Last Night In Barcelona - Dark History Tour

Tonight is a little different.  We are doing a tour.  A tour that is called Dark History Night Walking Tour in Barcelona that we booked thru Viator.

The tour starts at the Arc de Triomf - so we take the Metro right to the park and it takes maybe 10 minutes.  We take the L2 line to Universitate and then the L1 line to Arc de Triomf stop.

This is a new area for us so we stroll down the park enjoying the sites.

We have arrange to meet up with Katrina and Rob (friends from home) for dinner.  They choose a place that is close to the meeting spot called Elsa and Fred. 

It is a lovely place where we share a bottle of wine (ironically called Fred) and tapas. 

We have so enjoyed seeing and spending time with Katrina and getting to know her partner Rob better.

After the meal we find a bar and sit out on the terrace and enjoy some drinks. 

We meet Eric, our tour guide and along with the others on the tour we head off at 9 pm.

Eric is a great story teller, as he addresses us he makes direct contact and draws us in.  He made a point of connecting with all of us.

He included each of us in his stories, even giving us roles when discussing the Spanish Inquisition.  The story carries on at each stop weaving the tale as we go along.

The tour includes projected images on the walls along with descriptions and real pictures of what he is talking about.

Eric makes a point to engage us and was just perfect when it came to drawing us in and keeping it interesting.

We were surprised at areas he took us to, as many of them were new to us and we wish we had another day in Barcelona to see them during the day.  Another reason to come back.

After two hours the tour ends with a final judgment (you have to do the tour to find out as I don't want to ruin the surprise). 

Here is a link to the tour via Viator.  

After the tour we jump in a cab and we are returned home very quickly.

Tonight we reflect on our time in Barcelona - which I will put in a blog 

Barcelona - Day Two Evening

As some of you know Bernie and I recentlly changed our eating habits to a more plant based diet.  We were worried how this would impact our travel.  We are probably 80% vegan and working at improving that.  

When we knew we were going to Barcelona I did a google search to see what tours they had for Vegans.  Vegan Food Tours came up.

We reserved for tonight and we met up with Olga, our tour guide at our first restaurant called BioCenter at 6 pm.  We were the only two on the tour so it was an nice experience where we really got to know Olga.

Here we started with two appetizers and a glass of red wine.

We then walk to our next spot which is about a 10 minute walk away called Vegetalia.  They have three locations in Barcelona.

Here we had the first course of paella, potatoes and bread with crushed tomatoes served with white wine.

Our next stop is Green Spot a very upscale restaurant that is beautifully decorated and an relaxing atmosphere. If you plan to eat here make sure you make reservations as it gets busy. 

Here we are having our entree (but we are already full) Summer nem, rice paper with seasonal vegetables. 

Also an amazing Kale and quinoa sald with cherry tomatoes, hazelnuts and white miso vinaigrette.  Then there is the Green Hemp pizza with cashew cheese.

We had dessert here because the place the usually go to closes early on weekdays.  Here we had Amaranth with coconut milk and mango. OMG that was good.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Olga and sharing our experiences with her and learning about her experiences.

She also really filled us in on the referendum taking place on Sunday for independence.  Now two years ago when we were here there was a referendum on independence from the Country of Spain.  But the Capital did not accept the results of the positive vote.  Now they are holding another referendum; however the Capital already has said they will not accept the outcome.  We are all concerned that a civil war could ensue if things are not settled.  This corner of Spain is truly unique - even have their own language.  So I hope things resolve.  Of course coming from Quebec and their issues with independence I know how difficult this can be.

One thing this tour has taught me is that eating Vegan does not have to be boring, in fact it was truely amazing and we will probably return to one of the restaurants before we leave on Saturday.

Olga recommends a bar we might like that is nearby.  Guzzo is so neat, very eclectic, amazing drinks, great service and the music is outstanding.  

We both order our drinks from Maurizzio and as we sit there we see the sign for Camparri and I say to Maurizzion what dose this taste like.  He says one minute and comes back with three shots of it!  We all have one and he asks what do I think.  I say "yuck not my thing" he responds -- yeah I don't like it either.  

I message our friend Katrina who lives near to us and is in Barcelona on vacation too and they end up joining us.  Katrina, her partner Rob and Amanda and her partner Graeme.  They arrive shortly thereafter and we catch up on their trip.

It is late - after midnight and we have to get up early tomorrow. So we flag down a taxi and head home.  I am surprised at how many people are still out and about at 1 am. People of all ages too, and this is a Wednesday!

It was a great day! 

Countdown to Mediterranean

As many of you know we are heading out soon for our big 20th Anniversary Voyage.  

Our first time in the Mediterranean!  This trip all came about originally because for us when we have a big birthday, and I turned 50 in August, that person gets to plan a trip.

So almost two years ago Bernie kept saying what do you want to do for your 50th?  I also kept saying it isn't only my 50th but our 20th Wedding Anniversary so we should decide together.

Well long story made shorter -- I  picked a Mediterranean cruise with the Trans Atlantic added on for the Island leaving Oct 25.  We would celebrate both events this voyage.  But Bernie surprised me with a cruise on my actual birthday so this trip is now just for our Anniversary.  I don't need to be reminded about the 50th age anymore.

Since this is the first time in this area we had a lot more research that was needed cause we were totally green.  So many great tips were provided by so many friends, fans from my Facebook fan page and from Cruise Critic.

But note we leave in ten days and we are still working and trying to get it all done before we go and it is starting to pile up.  

I am off today so I am tackling a bunch of things on that list, including heading out to vote today in the advance polls for our Federal Election that happens on the day we fly out.

Our friend Katrina is staying here again while we are away so I have to prepare the house for her. Can't leave it messy like we would if we were leaving it empty.  

We are sailing over Halloween and I want to pick up some decorations for our cabin door today too.

Although I haven't pulled out any clothes yet I will aim to do this early next week and then start scaling it back as well.  I know I need layers and we could get all kinds of weather so will have to be prepared but want to ensure I can pack multi use items.  Like a pashmina that I can use on the plane, use to cover my head in a Mosque, and use around the ship if I get cold.

Bernie is in charge of all the currency, banking stuff.  Long time rule for us is this is his role when we travel cause I really hate dealing with it and he is so much better when dealing with currency conversions.

All tours have been confirmed, printed out and details added to our itinerary.  All the Rick Steve's resources have been divided and only pertinent information will be brought along.  

Eight more work days!  But who is counting.