Barcelona Harbor

Sometimes we luck out and land just where we want to be on the first attempt. Emerging from the underground at the edge of Barcelona Harbor, we see Christopher Columbus towering above us, standing on the top of a column looking out to the sparkling blue sea. Before making our way to the Maritime Museum, we decide to sit for a while, inhaling the day. The weather is champagne perfect.

Our original plans melt into oblivion as Michael says, “Let’s wait and do the museum on a rainy day.  Why don’t we walk around the harbor instead.”

In the harbor, there are too many boats to count—too much to absorb.  How could anyone need a private yacht that big? How could anyone find their way around that massive cruise liner?—and I think it is one of the smallest in the harbor.

Barcelona Harbor Tour by Boat

Michael walks off. He comes back with two tickets for a ninety-minute cruise of the Barcelona Harbor and coast. We board the boat, purchasing drinks and chips before finding a nook in which to enjoy the view. The day continues to melt.

We are in the middle of the tourist hordes (according to our Explore Catalyuna tour guide, 13,000,000 in Barcelona last year—half in June, July, and August) as we cross the bridge on Rambla de Mar toward the prospect of lunch. We choose Tapa Tapa and settle in with our litre of sangria and seafood tapas. It is still sunny and warm, and sitting here with this sea view, I finally feel like I am really on vacation—not just living here.

We wind our way around and across Barcelona Harbor, walking paths formerly untrodden by us. In this city, that is not a hard thing to do.

Barcelona Cathedral

Michael follows a delicate web of steeple spires, landing us at the door of the Barcelona Cathedral.  He coughs up 14,00€, and we enter. “Touring Europe is like the ABC’s—Another Beautiful Church,” says another tourist.

An Afternoon Snack

 I finally look around and tell Michael, “I think we are close to Hoffman Patiserrie.”

…and we are off, if not in a beeline, in a crooked line.

“Trust me,” Michael says, “I’ll get you there.”

We purchase more than we can eat in a day but decide to immediately sit on two chairs we spy on a side street and enjoy at least part of our sweet bounty.

The day melted—I fear the calories will stick.