In December 2010 we escaped the frozen UK for an equally cold yet snow-free Spain. Barcelona we found to be a magical city, full of wonder, with the people welcoming, the art inspiring, and the food delicious!
On the subject of food, Alcampo is the biggest supermarket we have ever visited! Situated near Barcelona Airport, meat is very much the order of the day.
Just look at this big ‘meat tree’ of a display!
Got the hunger? So then, on to eating-
In the bookshop La Central de Raval we chanced upon a transparent panel which afforded us with this great view of a banquet taking place below.
And after eating-
Poo in pairs inside of a box and then in an arc.
Pooo in pairs inside of a box, then in a pile, and then in an arc.
Our friends, the Artipodeans, are always on the lookout for the worst names in retails history. In a similar vein – yet this time from the hospitality industry – Hotel Colon certainly has a good/bad ring to it.
From Hotel Colon we (bowel) move on to a traditional Spanish Christmas Market with the many ‘Tio de Nadal’ (roughly “Christmas Log”).
These cheeky little logs may well look sweet
but behind the bright smiles lies a dark (brown) tale
So now to shopping-
Situated down a small side street in the heart of Barcelona, the shop El Ingenio is a treasure trove of fantastical costumes, toys and games.
Upon entering, rows upon rows of gurning faces loom down from every wall.
Chasing the next bargain can be very ‘cat and mouse’!
WEAPONS! WEAPONS! WEAPONS!
We can take ‘anything of these’ in our check-in luggage?!
At dusk we chanced upon this enchanting Lilliputian diorama.
To the left – on the raised platform built in to the model hillside – stood a full-size dining area for full-size people to eat full size meals amongst the tiny folk.
Thank you Barcelona for a lovely time!
And a very Merry Christmas one and all!