Gràcia District

Barcelona has so many faces–each neighborhood its own personality–its own version of Barcelona. I almost rented an apartment in the Gràcia District, two bedrooms, half the price of where we are now, but Michael thought the bar-stools at the kitchen island looked like spaceships—too modern. So, we are here on Muntaner, in L’Eixample District and extremely happy to have it as our temporary home.

Gaudi’s Casa Vicens

But still I am curious, the map shows the neighborhood to be narrow angled lanes. Not winding. Not perfect.  As a tourist, there really is not a reason to walk this path.  There is  Gaud’s first major work, Casa Vicens, and it really isn’t an attraction for the Gràcia District—it is farther north toward Park Guell. And — it is for sale. The current owners are looking for the perfect owner — someone who will cherish and protect the history. That’s me. I don’t think we can afford it, although I would be the perfect owner. I wonder if desire — sans sufficient funds — is a good enough qualifier?

Cantina Machito

I Googled and found a Mexican restaurant rated as one of the best in Barcelona located in Gràcia District, not too far from a metro station. So instead of an attraction or a museum, the excuse I use to walk these streets is a Mexican restaurant, Cantina Machito.  The reviews I read or mixed.  I expect relatively expensive entrees and nothing stellar that will lure me back—but you never can tell.

Michael has studied the Google map, I have checked the metro lines and we get to our destination with ease. The guacamole is good.  The margarita classic very tiny for the almost 10,00 euro price tag.  The enchiladas verdes, solid, not stellar.  Michael’s pot beans delicious.  His chilaquiles, nothing to love. But I do love the quiet street where we sit in the Gràcia District, and the lower buildings that allow the sunlight to filter through the trees, and the comfortable neighborhood ambiance.  It is a place to be a kid. A good place to live.

The Streets of the Gràcia District

As we walk, we discover that some streets are lovelier than others, and some not lovely at all.  But still, I like it.

You can tell a lot by a person’s terrace; it is like wearing your heart on your sleeve. The individual — I say she is a woman — who lives in the apartment, second floor from the top, loves flowers and things green.  She needs a garden.  The individual living in the bottom apartment — I say he is a man — is an ardent separatist — ready for Catalonia to be its own state. It is a real THING around here.