Spain- Barcelona and part of Madrid

Now we know it has been a while since our last update, but the fun just keeps on going so here is the long awaited update. Starting with Barcelona, Spain, which let me start by simply saying another must see destination. We had booked a hotel for the 4nights we would be there; however, my wife has a cousin who lives in the area. I called him the night before we departed Germany, and he said to just stay with him, so luckily we were still able to cancel the hotel previously booked. It worked out perfect because the wife’s cousin lived 10mins by train to the tourist area.

We then arrived in Barcelona, and took a 15min taxi ride from the airport to where we were staying. Her cousin met us outside and brought us up to his place right away. We then went out to lunch with him and saw some of the area he lives in. For dinner we made a point of trying the famous tapas, so her cousin started the night off by going to Las Ramblas, and walking around seeing the area. From there we headed to a very good tapas restaurant that was incredible. The restaurant would not work at home because you grab whatever tapas you want by the extra long toothpick in them. When you eat the tapa you place the toothpick in the little vase on the table, so when the waiter counts the toothpicks they can then calculate your bill since each one costs $2.50 euro. We all know in the states that wouldn’t work because some would eat 10 but only place 5 toothpicks in the vase….so just a difference in the people here.

After eating we walked some more to end up in a local bar. We wanted Mojitos but when they were out of the ingredients we went over to another local bar. This bar my pops Ely would love because it was straight salsa music all the way. We were able to get our Mojitos that were off the hook!! We stayed here for a while just talking and enjoying the atmosphere which was laid back and simple. The music was very good with the best salsa songs one after another. From here we then headed over to a local club called Shoko. This club was upscale and very nice inside. The best performance I have ever seen in a club was the violinist who plays along songs that we listen to today (a video to follow). This guy was straight up the man! LOL! We stayed here having a few drinks till about 3am when the club itself closed but hey it was a Tuesday night. We went back home and called it a night.

Next day we went and saw numerous sites in the downtown area the Gothic cathedral that we also went to the top on, the Dali museum, and the Picasso museum. They were all very nice and it is just amazing how long ago these structures were built yet they are still standing strong. One other thing we saw was the first night walking around the city after eating her cousin showed us the wall the Romans=2 put up around the city for protection. Until this day parts of the wall are still standing and that was really cool to see. At night we just hung out at home and her cousin made us dinner that night with many bottles of wine to follow.

Third day we went to La Sagrada Familia building and the only thing I can say is amazing. This is by far the best architecture I have ever seen. I mean the building was made to show a belief, presence, and love for god in this world. The building was completely stone but the detail they made on this was just sick! To date my favorite building yet by anyone compliments to the originator Gaudi. That night we headed over to a salsa club called Mojitos. This club was packed and I thought there would be some beginner salsa dancers….NOPE all good dancers tearing up the dance floor. So basically I just enjoyed the music and had some drinks and Tamika and her cousin danced the night away. This is where we stayed all night till about 3am once again.

Our last day we headed over to the beach. Very nice beach and there are plenty of sections nude, cloth or gay. Now for a really odd but hilarious moment on the beach. The Chinese ladies walk around and offer 5mins massages while you are relaxing. They come by and simply start rubbing you and you have to tell them no several times till they take the hint. Well, one lady 10ft from us decided to take the massage as she was tanning. Well I guess a different lady asked her earlier but was declined because the next thing you know the one lady is rubbing her back and another comes over and starts rubbing her arm. The two ladies start arguing with each other and pulling on the lady, so the lady finally says both of you go, no more. Well the lady massaging her back stayed and the lady on her arm just sat there a few more minutes arguing. I couldn’t believe that, it was crazy.

Now before I go any further let me just give a big thanks to Tamika’s cousin Jose. He was awesome I mean he cooked the last 3 days we were there, opened up his home to us, showed us much of the city and was a great person to be around. We had plenty of good conversations and drinks to go with them. I can’t say thanks enough for his hospitality and I look forward to meeting up with him once again. By the way the man can cook as well and we have pictures to prove it. So again Jose, thank you for everything!

Now we arrived in Madrid, which was a short flight from Barcelona 45mins. The hostel we are staying in is just like a hotel, I mean I guess these things are a hit or miss but we certainly hit on this one. There is an older married couple who lives and run the place, but the cleanliness and area are perfect. In Madrid the street area Puerta del Sol and Plaza de Mayor is where you want to be. We stay 2mins from Plaza de Mayor. Our first day was OK, but we took a taxi from the airport and the meter said $20.30 euro, but the old man started getting heated and told us it was $30 because it is extra from the airport so we just paid him to move on.

We headed right to Plaza de Mayor, where we looked to get some food. This is definitely more touristy and different. The restaurant workers call you over as an attempt to get your business. We ended up eating at a place of our choice; I have no problem telling anyone no for something I don’t want to do. We had sangria pitcher and paella. Very good food and drinks are off the hook. The one thing I must say that is annoying is the street performers. Now I know everyone needs to make a living but here is an example. We were eating kebabs, when a gentleman started playing his instrument in the middle of the street and singing in Spanish. No one asked him he just picked a spot and started performing. Cool if you walk buy and like it great give a little change if not no worries. Well not here the guy started walking around asking for money and when we said no, he replies nothing for singing in Spanish, and we said again no. I just don’t get why they pick to perform somewhere and then walk around asking for money like we owe them something….oh well if you experience this simply say no and they leave you alone. We then headed over to the biggest outdoor market here which has blocks and blocks of vendors. It was nice to see and walk around although extremely packed but great experience.
Today we headed over to a museum but they are closed on Mondays so this is why we were able to update today and do the museums tomorrow. Overall a good place. Till next time...