Spain > Arrival in Barcelona

Shortly after half past three in the afternoon, I take off with EasyJet to my destination, Barcelona. On the way, René provides a drink and a snack. Just over two hours later, I land at El Prat Airport in Barcelona. The luggage arrives quickly on the conveyor belt. I then take the Aerobus to the city center, which takes about half an hour. When I get off at Plaça de Catalunya, it is already around seven o’clock. The sun is still shining pleasantly, and the temperature is comfortable.

Spain - The 330meterlong wooden bridge Rambla de Mar to Moll dEspanya

Pulling my suitcases behind me, I walk up the Ramblas. I have been warned beforehand to be extra alert for pickpockets or anyone eyeing my luggage. The hotel is located on Marquès de Barbera, a side street off the Ramblas, right in the middle of the Raval (Pink) neighborhood. Using the map, I cannot immediately find the street. A helpful elderly lady points me in a direction, but it turns out to be the wrong way. I walk back a bit and then find the correct street. I reach the hotel. In the square in front of the hotel, it is quite busy. Several women are posing around the square. However, the scene does not feel unsafe, perhaps also because there is a relatively strong police presence. The hotel looks neat, and the room on the fifth floor appears tidy. I freshen up a bit and then head into the city center. I walk along the Ramblas shopping boulevard toward the harbor. Across the 330-meter-long wooden bridge, Rambla de Mar, I reach the modern shopping center, Moll d’Espanya, at the harbor. At a terrace, I order a beer. By now, it is almost nine o’clock. Through the Barri Gòtic, I wander the small streets around the cathedral and the palace. At Av. Catedral square in front of the cathedral, I sit at a terrace and order a meal. Around midnight, I walk back to the hotel and go straight to bed. The room stays warm during the night; the air conditioning does not work.