This morning we awoke with a plan. When we were ready to go, and had the apartment checked over to get the deposit back, we would go to the train station in 3 groups. Two groups would go by taxi but since 7 with baggage is too many for 2 taxis Wes and I would go by metro. The metro ride is about the same amount of time as a taxi and we have backpacks to it is easy for us to go up and down the stairs easily.
On the train 4 were seated in one car and 3 in a different car. Even though our tickets were bought at different times we discovered that Kate, Wes and I were seated beside each other so that was very convenient. The train ride was uneventful even though it was close to 3 hours on the fast train.
As we arrived in Barcelona we repeated the same strategy to head over to the new apartment. This meant that Wes and I took the metro and since the station is about 5 minute walk from the apartment it was not a difficult task at all. As usual when you first pop out of the subway burrow it takes a bit to orient yourself as to direction but we are starting to get little strategies to do this efficiently. We found and headed down the side street to the apartment complex only to be looking for a street address of 17. On our right side is the even numbers and so we were a bit surprised when the even numbers hit the 20’s while on the left we could find no numbers at all. In fact that building is part of the Opera House. We decided to keep walking down and look for any numbers on the left to figure out where we might be. We got surprised as we walked along to discover a number of 15 above a door on the left so we knew we were close. The next number we found was a 17 but it was above a door for a barber shop, then I noted that the door beside it also had a 17 and it was hostel entrance. I knew were not staying in a hostel so that was not right. As I considered the issue I looked at the next door which had a huge gate in front of it but no number and wondered. I noticed that all these three doors were doors on the front on one building so the 17 seemed to correspond to the building, and not the business or doorway. We tried the steel gate and it opened so we headed up the stairs hoping we found the right place.
We were told the apartment was the 2nd door on the 1st floor. So we headed up one flight of stairs. At the first floor we found 2 doors, one on the left of the stairs and one on the right. Which is the 2nd door? We decided to knock on one door and when a strange man answered he seemed to know the confusion. He pointed up and said one more floor. So we climbed another set of stairs and now we have 3 doors to choose from. We finally decided that those who came by taxi must be here already so we just decided to pick one door and knock. We lucked out and it was the right door. I still have no idea how the description was anywhere near understandable. Those who had arrived by taxi were fortunate in that the caretaker had been watching for them so met them out front and lead them here.
The apartment is well equipped but it is a much older building than the one we had in Madrid. There are 4 bedrooms with enough beds for 9 people. We will be comfortable here since there is plenty of space. However, we have been warned that at all times the doors must be closed and locked. The windows to the balconies must be locked whenever we are not in the building. I do not feel unsafe here, but it is Barcelona so caution is important.
We were reminded of this on the subway as Wes and I came over. As we stood on the metro a couple got on at a station and directly behind them was a group of young people (about 6 I think) and they all crowded in around the visiting couple pushing their way on. Two of the young people stood in the door so the doors could not close and just as the train tried to close the doors all the young people seem to decide to hop back off (having difficulty forcing the door back open). Everyone in the subway car were asking the couple who just got on to check their pockets to ensure they had not had anything stolen since this seems to be a pattern for group pick pockets. The visitors assured everyone they had not lost anything, but it was a classic move and reminds us to be careful.
After relaxing, organizing and shopping for groceries we decided to take a walk. Wes’ cold has not improved and in some ways he is feeling worse. So we decided it was time for him to see a Doctor if we could arrange it and get some antibiotics. Therefore as we walked we looked for an Tourist Information center to see if they had a list of English speaking Doctors. Wes did not come for the walk since he is not feeling great so he was on the computer doing some research for a Doctor. The Information center did not have any suggestions but did have an English magazine that had some ads in the back and one was for a English speaking Doctor. By the time we got back from our walk we learned that Wes had also found the same Doctor advertising on a website so we are prepared. It is too late today to get hold of him so it will be in the morning.
In the meantime Gene had lost her camera so we were also keeping an eye out for a new one. We found a camera shop close to the apartment and we checked out the options. Gene was undecided so we left it for now but by evening she had decided that she really needed a camera so tomorrow she will get one.
After happy hour we knew it was time for dinner so off we went towards the harbour to find a place for dinner. In particular we were looking for seafood paella. Regardless the walk was really nice as we toured once again the harbour promenade looking at the boats, yachts and seaside views. We ended up in the Barceloneta area and found a great place right on the sidewalk. The menu of the day includes 3 courses (1st plata, 2nd plata, postre) plus bread and a drink. We were very surprised when the waiter returned with a huge bottle of water, one bottle of red wine and one bottle of white wine. The meal was excellent and the price was extremely reasonable.
We returned to the apartment by enjoying a slow walk back along the main streets with a warm breeze and beautiful night views. Unfortunately today I did not carry my camera so I have no pictures to share, but then most of the pictures would be a repeat from last week when we were here for the one night and did the same walk.
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