We've been enjoying some well-deserved escapes from the hectic day to day life in Barcelona.
I'm aware nobody that I snapchat will believe me that I've actually been pretty busy finishing off my CELTA course and teaching because according to snapchat I'm constantly at the beach or up a mountain. It's just because pictures of books and notes are less exciting, I promise.
We were in search of views and a walk (but not too much of hike) and headed off in the late afternoon.
We hiked up to the Bunkers to overlook the city in the evening sun (take the metro to Alfonso X and walk directly uphill and you will see the lumps of concrete on the top of the hill). We were rewarded by Emma's delicious Oreo balls at the top, which I definitely need the recipe for.
Perched on top on the hill is a dilapidated street that time forgot. It's beautifully crumbling into the hillside and the houses have amazing views from both sides.
When we'd finished our picnic and gossip (as well as overhearing some entertaining tourist conversations 'omgaaaash it's so pretty!' at top volume, repeatedly) we headed back down again as the light faded across the city.
Another good discovery is a tiny seaside town outside of Barcelona, Garraf (R2 train from Passeig de Gracia/Sants), for some beach therapy. Our last visit took place in howling winds and big waves when we were locked out for the day (and night) so the sunshine was altogether a welcome transformation!
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| The epic waves in December |
Our trademark picnic played a starring role, further cementing our role as crazy Brits abroad. Ironically given their much more favourable weather, eating outdoors doesn't seem to be the done thing here. I ate my lunch on a park bench in the sun and was given so many disbelieving 'buen provecho' comments I prematurely packed it up in embarrassment and continued on to work. Although we definitely weren't the most eccentric people out and about because a brave couple were swimming in the sea! No wetsuits! Challenge accepted for the coming weekends.
Next stop = Montjuic! This was the laziest mountain trip, a bus to the top (150 from Plaza Espana) to the castle that looks like it has been transported from England along with it's box hedges and perfectly manicured lawns. We could have paid to enter the castle but it was impressive enough walking around the outside and enjoying the view. And we're cheapskates.
And last but not least, I've discovered the roof terrace on the top of my building. After being disappointed to hear that our flat's key had been entrusted to a tenant who promptly went and took it to Mexico with him, I hadn't bothered going up until this week. After stumbling up in the dark, the whole building is somewhat stuck in the middle ages with gas bottles and dodgy plumbing, we found the door unlocked and top notch opportunities to spy on the neighbours.
Our career as escape artists continues...