Feb 10, 2009: Mention Barcelona and one of the first things that springs to mind is Gaudí. Mention Gaudí and most people will immediately get a mental image of bizarre church spires.

The Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) cathedral was, of course, near the top of our list of things to see, but it is only a fraction of the incredible influence Antoni Gaudi had on Barcelona before his untimely demise when he was run over by a streetcar.

In an age where shopping for daily necessities has become a sterile chore in cloned hypermarkets filled with trolley-pushing zombies, it’s always refreshing to pay a visit to markets that feel like the beating heart of a living, breathing community (there’s a word I miss). If you find yourself on a short visit to Barcelona, and want an all-round taste of what makes the city special, put a trip to the Mercat de la Boqueria at the top of your list.

Feb 9, 2009: Just after 8pm, Isa texted us to make plans for dinner. She told us she knew a nice Catalan restaurant and a Japanese restaurant and asked which one we’d prefer. There was a wee bit of hesitation because of me (couldn’t stop thinking of fresh tender sushi).
But we were in Barcelona, a city famous for its food. And our priority for food when we’re travelling is always to try the local food as much as possible.