Arc de Triomf

Barely away from the metro, we are immediately face to face with one of the reasons for today’s exploration—The Arc de Triomf—a triumphal arch in the city of Barcelona built as the main access gate for the 1888 Barcelona World Fair. Admiring the architecture, snapping a picture here and there, we walk through the arch, following the crowd down the wide promenade.

The Bubble Man

Walking toward lunch in El Born we bump into the Bubble Man. How can we not sit and watch joy? The delight in bubbles and their shimmering ephemeral roundness is universal—a split second of magic in the air.  Sitting here, I could watch forever, or at least as long as the children play.

When the tiny tot drops his coin in the hat we push ourselves up off the bench, tossing our euros in the hat as well, then we meander down the path—just looking. We find ourselves under a shaded arcade; I wander into a spice shop.  It smells like India.  It smells wonderful. Michael waits outside while I push my way through the narrow crowded aisles, realizing I have no euros.

Back outside we turn left and go straight. Turning right we find ourselves in the middle of a large open square surrounded by restaurants. We choose the first cafe we see, sitting close to the warming flame of an outdoor heater. While we wait for our food I check Google maps to see where the Hofmann Pasteleria is located; Rhonda’s raves, as well as Trip Advisor reviews on their mascarpone croissants, have had my mouth watering for days. Unbelievably it is right around the corner from where we sit.

Santa Maria del Mar

After a long lunch, we stand in the narrow dark alley gazing in the window of the bakery—thirty minutes too early to enter. Undaunted, never discouraged, we continue to explore the byways of Barcelona, bumping into the huge edifice of Santa Maria del Mar, a Catalan Gothic style church completed in 1383. The columns soar; the church interior, elegant in its simplicity.

We window shop.  I buy a black wool scarf, wondering if I will ever use it in Texas.

Hofmann Pasteleria

We return to Hoffman five minutes after they reopen for business.  The counters are being loaded with fresh baked goods as we stand, waiting, mouths watering.  We buy three croissants—two mascarpone and one strawberry, and a small package of almond macaroons. The cheese-filled croissant, lightly kissed with a sweet coffee glaze, lives up to its billing— it fills me to the brim.  I may not be able to eat for another week.