You've come to the wrong place for a punch-by-punch analysis of Ali vs. Foreman, but La Rambla is just as, if not more, entertaining!
The central promenade of Barcelona, a mile in length, stretches from Plaça Catalunya to the port. The magnificent street is chiefly the domain of pedestrians, as the two lanes of crawling traffic and frustrated drivers amply show. A relaxed stroll down the tree-lined walkway is an essential part of any visit to the Catalan city. Locals enjoy regular evening constitutionals here on warm nights; during the tourist seasons, you'll be in the company of thousands of fellow visitors.
La Rambla's central location means that accommodation in the area is incredibly convenient but not cheap. Hotels like the "Rivoli Ramblas" on La Rambla itself are naturally costlier (and noisier!) than those hidden away in the quiet nearby squares; we stayed in the "Hotel Sant Agustí" which was only 50 metres from La Rambla. It's definitely worth doing research beforehand.
Exploration of those quaint side streets and squares can yield rich rewards. Highly rated restaurants, such as "Les Quinze Nits" in Plaça Reial, and beautifully preserved churches are there to be stumbled upon. As La Rambla bisects the old town, it's easy to wander into the Barri Gòtic, boasting among the highest concentrations of medieval architecture in Europe. In the very unlikely event of boredom, the 3 Metro stations (L3 Green) and numerous bus stops will whisk you away to wherever you desire.
Let's take a lightning tour of La Rambla's many landmarks and attractions. Plaça Catalunya is Barcelona's answer to Trafalgar Square, as I described in the beginning of the series. The wonderful Boqueria, subject of the next article in the series, is a covered market that must be seen to be believed. The Museum of Erotica across the street has its fans - you know who you are! Admire the "Palau de la Virreina", "Gran Teatre del Liceu" and "Palau Güell". Finally, we reach the impressive Columbus Monument by the port. How about this for trivia - the discoverer of America is pointing in the wrong direction!
La Rambla can seem a lot longer than a single mile, depending on the mime artists, puppeteers and human statues there on the day. During our frequent passages, we witnessed a fidgety Batman in an ill-fitting suit, a couple in authentic 17th century attire, a 70 year-old Rivaldo impersonator and ET!
The pet stalls lining the avenue arouse mixed feelings of amazement and outrage at the sight of caged exotic creatures, from the mundane (budgies, gerbils, hamsters, rabbits, chicks, ducklings, parrots, terrapins) to the surprising (chinchillas, hens, cockerels, ducks, quails, iguanas) to the gobsmacking (emus, peacocks, scorpions, chipmunks)! It's a veritable menagerie and absolutely unmissable.
Along with the usual symbols of corporate globalism (anyone up for a McDonald's?), La Rambla is home to a huge number of rip-off tourist stores, selling tacky T-shirts and other souvenirs. Haggling is a must; skilled practitioners (e.g. Connoisseur_Haggler LOL) might get up to a third of the price knocked off! Although Catalan is the main language in Barcelona, Castilian Spanish is accepted everywhere, and all traders in central districts are able to converse competently in English. No excuse really, then!
NB. This is the 7th instalment of my BS series. For the introduction, please kindly turn to "BS Uno - The Odyssey Begins"; general information on Barcelona is scattered throughout the series. Thanks for reading!
PS The Ciao management has informed me that none of my travel ops may be considered for the latest competition, because I'm not old enough :( It's very disappointing, but I'm enjoying this series so much that I might as well complete it!
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You helped bring back a lot of memories there, including all of the (annoying) street entertainers!
tartantribe 18.07.2001 19:21
I am dying to go to Barcelona- we were going to go in June, as part II of our holiday fortnight, but couldn't get the time. Oh well. I shall have to console myself by persuing the whole of your Barcelona Odyssey- which looks to be a quality read.
wallstreetwannabe 22.06.2001 18:24
We were going to Barcelona last year to stop at a hotel on La Rambla, I was so excited. Unfortunately it got cancelled due to ill health, but your op made me see exactly what I had missed (sob, boo hoo) maybe next year! great stuff - kel
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