Barcelona: Shopping At The Bull Ring

9:30 AM  So quiet.  Is our host family awake?  When should we move about?  When I stepped out of the room, Grit and Nils were beginning breakfast of toast and beverage.  I joined them with a cup of tea.

After showering, I joined Grit and Nils for breakfast.  Grit and I talked while Nils entertained himself with Duplo blocks.  Marie joined us for breakfast.  When Jordi joined us, we discussed how to get to the beach.  Jordi checked for a map on the Internet, but said we would end up with lots of paper to carry around.  Grit checked her cabinets for a map.  Jordi left the house to buy a map that included the Metro and bus routes.  Jordi proceeded to tag and label key stops and places to visit as well as the location of the apartment.

With Jordi watching the kids, Grit came with me downstairs to use the ATM machine.  Grit offered to drive us to the Metro station to help us get a 10 ride ticket that could be passed back for multiple users for €9.20, single one way is €2.

Upon return to the apartment, I changed into my bathing suit while Grit gathered 2 beach towels and sunscreen.  Marie had changed into her bathing suit and took her time applying sunscreen, emptying her backpack for our beach supplies.  When I asked her to get ready to go, she said she was too tired right now.  Jordi left to get groceries.  Marie fell asleep on the couch while Grit and I talked and played with the boys.

By the time Jordi returned with groceries, Marie had gone back to bed.  Grit and Jordi discussed whether we could all go to the beach or take a walk to the commercial area.  I said the beach would be great, because Marie was looking forward to the water.

Just before we were leaving, Pau burped out his milk and then he had to have a change of clothes.  With that, I said the beach was too much for this young family; we would take a walk.

We walked through the neighborhood past Pau’s future pre-school/day care and Nil’s future kindergarten school.  Jordi pointed out the district boundaries and former factories and employee housing.  Jordi is at least a fifth generation Catalon from this district.  There were 12 districts that were bundled to make the City of Barcelona, including the new section, formerly the site of a large slaughterhouse.

We stopped for a horchata with a scoop of chocolate ice cream.

6:00 PM  Our final destination was a former bull ring turned into a four-story shopping mall,  Its roof top housed restaurants and a walkway boasting 360 degree views of Barcelona as well as a very good view of the plaza fountain and the national museum, which looked very much like a gothic cathedral.

After taking some pictures and a walk around the rooftop of the bull ring, we rode an elevator back to the ground floor to enter into the mall.  The stores were built along the walls of the ring, leaving the center open for light and to give the sense of enormity of the venue.  Marie was thirsty, so we stopped for a granita.

On the second floor, we shopped at two designer outlets:  Designer and Mondi.  I loved a blouse at Mondi, but it wasn’t in my size; found a pair of leather shoes in my size, but it was made in China.  Jordi said that all the shoes are now made in China, except they slap on a heel in Spain so they can say it was made in Spain.  I thought about going back for the pair, but I already had a pair of Italian leather shoes.

8:00 PM  Ready to leave the mall.  I offered to buy dinner.  Jordi said it was still too early, why don’t we head back to the apartment then eat at a Catalon tapas place?  Sure.

9:00 PM  Nearly home, Pau woke up very hungry.  Grit was struggling to find a place to feed him in private.  We found it difficult to stop.  Grit asked if we could postpone dinner out until tomorrow, when she can be better prepared with a bottle to feed Pau in public.  No problem.

We stopped at a Tapas cafe for lemon iced tea while Grit fed Pau.  I offered to pay, but Jordi said it was because his son needed a drink, not us; therefore he paid.

9:30 PM  Back at the apartment.  Grit fed Pau a bottle while I looked out the balcony viewing the lights streaming from behind the National Museum.  Jordi pointed the lights out while informing me of the location.  I wonder aloud if my camera could capture the lights.  Jordi offered the use of his tripod, which helped with the exposure without shake resulting in crisp photos.

10:00 PM  Dinner was served:  Spanish ham, sliced sausage, couscous and bread with tomato spread and lemon beer.  Brie and toast for dessert.  Simple, cool and filling.

We discussed that tomorrow we could see Barcelona using the “Hop On Hop Off” bus at €21.60 per day, then meet the family at Sagrada Familia at 6, tour the Cathedral; and then dinner.  Sounded like plan.

Jordi took Nils to bed.  When he returned, we went on the Internet to purchase advanced tickets for 6-7 pm.  I insisted that I pay for the tickets.

Jordi brought up the website for the bus tour, which sounded like a good deal.  Grit and Jordi left the room to let us decide.  I asked Marie if it were something she’d be interested in doing.  Marie was unenthusiastic and non-committal, totally absorbed in her phone, having gotten wifi access.  When I pressed her for a response, she said, “I’m done being a tourist.”  Game over.  No bus touring or Metro tickets.  Perhaps we can still get a trip to the Parc Guell (Gaudi), a must see when in Barcelona.

I watched a few You-Tube videos of the interior of Sagrada Familia.  Marie wasn’t interested in any “previews”.  She fell asleep soon.

It’s been a long day with a lot of hurry up and waiting.