Beach!

Today found us a little more festive and a little less jet lagged. We started off the day with breakfast at La Rambla 31. This corner bakery and coffee spot is located just around the corner from the Somnio. We where smelling the bread earlier and followed our noses down. 

After looking at all the pretty things we decided on a chocolate torte with candied oranges. We also got a prosciutto and provolone sandwich with fresh tomato smeared on the toasted bread. A cup of fresh squeezed orange juice and we were set.

We walked down to an open air market, La Bulgaria, and bought peaches, bread, and toasted almonds for snacks/breakfast tomorrow. We hopped on the metro and went down to the sea. Everything is so picturesque and since we were there early the crowds hadn't found their way there yet. There were what seemed to be hundreds of docked boats. Their masts slowly swaying and the ropes creaking.

The beach was a little bit further down and around to the left. It reminded us of Haupuna. The waves came in short and fast, Before the surfers stood up the ride was over. We chuckled at them. We had never seen so many beginners at one time. Sarah figured it out to be that they didn't know when to exit the wave. I also think that they didn't know when to catch the wave. There were two paddle boarders out there, I guess it's also getting a movement over here. 

We had picked up some lunch before heading down so we enjoyed that while watching the waves. Nostrum is my new fav restaurant. Everything there is 2,4, or 6 euro's. They pride themselves on having 100% natural and everything is yummy. We had steamed spinach, bow-tie pasta with pine nuts and mint, and a focacia that was insanely delicious. It was colorfully topped with green olives, tomatoes  and bell pepper. Yum-Me!

I dipped my feet in the water to try it out. The water was cold, but not too bad. It was surprisingly salty to the taste, more then I figured the sea to be. We wished we had taken swimsuits, as the water was very inviting. And un-expectantly we got our wish, just a little different then we wanted. While sitting at the waters edge, we were caught by a large wave. We got completely soaked as did our cameras and purses. Like I said, it reminded me very much of Hapuna and it's sudden large surges. We picked up and moved to a nearby bench to sort everything out. It was then that I realized that the sea had claimed my lens cover to my Canon. Bummers, but at least I can replace that fairly simply. We decided to return to the Somnio and get changed from our wet garments. By the time we got back and took showers, a nice nap was in order. We have figured Barcelona to be a late sleeper. It seems as everyone gets going around lunch time. So with a few hours sleep tucked under our belts, we headed out again. We went back down to the port and by that time it was popping. The street vendors were out with their wares, the lights danced and shimmered in the water. I had fun playing around with my camera trying to get different types of shots.  

We strolled thru a 3 story mall until they closed. Slowly we meandered our way back up to the metro. We got back up to the Catalunya Square and watched the crowds. 

Eating a raspberry gelato from Nostrum while sitting on a bench listening to a street musician, I had to pinch myself. GA! I'm in Spain! The streets were still moving with people and the tapas restaurants were packed when we finally bid goodnight and headed to our room. It was midnight. 

Tomorrow we will probably go back down to the beach. But I think we'll sit a bit farther away this time. Then catch up on some last minute shopping before packing and getting ready for our flight out Saturday morning.