We have spent the last few days with Katy in Barcelona. It has been 2.5 years since Howard has been here - thanks to Covid - so we have enjoyed renewing our acquaintance with Katy’s lovely area, and taking some time to do some DIY in the flat. Our car was happily sitting on a nearby parking garage but came in handy for a shopping trip to Leroy Merlín and Carrefour. The main focus of the weekend was La Mercè - Barcelona’s annual festival - which Barcelona has taken VERY seriously! Parades of monsters and giants and human towers have dominated our week end activities.
Thursday was a wander around the area of the flat, a bit of shopping in town and Katy’s local Mexican for dinner - really good! Best ever for me!
Friday was a sight seeing day for us - menu del día in town with Katy (such a good deal again with great food 15.50 euros including wine) and later exploring the various locations where the costumes for the parades were on show. Later, with rain threatening, we went to the opening parade in Placa Saint Jaume. Once the rain had dispersed everyone we had a great pub crawl and tapas with Katy.
The fireworks - be prepared for very loud notices and no visuals - they were on the roofs of the buildings around us!
The Giants out for a dance
A small sample of what the Human Towers can do
Saturday saw us back at the Place Saint Jaume for more giants and the human tower building which was fantastic. The little kids were always on top, up to eight persons high. A happy birthday chat to Claire in the pm and then dinner at a Malaysian restaurant - very nostalgic. Finally to the parade of the Beasts at 9pm. A mad parade with beasts, fireworks and drums.
The Parade of the Beasts - they were quite boring without their firework display - but oh boy that was full on!
Sunday was a domestic day at home.
Monday was the car to Leroy Merlín and Carrefour, and lots of domestic activity in the pm. Dinner at night in Gracia at La Pepita, a favorite of Katy’s, followed by an ice cream on the way home.
