The Gazelles and the Lions

Today we saw the other side of the tracks.  We went to the elegant side of Barcelona.  I was a little difficult to persuade, but Duran was certain that visiting Guell Park was the right way to start the day.  Spanish maps don't do a good job of lining up Metro lines with a regular map, so we got close and then Duran said we could take the 11 line because it takes you anywhere in the city.  Imagine my disappointment when I came to learn that the 11 line was our legs.

So we got off the metro and headed in the wrong direction.  We got turned around and started toward the park--a park that overlooks Barcelona and into the Mediterranean Sea.  The thing is that to get that kind of view, we have to climb a steep mountain.  I’m game, but a little concerned.

Then we turn the corner to the major assault up the mountain and it all becomes clear to me.  I know why people love Spain.  Escalators.  An extensive series of escalators where I least expect them and most want them.  I suspect that Mount Everest would be far more popular with a good series of escalators.

Guell Park was the home of Antoni Gaudi, the amazing architect.  The buildings were unique, creative, playful and beautifully coordinated.  It was such a great treat.  There was a unique form of sales and distribution of luxury items (handbags and sunglasses).  About a dozen African guys had their products out on display on large white towels in a large plaza.  Tourists would come by and dicker with them for a good price.

Suddenly, all of the Africans grabbed the four corners of their white towels and all their products fell in creating a sack for them to carry.  They all ran to the other side of the plaza and out of site. Moments later, two police officers wandered into the plaza.  Im guessing that the African guys had a lookout for the police and when they got the word, they hightailed it out of the plaza.

After Guell Park we walked down the hill to the main commercial center of town.  It seems that every building is unique and artful and a pleasure to see.  I think boring buildings are illegal in Barcelona.  

We have heard that rain is likely for some of the Camino, so Duran decided that a jacket might be helpful (he brought lots of shirts and pants, but no coat.  So he went inside a store to buy the jacket while I stayed outside and watched people.  Soon after I sat down, another group of Africans came by with their luxury handbags and sunglasses.  One of them set up shop right in front of me.

I could have picked up a very nice Prada bag for 30 Euros (actually much less; that was the opening price), but I declined.  Sorry.  I had other things on my mind.  I did such a great job in Rome with the trinkets, I thought maybe I could try my luck with Barcelona street vending. But before I had a chance to make application, the Africans sensed danger as a gazelle herd senses lions and they were off like a flash.

We have mostly had tapas here.  We didn't love everything, but we loved plenty.  And we are loving the fruit.  Tomorrow we will leave for the airport at 4:30 am, arrive in Santiago at about 8, store my luggage and then make our way to Lugo by bus.  There is supposed to be an impressive medieval church in Lugo.  Our final destination will be Sarria which will start our pilgrimage on the Camino.

I cannot say that we are ready, but so far, our experience has been that the things we were least prepared for brought us the richest rewards.  

More tomorrow at the beginning of the Camino....