Posts filed under 'Barcelona'
I’ve just come across the cutest little graphic novella that I thought may be of intrest to anyone looking for a fun way to discover Barcelona. We’re all familiar with the phenomenon of “storied traditions”. It starts with a good novel and ends with a massive tourist migration to places mentioned in the book. Charles Dickens tours around London are still very popular but the most recent (and quite possibly the most staggering) is the Da Vinci Code. There’s a chapel in Scotland that has reported an increase of up to 100,000 visitors thanks to Dan Brown’s controversial book.
So I was flipping through this very nice travel magazine called Conde Nast Treveler, when I stumbled upon “The Case of the Missing Angulas” by Tom Downey. It’s a simple detective tale about a P.I. investigating some missing crates of angulas…obviously. He finds himself a friendly guide and they trapse through some of the cities best restaurants and bars in search of clues. Not a bad way to conduct an investigation!
Now anyone who appreciates European delicacies will know that this dish of baby eels is a favourite in many parts of both Spain and France. It may not be something you’de want to try if you’re a bit squeamish but if you like food then this one is definitely for you. As the story progresses you’re taken on a tour of bars and restaurants frequented by locals and not well known among tourists. It also mentions which wines to try and what sort of food you can expect; you’re even given some tips about the service.
“The Case of the Missing Angulas” is nowhere near the level of the above mentioned novels but it’s a fun and quirky way to get some tips on where to eat and drink. It’s particularly useful for anyone looking to go to Barcelona on a weekend break because it’s concise and actually does take place over a weekend. So when you’re out sightseeing you’ll know exactly where to go for lunch and dinner.
Hands up anyone who has booked a weekend break abroad, bought a nice big guide book like Lonely Planet and then suffered a panic attack because you suddenly realise you can’t possibly fit everything in? Yup, my hand is up! I strongly recommend reading it, it’s a gem.
So go forth and discover, don’t forget to try the angulas and don’t forget to tell us about it if you do. I’m sure I’m not the only one who is dying to know what it tastes like without actually having to put it in my mouth!
By Sam Bam.
June 24th, 2006
Planning your weekend getaway? Don’t know where to go? Try Barcelona. There are always Cheap Flights to Barcelona and there is plenty of culture for adults to indulge in. You surly can’t visit Barcelona without taking time to visit La Sagrada Familia, one of Spain’s most extraordinary buildings. This gigantic building is still incomplete but it is without doubt a must see masterpiece born from the eccentric but brilliant mind of the Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudi. The sad tale of why it is incomplete is that Antoni was run over by a train in 1926 before he was able to complete his strange and controversial creation. Gaudi is buried in the crypt and the museum shows a scale models of how he had envisioned the church.
If you have the children with you on the weekend trip, then take them to the Parc Guell where they can run around to get rid of their energy. The park is rather large so plan to spend at least half the day here. Here the kids can enjoy the cultural side of Barcelona as well because Antoni Gaudi created this fascinating place with giant dragon mosaics, lizards, snakes and the most interesting park benches for the children to sit on. This should keep the young minds occupied for a while. We have a few suggestions for ‘must see sights‘ and for Accommadation in Barcelona so check out Indigoguide; weekend breaks section.
If you plan your trip around September you can enjoy the Barcelona La Merce Festival (run over 3 days 22nd - 25th for 2006) which is the most celebrated festival in Barcelona. This city is usually alive anyway but it does rev up a lot over this festival period, enough to make the city step up the public transport services to a 24 hour service over the weekend of the 24th.
April 18th, 2006
BARCELONA is the second largest city in Spain but the most cosmopolitan city. The city is easy to explore on foot and visitors without transport can walk from and between the Modern Barcelona, the Roman Remains as well as the Medieval City. The city is rich in history and if you are interested in Art and only visiting for the weekend, give yourself a treat by taking in Barcelona’s amazing collection of Romanesque Art.
We recommend you spend some time at the Catalan National Art Museum, Parc de Montjuic, Barcelona. It is housed in the National Palace which itself is something to marvel at. Inside you can feast your eyes on the master art works which take you through a fascinating journey of art pieces dated between the 11th and the 13th centuries to the beginnings of Gothic art.
The palace was built in 1929 and renovated and re-opened again in 1995. The museum is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday.
Our website recommends a few other interesting museums to visit on your weekend break so click here and allow us to help you plan your trip using our very informative and helpful weekend guide.
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Doreen B
March 7th, 2006