Sunday, February 09, 2014

Barcelona We Meet Again

It's been ten long years since the last time we've been to this vibrant city. Far too long for us to come back but then again time does fly! Back then we said to ourselves we must come back again soon then lo and behold ten years have past before we actually managed to do so. And this seems to be a particular trend for Gaz especially as his first trip to this city was ten years prior to that.

Banco Español de Crédito, Plaça de Catalunya
Banco Español de Crédito, Plaça de Catalunya

We usually go away somewhere around this time of the year, to break the winter, and our first thoughts were to Madeira. But then again I blogged about breaking visiting habits recently and in reference to that I thought that for a change why don't we go somewhere instead that we haven't been for a long time and yet have always wanted to come back to? Sort of a compromise between familiarity and a change of routine and scenery. So Barcelona it was.

There was hesitation at first, Barcelona in the winter? Will it be any good at this time of the year? We had an amazing, very memorable holiday (one of our best ever) in this city ten years ago, early September, sunny and warm and yet not oppressively so. Will we dampen this wonderful impression left on our minds if we go in a colder, and potentially damp time of the year?
Red bridge near the Marina

With a bit of research our hesitations were dispelled as this city seems to remain vibrant even in the depths of winter and worth visiting at any point of the year. Winter is usually mild by virtue of the location, and although it can get rainy and chilly in the evenings, on the whole the chances of sunny and dry periods are still very high (even more so if you compare it to the UK!).

Barri Gotic, BarcelonaBarri Gotic, Barcelona

And that's how we have found it here so far. Yes you still need to wrap up and deciduous trees are still bare but it has been sunny and dry most of the time (the odd drizzle so far) with daytime temperatures in mid teens Celsius and a stroll out brings more of a sensation of spring rather a reminder that it is still winter. 


Street Art, Barri Gotic, Barcelona
Street Art, Barri Gotic, Barcelona

Barcelona is one of those cities that we can truly say that there's so much to do and the culture is so pronounced that you'll need much more than a week to fully savour its delights. Only a select few cities in Europe can truly claim this status. Going back here is like meeting an old friend, only this time not in shorts and flip flops but in a thin winter coat. It's unlikely that we'll be able to do all that we would have wanted to do, much like what had happened ten years ago but that's what makes this city special.
Plaça Reial
Plaça Reial

Our stay here has only started and I can imagine wanting to come back here again. It's only a two hour flight, we ought to really. And we ought to break that ten year cycle. If we do will it feel like a routine much like how I feel with Madeira? Maybe, that's always a possibility, but at least not wait ten years if it can be helped as I don't like holiday cycles either.
Parc de la Ciutadella
Parc de la Ciutadella

Such a delightful city even in February, so happy to be re-acquainted! Best to pause for now, we quite fancy some tapas!

Mark :-)

16 comments :

  1. Hi Mark, how nice that you guys treat yourselves to a vacation! Your photos of Barcelona made me want to go there as well, not to escape the "terrible" Southern California winter, of course, but for the rich culture that this city has to offer and for its beauty alone. Hope you post some more photos! Oh, enjoy the tapas :-)!

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    1. You'll love this City Christina! Perhaps next time when you go back to England include Barcelona in your itinerary, en route to or from :)

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  2. Wow, you guys are lucky. I've only been to Barcelona once, more than 25 years ago. Would love to go back. In the meantime I'll live vicariously though your posts.

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    1. Barcelona is calling you to come back Gerhard!

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  3. As a denizen of Los Angeles, I don't generally think of cities as overly attractive places but Barcelona appears to be a very pretty city. I hope you have a great time!

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    1. You'll love this city Kris! And thanks, we'll do :)

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  4. Wonderful news, I look forward to seeing more of the city with you!

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  5. Enjoy your tapas. We will be anxiously awaiting more, more more! It's such fun to ride on your coattails.

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    1. Glad to hear that Ricki! And tapas, can't get enough of them!

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  6. Ah, so that's where you are! Great choice, even when the weather is dull the city itself is full of colour, that red bridge is wonderful - can you imagine that in an English city? Other than in a Japanes garden... Have a great break away from the dire UK weather, and good luck breaking the 10 year cycle too! Wonder what you will come back with for the garden, something colourful, I imagine.

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    1. Will do Janet! Bought something for the house already, none yet for the garden...

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  7. I hope you enjoy every minute of your time in Barcelona and take lots of pictures to share!

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