Spain: Day 2

After a night of awesome paella and sightseeing we were ready to head out to see more of this great city of Barcelona. We walked over a few blocks from our hostel just off La Rambla to a section of the city containing government buildings. Then down a small little street on to Cathedral Avenue, home of some incredible sites, including the Catalan Architect's College featuring a giant mural by Picasson on its face. Across the street stands the impressive Church of Santa Maria del Pi (built in 1298). Unfortunately, like much of the landmarks we had seen thus far, the church was covered by scaffolding and fabric as it was being repaired.

After stopping at a small cafe for some coffee we made a circle back toward La Rambla and into The Boqueria Market (of Sant Josep). The market, originally opened in the 18th century, is housed in an interesting Modernist building with a transparent and glass roof. This, and the bustling atmosphere inside make it well worth visiting, even if for only a moment.

After walking through the market we headed up La Rambla past even more historic buildings. First, the Vireina Palace, an 18th century Baroque building originally commissioned by the Viceroy of Peru, Manuel de Amat i Junyeat. From there we walked up to Catalunya Square, known as the nerve center of the city. On the way walking up La Rambla through the streets lined with flower shops, cafes and restaraunt. In the center of the square is a large park with fountains, benches and lots of pigeons. We made our way through the square and back down towards the ocean near our hostel via a different route. This time passing through Placa D'Urquinaona and down Via Laietana. Off this thoroughfare sits Palau de la Musica Catalana (Catalan Concert House) built between 1905 and 1909. The Palau quickly became part of the cultural life of the city and became the natural venue for all expressions of national culture. The facade of the building is incredibly beautiful. Made of bright red brick and lined with ceremic mosaics and elaborate sculptures, it definitely dwarfs all the buildings around it.

We spent the evening venturing up and down La Rambla trying to find a store to buy a winter jacket in as we heard the weather for the remainder of our trip was going to be fairly cool. Great, another five pounds to add to our already stuffed backpacks. Low and behold we found an H&M with some sick deals and bought ourselves some decent warm jackets. La Rambla at night is a sight. Bright lights and thousands of people wandering the street. In and out of cafes and restaraunts. We had dinner at some expensive Catalunyan place. From what I remember it wasn't anything spectacular. Then we headed out to La Rambla again and caught a mug of hot chocolate, coffee and pastries at one of the many cafes before going back to the hostel to catch some sleep.