Barcelona. Visit 2.

There are several different ways to explore this fine city. You can plan out each day in advance by using the usual guide books to take in the cultural sights on offer, such as the Gaudi/Dali delights, or the superb museums ranging from Modernism, Natural History and even one dedicated to Chocolate! This second trip was set out to be one that would explore more of the local Catalan life in the streets during the daytime and to shop like crazy in the evening.
Barcelona is one of the best city's in Europe to walk around and basically divides into four regions, each as different from each other as is possible.
Firstly there is the almost maze like Gothic old town which has such narrow streets that they are almost dark on a cloudy day. This is where to find the best of the local arts and crafts shops.
Secondly, towards the traffic laden Gran Via , the big names of all the department stores hang out, from Habitat,Chanel,Hard Rock Cafe, through to the big Spanish names of Zara,Mango and Bershka .
Thirdly, probably the most exiting street in Europe,Las Ramblas. Full of street entertainers, stalls selling the usual tourist crap, you can even buy yourself a live chicken, ferret or pole cat, although on the news there is support to get these stalls removed. Midway is a huge indoor market that has a mass of fresh fruit and veg alongside fish stalls selling crabs and lobsters so fresh that they are still moving. Spooky!
Last, possibly the jewel in the crown, is the vast complex of the the port built out into the sea and surrounded by hundreds of small boats, as well as the entry point for the massive cruise ships. Restaurants,cinemas,retail stores,the aquarium, all provide a focal point for an evening out or a refuge when it rains. Add a footbridge that swings open to let boats into the harbour and you have a design classic. It is also a key point in the Around The World Yacht Race.
It is so easy to get away from the usual tourist areas to explore the beautiful parks, and it is a city full of unexpected surprises with hidden gems and sculptures around every corner. I even came across a magnificent hospital built in the 19th century.
To understand the thinking of the local people is to know how proud they are of their Catalan heritage, even the language differs from Spanish. This city provides one fifth of the total income into the Spanish economy. Politically they would declare themselves a Republic if the choice was there. A very easy going nature helps makes life pleasant for the tourist, but remember that the older generation do not understand English and a study of the Catalan deviances from Spanish can be helpful if you do not want to insult unnecessarily!
I did have the chance to see a televised bullfight for the first time and believe me when I say it was absolutely horrendous as the bull was bleeding heavily through it's nose before the final blow. For gods sake stop this cruelty now, the world has moved on!