Barcelona Reflections

Updated: Aug 6, 2024

Last night, we came across the travel show I'll have what Phil's having on Netflix. We watched two episodes of the travel show; in each, he skypes his parents and reports his experiences in the new city. In Seinfeld fashion. No wonder. The host Phil Rosenthal is the creator of the hit TV comedy Everybody Loves Raymond (1996 to 2005), and it was our favorite show at the time. The episode on Barcelona is the inspiration for this post. We were there this time last year.

It was our first visit to Barcelona and we were very impressed with the city, from the architecture to the people and its food. It is ornate, vibrant, friendly, and full of surprises at every turn. Architecture buffs will rejoice in ambling along Passeig de Gràcia, where three Modernista buildings - Casa Amatller, Casa Batllo and Casa Lleó Morera - stand in the same block (between Carrer del Consell de Cent and Carrer d’ Aragó).
Casa Amatller
Casa Molera
Casa Batllo
Alleyways are fun to wander around
Fancy street lighting
We walked along La Rambla, from Plaça de Catalunya to Maremagnum, the distinctive waterfront mall at Port Vell. 
Mirrored entrance to the mall
Reflection of us in front of the car in the middle
Barcelona is a food lover's paradise. The array of tapas was amazing. The churros were incredibly light and airy, and so delicious! While exploring the Sagrada Familia neighborhood, we discovered Vicens, a store that makes some fantastic nougat and chocolate. They were perfect souvenirs to bring home.
Tapas at Taverna Basca Irati
The Boqueria, the market along the La Rambla is a feast for the eyes. We tried the ubiquitous jamon but found it too gamey for us.
Endless varieties of seafood at the Mercat de la Boqueria
You can eat at a bar at the Boqueria
Serendipity brought us to the Mercat de Mercats on Avinguda de la Catedral on a Saturday morning.  We were on a bus that was headed for the beach, but the hustle and bustle at the Gothic Quarter caught our eye, and we got off to check it out. Many stalls from various Municipal markets of Barcelona had set up shop here for the food fair. We had a blast, wondering around, sampling the various food and cheeses, listening to music and getting lost in the narrow alleyways.

Jamon at a food festival
Cheese, anyone?
Roasted sweet potatoes and chestnut near Parc Ciutadella
The only thing we missed was a good paella meal. We'll have to come back. Meantime, we look forward to watching more of Phil's travel show. Are you a fan?

This post is shared on Weekend Reflections and Altered Book Lover.

Comments

  1. love the reflection in the slanted glass wall

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  2. Great post! Barcelona seems like a wonderful place to visit. I hope to go there someday.

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  3. Barcelona is amazing. I have been there a few years ago. And I need to go back! I can see from your pictures and video that you enjoyed it to. o)

    Anna
    www.glamadventure.com

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  4. I visited Barcelona once myself and although I didn't see this episode of I'll Have What Phil's Having (although I like the show and will check out this episode), you photos reminded me of our visit to the city. It is an amazing and unique place, isn't it? Thanks for sparking my memories, and have a happy T day Eileen. hugs-Erika

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    1. Barcelona was fun. Many European cities are protesting against tourist overload. I won't go and spend my money unless I feel welcome, so another trip to Barcelona will have to wait.

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  5. Love Barcelona and it looks like you had a wonderful time 😊. Tapas is always on my list when we visit Spain - yum! Thanks for sharing your happy memories and Happy T Day! Hugs, Jo x

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  6. I had never heard of Phil's show so I'll have to check it out. Barcelona looks so beautiful. Happy T Day

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  7. I´ve neaver heard of the show, but now I have Montserrat Caballé and Freddie Mercury with "Barcelona" in my ear.
    Wonderful architecture, too! Happy T-Day!

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    1. Thanks for commenting. I learned about Montserrat Caballé and Freddie Mercury. Apparently the Barcelona Olympics opening ceremony is one of the best!

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  8. Amazing pictures and fabulous food!!! I think I've been there...probably a coach trip from the hotel where we were staying....wish I could find some pictures! Happy T day!!

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    1. It was an amazing trip. Hope you could find your pictures.

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  9. What amazing architecture and gorgeous looking food. I saw bottles of alcohol of some type, too. I am impressed with your photos even though I have never heard of the show that inspired your T Tuesday post. Thanks for sharing. Such beauty, too.

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  10. Thanks!
    I'm a procrastinator who needs to be inspired to come up with a post :(!

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