Someone is getting a big delivery...

...of rice.

Neither of us was full of joy this morning. It was perhaps all a bit much after the night before. After breakfast, we got going....more or less, and headed in the direction of Gràcia, which we found to be a fascinating neighbourhood with a host of little squares. We stopped in a couple of them for coffee. In fact, I'm probably a bit "over-coffeed" today, but since I'm extremely weary this evening, I hope it won't keep me awake. Whilst enjoying one of our coffee stops, we saw this delivery taking place. Couldn't resist.

We had a short rest before lunchtime, and then decided to seek out what we planned would be our main meal of the day. Initially, we had no luck at all. Sitting down at the hotel's own terrace, we wondered what was happening, as it was almost empty. While there was a waiter there, he remained steadfastly in conversation with the only other couple who were there, sitting at a table in one corner. He did not even acknowledge our presence on the terrace.... After a few minutes, we got up and wandered away, and after failing with several places that we had decided could be options, as they were all completely full in their outdoor tables, we eventually settled on a very unassuming place on Carrer d'Aribau, which was perfectly adequate, and certainly very filling. The slightly noisy street situation faded somewhat after a large beer. On returning to the hotel, I mentioned the earlier experience with the terrace to the staff on reception, and then thought no more about it.

Around 6pm, we headed up to the hotel's 11th floor terrace and swimming pool, where Mr A occupied some excellent seats while I had a couple of short swims. We concluded proceedings with a glass of white wine. And I took some pictures of a fairly well known building (see extra). Heading back down, I was just settling in to do my blip when there was a knock at the door. It was the hotel duty manager and someone from the restaurant coming to (a) apologise for the incident earlier, (b) deliver a card offering us 20% off in the restaurant and (c) offer us a small taster of cheese, fruit and nuts. In fact, that taster was all we needed to eat as we were still quite full from earlier on, so it was much appreciated (although having evening cheese on top of substantial earlier coffee is probably not the wisest thing I ever do; oh, and I've just had a chocolate biscuit from a small store that we've stashed in the fridge in our room....hmmm...). Anyway, that was nice of them, and a lovely surprise.

A much more moderate 16000 steps today. Plus a couple of short swims. It certainly felt like we were on holiday.