One of the things that happens when you realize that you're going to be moving away from Paris (or any place, I imagine) is the mad scramble to do all the stuff you haven't done in the time you've been there.One thing I haven't done much is travel beyond Paris.
So hola! Here I am in Barcelona. Of course I was inspired by Vicky Cristina Barcelona, yes I admit I saw it twice in Paris. But I had wanted to go to Barcelona for a long time and never had the impetus until it occurred to me that I have precious little remaining time when I could just "hop down" to Spain for a short jaunt. And when I found that the round-trip on Iberia was $145-- well there wasn't much stopping me. Only an hour and a half plane ride.
So here I am mid-week, exploring Barcelona, amazed that it's taken me so long to discover this enchanting, buzzing, humming city. As is my practice in any new city, the first day I rode one of the double-decker hop-on-hop-off buses, just to get my bearings. There was so much to cover -- such a dizzying array of sights and culture and sensory input that I needed to shut down for a while to absorb it all. Four days in Barcelona is barely enough to scratch the surface.And no kidding, the first sight I saw from the turista bus was this. Worthy of a post of its own, perhaps.
Next: Gaudi, Tibidabo, and more.
We went to the Statue of Liberty for the first time when we decided to move away from NY after nine years there. Had to get it done!
ReplyDeleteI like the double-decker buses for first day orientations, too. Looks like you're having a grand time!
I think that the Polly bus is a strong sign that your next life (sooner or later) will be in Barcelona ;)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Isabelle...it's a 'sign'
ReplyDeleteExtra class sleeping huh? Lucky someone :-)
ReplyDeleteI've wanted to go to Barcelona for quite some time now. I almost made it last time I was in Paris (May-July 2008). Current plans are for next September for a month or so.
ReplyDeleteWay Cool!
ReplyDeleteWe loved Barcelona and plan to go back, but it's a bit farther for us. Maybe when we move to Paris.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your stay Polly, but I'm sure you'll be back.
You're leaving Paris? Why? Where to?
ReplyDeleteBarcelona is a magical place. Stay tuned for a few more posts.
ReplyDeleteWho knows what the crystal ball has in store, but right now it has the US in the cross-hairs for me. And finding a francophile's life there as best I can.
Craig, I admit that I slipped my departure notice a bit too subtly into the end of a post
http://pollyvousfrancais.blogspot.com/2008/10/theres-always-room-for-one-more-book.html
probably because it's too sad for me to think about leaving this wonderful city. Leaving Paris is not what I had planned, but Life is what happens when you're making other plans. I still have another month here. And Paris will always be a part of me, no matter where on earth I am.
So for now I'm living my life here as if Paris were my oyster, soaking up all that is the best of la vie a Paris.
I loved Barcelona! It's got it all, heritage, architecture, great food, mountains and beaches. It's small enough to explore and has such a young vibe. It's second only to Paris in my travel rolodex.
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