We sadly had to say goodbye to San Sebastian on Tuesday and took the early Renfe train from San Sebastian to Barcelona (66 euros). After the lengthy 6 hour train ride, we arrived just in time for lunch. We checked into the Market Hotel and walked over to the Boqueria for a late lunch at Bar Pinotxo. S. and I visited Bar Pinotxo on our last trip to Barcelona and fortunately, it hasn't changed a bit. The food is simple and tasty: the freshest seafood prepared simply with little more than good olive oil and sea salt. We finished around 4pm as the bar and most of the market was shutting down for the day (note for future: go in the morning).
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| These chickpeas really hit the spot |
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| I love these little guys; I've never seen them in the states. |
Some of the Boqueria's food stalls. Unfortunately many were already closed for the day.
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| For me, the bounty of seafood is the most impressive thing about the Boqueria |
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| I'm disappointed that I didn't get the chance to try percebes this trip |
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| Look at those crazy razor clams! |
After the Boqueria, we wandered around Las Ramblas a bit, making our first Gaudi stop at Palau Guell, and then headed up to Montjuic via the funicular to visit the
Fundacio Joan Miro, a museum dedicated to Joan Miro. Z is a huge Miro fan, and it was really cool to see a bunch of his work chronologically and in the context of contemporaneous political events. I definitely see his work through a different perspective now.
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| Colorful Gaudi chimneys! I love the whimsy and use of color and shapes in Gaudi's work. |
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| Joan Miro's "Lune, Soleil et Une Etoile" sculpture (1968) overlooking Barcelona |
We stayed at the
Market Hotel near the Mercat San Antoni while in Barcelona. It was quite reasonable at 69 euros a night. It had a funky modern charm to it, with Asian inspired red and black decor and giant Mao paintings, with a cool red bar and classic Parisian bistro looking restaurant downstairs. The rooms were a little small and quite loud, although every place that we stayed in Spain was loud, and we couldn't get a room with two beds. Otherwise, location was perfect; walking distance to Las Ramblas, Passeig de Gracia and the Paral.lel.
Market Hotel
Pasatge de Sant Antoni Abad, 10
08015 Barcelona, Spain
933 251 205
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