4-17-14 stairway walks in Barcelona, oy vay! And fun wandering.

Took the bus to  parc Guell this morning, once we got going, which was late, as we both are having sleeping problems.    Followed the google directions, which were accurate, but not the best way to go, as we had to walk quite a ways, and mostly, UPHILL!  Yikes, I felt like I was in San Francisco!     My obsession with stairway walks was met today, I will say that!    Slogged up to the park to find a rather long line to get tickets. Finally got up to the booth to find it was sold out til later in the day.    We bought tickets for early evening then, but were frustrated since the park is far out from the city.

Decided to take the bus back to the Catalunga Plaza to get the Metro to the beach area where Adam had recommended this great restaurant.    Finally got there, but they told us we couldn't get in, it was too crowded and they would be closing!   Well, undaunted travelers that we were, we wandered a bit and found another place that was equally a hole in the wall looking place.     It was excellent!    Best tapas so far.   We had mussels, which were really fresh, very good.  Also had something called bombe, which is potato mixed with spices, breaded and fried, and served with aioli and a dab of not pimento sauce.    Also had a Spanish omelet, which also has potatoes on it.    Excellent and fun to fine this area, which was very colorful.  Found another big market, that was not as touristy.

Walked around the port a bit, spotted a number of. HUGE yachts, fantastic.  

  Ended up walking through the Barri  gothic area, all the way to the apartment.   Really had a nice day, just wandering and not on any mission.

After resting up a bit, returned to the Parc  Guell , this time, via the metro.   Much quicker, had escalators instead of stairways, so that helped, though still as some uphill walking.    Got into the park, very colorful, unique Gaudi design.   However, it was very crowded, and we are now crowd weary.  You can only be in there for 1/2 hour, so it was quick.  Gaudi is fascinating.

Took a bus back to the metro back to our hotel area and had paella at a place that seemed to specialize in it.  It was not very good, had mostly rice , despite the advertised picture of it which showed big pieced of chicken and shrimp.

I am SO sick of eating starches!  We did order a green salad , which was absolutely delicious as we have been so salad deprived.

Came back and relaxed and conquered the washer/dryer weird contraption.