Countries old and new

Strange feeling, flying for the first time in two and a half years. But just as boring and uncomfortable as ever, plus we had the loud, laughing British bore a few seats behind us. 

But all was forgiven and forgotten once we got into the city. Last time I came to Spain Franco was not that long dead and the ‘eighties had only just begun. The beer was cheap and we stayed in a colourful pension just off the Ramblas that was mainly populated but gorgeous looking prostitutes; but the place felt tired and depressed and being a prostitute was no romantic matter (particularly as most of their clients looked like the short bald bloke out of The Benny Hill Show). 

Barcelona now is a vibrant and colourful city that really impresses. However before we could get out and about in earnest we had an important appointment with TGR, the family and a Canadian judge on a Zoom call. Our daughter was getting her Canadian citizenship so we joined in, waved Canadian flags, wore the t shirt and were moved to tears when she sang the national anthem of her new country in both French and English. Huge love-in. Very happy for her.

We went out to eat with a couple of glasses of wine inside us (TSM was so gone she walked into a glass door) and found a fab little bar which did lovely vegan fast food. Called The Quinoa Bar (cliche alert). It only has ten seats but we got lucky and walked straight in.

Afterwards we wandered the back streets of the Gracia which are wonderful.  Really cultured. Like Seville or the smaller neighbourhoods of Tel Aviv with a good cafe or bar on every corner.

One last drink over a game of cards before hitting the sack. Hotel is lovely and very comfortable so we felt relaxed.

Little album here