EVERYTHING NOU UNDER THE SUN
Our second day of exploration was AWESOME! Getting around, and seeing as much of Barcelona as we could, from the city, to the mountains, to the beaches, was something we had been really looking forward to. Prior to arriving, we thought that the best way of getting around town, was to use the same method of transport ever so popular in many European cities, ESPECIALLY Barcelona - so we looked into renting a Vespa scooter.
However. Literally ten minutes after stepping off the bus from the airport yesterday, we saw a man on a motor-scooter going about 40km/h collide with a man on a bicycle, and both of their behinds met the pavement.
Fortunately, they were both able to walk away - but with the sounds of screeching wheels, clanking metal and plastic, and people on the sidewalks screaming still fresh in our heads, we went ahead with Plan B.
Taking a tour bus was the best €22 we could've spent! Now, I have seen these sort of double-decker buses with the open top cruising around Philly and New York, and never really knew why anyone would want to ride on of them. But the 'Bus Touristic' was a 2-day ticket to ride on 3 different routes throughout the city. Plus, you could get on and off at any stop, and even use the bus for transportation, as you would a normal city bus.
This morning, the red route took us through the city, up into the hills in the west, and south, to Barcelona's holy shrine of football - Nou Camp.
Sitting in the very front on top of the bus, we had the best view of some of the most striking buildings I've ever seen. The architecture in Barcelona is... different. Very interesting. I couldnt believe some of these buildings actually got built!
When we reached Nou Camp (pronounced like 'new'), I could not get off the bus fast enough. Having watched dozens and dozens of Champions League and Primera Liga games at Barcelona's staduim down the years, it was hard to believe we were actually standing there.
The stadium tour was excellent, and a must for any fan. Inside the 100,000 seat staduim was unreal. Walking down on field level was cooler than I could've imagined. Walking through all the corridors and hallways, it was interesting to see the huge press and meeting rooms, and even a few surprises like a chapel - probably packed when they play Real Madrid! The 50ft long trophy case was also impressive.
After lunch, we took the number 41 to the beach, where we lounged under the Mediterranean sun. The weather was perfect, but the water was a tad chilly. Clothing-optional beaches really are quite a scene - talk about 'good, bad, and uuuugly'!
Not pleased with the sight of an older gentleman on a stark-naked stroll walking uncomfortably close to my towel, I decided I could use a nap. I have no idea how long I was out.
However. Literally ten minutes after stepping off the bus from the airport yesterday, we saw a man on a motor-scooter going about 40km/h collide with a man on a bicycle, and both of their behinds met the pavement.
Fortunately, they were both able to walk away - but with the sounds of screeching wheels, clanking metal and plastic, and people on the sidewalks screaming still fresh in our heads, we went ahead with Plan B.
Taking a tour bus was the best €22 we could've spent! Now, I have seen these sort of double-decker buses with the open top cruising around Philly and New York, and never really knew why anyone would want to ride on of them. But the 'Bus Touristic' was a 2-day ticket to ride on 3 different routes throughout the city. Plus, you could get on and off at any stop, and even use the bus for transportation, as you would a normal city bus.
This morning, the red route took us through the city, up into the hills in the west, and south, to Barcelona's holy shrine of football - Nou Camp.
Sitting in the very front on top of the bus, we had the best view of some of the most striking buildings I've ever seen. The architecture in Barcelona is... different. Very interesting. I couldnt believe some of these buildings actually got built!
When we reached Nou Camp (pronounced like 'new'), I could not get off the bus fast enough. Having watched dozens and dozens of Champions League and Primera Liga games at Barcelona's staduim down the years, it was hard to believe we were actually standing there.
The stadium tour was excellent, and a must for any fan. Inside the 100,000 seat staduim was unreal. Walking down on field level was cooler than I could've imagined. Walking through all the corridors and hallways, it was interesting to see the huge press and meeting rooms, and even a few surprises like a chapel - probably packed when they play Real Madrid! The 50ft long trophy case was also impressive.
After lunch, we took the number 41 to the beach, where we lounged under the Mediterranean sun. The weather was perfect, but the water was a tad chilly. Clothing-optional beaches really are quite a scene - talk about 'good, bad, and uuuugly'!
Not pleased with the sight of an older gentleman on a stark-naked stroll walking uncomfortably close to my towel, I decided I could use a nap. I have no idea how long I was out.
Brennilein - 29. Jun, 09:31
