La Ramblas. As far as purse snatching is concerned, we always travel smartly, and we are sure when one can get away well in Mumbai, then Rome or Barcelona won't make any difference. I will definitely carry those protein rich bars and nuts.
Now can anybody suggest a budget hotel/hostel in Paris? Has anybody any experience with Tiquetonne hotel? We are landing early morning at CDG and after 2 days, leaving by evening flight from Orly. We would like to walk and if weather doesn't permit, take a bus tour or metros. We are going to buy Louvre ticket online and spend 5 hours there. I tried to book Eiffel tower ticket online, but it gives results only up to 2nd floor. We want to go on the top. Is the top floor closed in November?

Just returned from our whirlwind trip. Now I have time to write a tour report. Wait for one or two days to know about our adventures.

angel, you can be assured that we can't wait!

Tour report of our 'insane' tour is published. Any questions, suggestions, comments... most welcome. Any guidance required? Just ask.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ur-nov2010.cfm

I am certain there are at least two people on this thread who have died and gone elsewhere at the news that you actually survived this trip, much less that you were able to eat anything (that news definitely killed off the lecturer I am certain).