We made the six hour drive (with stops) to Barcelona on Sunday. You see these giant bull billboards everywhere along the way. Apparently they were a sort of advertisement for a liquor company and when the company shut down or changed hands, people had become so attached to them that there was uproar so they stayed. We kept focusing on the sizeable nutsack. Once you notice it, it is difficult to ignore. (Even my straight brother said so, so it isn't just me.
There is snow here. Well not here in Barcelona, but all along the way in the interior of Spain. It is getting warmer though (60ish, 15ish C ) so it will be gone soon. The weather has been perfect. A light jacket is all one needs and it has been sunny every day.
We were happy about availing ourselves of the duty free shop in Philly. We have had a nice little bar going since we arrived. I don't know what Serge ate but he has been the gassiest gasbag I've ever seen lately. My brother and I are avid farters and thus highly skilled at it, but Serge is truly the champion. So much so that....
It was necessary to buy this shirt. (Or at least take a picture of it and make it his screensaver tee hee.)
He has gotten a little better today though. This is down in the port of Barcelona.
There is a huge open air market off of La Rambla where you can get pretty much anything. The (I don't know the Spanish or Catalan term for it) smoked, aged pig legs are pretty good, but I get a little grossed out when I see the cloven hoof. Best to ignore that part. We have been picnicking on the patio of the folks' room for lunch with yummies from the market. Chorizo, foie gras, myriad cheeses, baguettes, olives, anchovies etc. etc.
Yesterday, I dragged Serge and bro over to the gay area of town to have a cocktail before dinner. It was dead of course, apparently things don't really get going until 1am and I am officially too old for that nonsense. I loved the decor in the bar though. We were saddened once again at the vodka martini that we ordered. It looked like it was going to be okay since it was served in a martini glass with olives. Unfortunately it was equal parts vodka and vermouth. Yuck. At least it wasn't like the one in Paris when they mixed it with sweet vermouth as that was unpotable. It was unpleasant to pay $8.50 Euro for it (twelve bucks) but at least we could drink it.
Cuisine is heavy on the seafood here. I like it, but it was a bit of work to eat these little guys. I didn't eat the heads though.
Today we went to the Sagrada Familia, the famous unfinished cathedral designed by Gaudi. We saw it a couple of years ago when we were here but didn't go up to the top then. This is the view from up there. That weird building in the background is known as the big cucumber (or dildo, or lipstick, the story seems to vary) Even though it was Serge's idea to go up, he really had a hard time with his vertigo. He always thinks he can handle it and then he panics at the top. Poor guy. Tonight is our last night here and we will dine at a traditional Catalan restaurant. Tomorrow we head to Valencia for the big festival. Driving into town will certainly be an adventure. Don't know when the next internet availability will be, but for now you're all caught up. As am I. Smooches!
We made the six hour drive (with stops) to Barcelona on Sunday. You see these giant bull billboards everywhere along the way. Apparently they were a sort of advertisement for a liquor company and when the company shut down or changed hands, people had become so attached to them that there was uproar so they stayed. We kept focusing on the sizeable nutsack. Once you notice it, it is difficult to ignore. (Even my straight brother said so, so it isn't just me.
There is snow here. Well not here in Barcelona, but all along the way in the interior of Spain. It is getting warmer though (60ish, 15ish C ) so it will be gone soon. The weather has been perfect. A light jacket is all one needs and it has been sunny every day.
We were happy about availing ourselves of the duty free shop in Philly. We have had a nice little bar going since we arrived. I don't know what Serge ate but he has been the gassiest gasbag I've ever seen lately. My brother and I are avid farters and thus highly skilled at it, but Serge is truly the champion. So much so that....
It was necessary to buy this shirt. (Or at least take a picture of it and make it his screensaver tee hee.)
He has gotten a little better today though. This is down in the port of Barcelona.
There is a huge open air market off of La Rambla where you can get pretty much anything. The (I don't know the Spanish or Catalan term for it) smoked, aged pig legs are pretty good, but I get a little grossed out when I see the cloven hoof. Best to ignore that part. We have been picnicking on the patio of the folks' room for lunch with yummies from the market. Chorizo, foie gras, myriad cheeses, baguettes, olives, anchovies etc. etc.
Yesterday, I dragged Serge and bro over to the gay area of town to have a cocktail before dinner. It was dead of course, apparently things don't really get going until 1am and I am officially too old for that nonsense. I loved the decor in the bar though. We were saddened once again at the vodka martini that we ordered. It looked like it was going to be okay since it was served in a martini glass with olives. Unfortunately it was equal parts vodka and vermouth. Yuck. At least it wasn't like the one in Paris when they mixed it with sweet vermouth as that was unpotable. It was unpleasant to pay $8.50 Euro for it (twelve bucks) but at least we could drink it.
Cuisine is heavy on the seafood here. I like it, but it was a bit of work to eat these little guys. I didn't eat the heads though.
Today we went to the Sagrada Familia, the famous unfinished cathedral designed by Gaudi. We saw it a couple of years ago when we were here but didn't go up to the top then. This is the view from up there. That weird building in the background is known as the big cucumber (or dildo, or lipstick, the story seems to vary) Even though it was Serge's idea to go up, he really had a hard time with his vertigo. He always thinks he can handle it and then he panics at the top. Poor guy. Tonight is our last night here and we will dine at a traditional Catalan restaurant. Tomorrow we head to Valencia for the big festival. Driving into town will certainly be an adventure. Don't know when the next internet availability will be, but for now you're all caught up. As am I. Smooches!
17 comments:
I love spain..now I love it more that is has a dildo building.
I love Barthelona. Make sure you stare down those Catelans!
Big bull balls and a dildo! I never knew Spain was so intriguing. Looks like fun. Enjoy!
I'm going to Barcelona at the end of April! Looking at your pictures I can't wait!!!!! Any special recommendations?
"avid farters and thus highly skilled at it" cracked me up, I truly did not know one could be skilled at such things!
Those shrimps look big and delicious. I like to pull off the heads and suck out the innards.
It's wonderful that you're posting all the way from Spain!
We will have to get to Spain. Thanks for sharing.
"Chorizo, foie gras, myriad cheeses, baguettes, olives, anchovies etc. etc."
Well, no WONDER you are all gassy!!
And I know exactly what foods will produce the best gas. Carbohydrates are one. They produce huge volumes of gas.
Beans are another. I love kidney beans, chick peas, etc.
Looks like you guys are having a great time. I had to laugh about the vertigo. In my case I can handle heights just fine. It's my inner ear that doesn't want to play nicely here on the ground.
The bulls are a corporate image of Osborne sherry, who are still in operation. The law just banned billboard ads, so they had to remove the company name and the bulls were allowed to remain.
Um, the hams have a sign right on them - jamón ibérico. It's one of many gastronomic items Spain is famous for.
Love the "bull-boards". Very cool.
Heh. Love that grin on Serge-it's like he knew what you'd been writing about him being so gassy. Fortunately, everyone smells more lovely in a seabreeze.
Glad you're having such a great time. Funny that the pickle building style is becoming more popular.
Gay bar indeed. Can it get any pinker?
Avid farters, I would fit right in.
The market is called Mercat de la Boqueria and I could spend a whole day there por favor.
I love the shirt and I'm officially lifting the pic for Chris. Perhaps I'll blow it up to billboard size. The fact that there is an ass staring at the guy on the shirt is bonus :)
it's so great that you're farting your way through spain. i love that country. enjoy your trip! :-D
Who decorated that gay bar? Pedro Almodóvar?
I remain in envy of your trip.
This post had everything I love, dildos, balls, shrimp, sprinkle of snow, boats, booze...and you! Travel safely and hurry home!
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