Barcelona -26th May -2nd June, 2012

They say to count blessings. The visit to Barcelona to attend a conference may be considered one such unexpected welcome blessing that appeared here.

It was one of the longest flight in camel class and the saving grace was the glasses of wine that soothed the nerves into slumber.

Have familirised about the surroundings of Hotel Melia on google map on Shennu's Ipad. So when arrived there, it appeared bit familiar. The temperature was a comfortable 25oC with a slight nip in the air.

Lost hardly any time to check in and ate the rolls from home and went for the meeting with LaRamblas. A fabulous stretch of walkways wit souvenir shops, restaurants and holiday activities on both sides. Its got plethora of alleways and side streets with distinctive shops with own identities selling anthing from Galato to trinkets. Walking there led to desire to walk more and only the tiredness of leg would signal to the soul that its time for a beer.

 At the end got the chance to say hello to Medetarian sea which I never dreamt as something that could be a possibility. The 1.35hr cruise on her was more emotional then informative. The cool breaze, the faboulous shorelines made me miss Dona and Shennu so much that I kept calling them. I havent done holiday things without them for so many years now. I didnt have a plan to see the city much given that it is costly but Dona as usual motivated me to bring back some memories of Barcelona. Brings back memories of Bacelona is nothing but brings back memories of Gaudi and the Sea and the sense of history. It is one of the rare plances I have seen that seem to have retained its identiy and soul and that was very unique. A general sense of relaxed elebration of life in holidaying and wandering around seems to hang at every nook and corner of this fabled city. Immigration is real and most of the restaurants and shops seemed to be manned by people of SA origin. Some youths will always find appeal about the concept of hippism and lack of personal care, a sense of druged induced nonchalentness and music seems to be the potent blend that appeal to the youths discontent with the state of present being.

Spains is badly hit by recession but its signs were missing in Barcelona. A lady later explained that being proud, they try to take care not to be seen in trouble but meat is no longer to be found in dinner table and lot of people are managing with eggs. Also, two of our collegue found that their purse were stolen, allomost from undetr their nose and they went through some harrowing time securing their new passport. Mugging and pick pocketing are real and we were told repeatably to be very careful. However, thought it is genrally safe as found more nubile girls out partying past midnight than dudes.

Visit to Gaudi's fabled work was memerising. It took lot of time for the mind to comprehend how much of his life he dedicated to his work to leave something for which Spain in particular and visitors in general would marvel and wonder. It is also one of the important reason for Spains success with tourism.  The work will continue for atleast next five decades so a visit anytime will provide something new.

A place is nothing without its food. And learning to cook Paella was thus surreal. Had to buy the ingredients so can cook it back in Bangkok at home. Sipping wine, dining on authentic Spanish food, looking at the Sea for nothing in particular amidst the general chatter of people dining after another days hardwork is some experience gathered that would be cherished.

Girls at the threshhold of womanhood are same everywhere as these group of girls, ovbiously tourists proved. Who were they? Will never know about their past or the future that they will have.

I will always remeber the evening in Barcelona is the moon over the church forever being watched by Gaudi in neonlight. It also is a reminder to be to upgrade the camera!

I will also remember the school as we made our way to the tube station called Hospital Clinque. The floors in full bloom reaching out to the morning sun was nothing but a affirmation of God's presence.

A rush day spent to the monastry at Mansserat was soulful experience. Equiped with a map and confidence in heart, we took the tube to reach the station from  where we had to take the train to Manserrat. We allmost felt it was not the train but only the time of departure of the train matched with the timing we had on the ticket and we just boarded. It turned out to be the right train. The jouney was easy, lazy and full of people making the pilgrimage to the abode of Black Madonna. There the que was long and I had a flight to catch later. However, it was worth the wait for the heartfelt blessing received from Her. Her abode was made painstakingly and must have taken years to complete. It was a place for serenity, contemplation and blessing. We also felt the presence of Sri Ganesha, Sri Hanuman, Sri Saibaba and Sri Volanath there.

At the end, was missing Dona and Shennu and wanted to comeback home but also wanted to stay back there. At the end left with wishes that someday will be back there with Dona and Shennu for a holiday. However, seems staying there for weeks would satisfy soul and any small visit wouldnt be enough. Barcelona, will miss you so very often!!

Camp Nue wasnt far from Hotel Melia but didnt make the customary visit to the stadium, partly because all stadiums appear same from outside and also because the official store is very over priced.  But we hope to go there in future with Shennu.