Day 10 - October 27th, 2022

We met Joe and Ammie in the Top Sail before heading up to the restaurant for breakfast.  I tried the French toast which was nice but had to ask for syrup which I would think be served with it but maybe that is an American thing.  The breakfast was nicer though than the typical disembarkation breakfast which is because not everyone was disembarking today.  

Leaving the ship was just as easy as embarkation was a week ago.  We were escorted off by a butler to an area where our bags were waiting.  It was much faster than waiting for bags on an airport type carousel.  There were lots of cabs waiting so we shared one to our hotel, Le Meridien, which was the same one we stayed in before the cruise.

Our rooms were not ready early like before so we both checked our luggage so we could do some sightseeing.  We had not decided on a plan so we took a few moments to discuss our options.  One was Montserrat and the other was to see Park Guell via the Hop on/Hop off bus.  Montserrat would take up most of our day and the cable car to the top seems pretty daunting so we took the easier option.  Chris and I had previously visited Park Guell but it was very crowded then and we did not get to see the famous bench up close, just from afar.  

We passed a few sights like Sagrada Familia on the way to Park Guell.  It is a bit of an uphill walk from the stop but it wasn’t too bad.  Chris did lead us around the park and maybe took more stairs then needed but we did get nice photos as well as exercise.  The bench was pretty crowded but we did get some very cool photos.  

It did not take long for the bus to arrive at the stop.  We initially thought to switch routes to see the whole city but we were getting hungry.  The new plan was to take it back to Las Ramblas and go to the same marketplace for lunch.  The ride back passed Camp Nou which is the largest stadium in Europe.  

The marketplace was hopping as it was Saturday and prime lunch hours.  All the tapas bars were packed but a restaurant on the side waved us in.  This place was busy too but we were seated upstairs right away.  A pitcher of sangria was the beverage of choice for us to go with our selection of tapas.   Today’s selection included Padron peppers, olives, patatas bravas, mushrooms, scallops, gambas al ajillo, and razor clams.  Everything was excellent.  

I wanted to go for a walk after our lunch and suggested to visit the Barcelona Cathedral.  This is another stunning Gothic masterpiece.  We purchased tickets for the Church and the rooftop.  After touring the Church, we found the queue for the roof.  Ammie was not sure about this and Joe headed up before us.  Chris and I waited in line and Ammie joined us.  Joe texted her it is an elevator to the top.  We met Joe up there and found great views of Barcelona.  The Grandiosa could be seen in the distance once again. The experience of walking on the roofs was definitely unlike anything I have done before.  

Ammie had the idea to get some more vermouth so Chris lead the way to another bar to try.  Along the way, we passed a very cool looking magic shop which of course Chris wanted to visit.  I told him to get something for his anniversary and he purchased two tricks.  He later learned it is the oldest magic store in Europe, and potentially in the world.  

We hit two bars to try some more vermouth.   The first stop was Bar Brutal.  It had a very cool atmosphere and the vermouth was good.  Next was Bodega La Puntual for more vermouth and a snack since we saw a video that they have the spiciest patatas bravas.  Upon seeing the Atomic “Bombas de la Barceloneta,” Chris ordered those as well.  The bravas were definitely the most spicy we had and the bombas were a spicy pork croquette.  

Our room was ready at the hotel as we waited to get a suite.  We walked back stopping to buy some souvenirs and to try a rather gimmicky dessert.  On one corner of Las Ramblas, there is a waffle stand that sells anatomical shaped confections.  It smelled really great when we passed it so we decided to give it a try.  Upon entering, we were told to go upstairs and they would bring us our order.  Upstairs was a little bar and our order was taken quickly.  We just ordered one to share and it was actually quite tasty.  I think this place would be a big hit in Las Vegas.  

The suite this time was not as big as before but still very nice.  The hotel had a bottle of cava on ice as a thank you for waiting for the room.   Joe and Ammie brought uDog and we played while drinking cava.  We brought the bottle of Prosecco from the ship and they had the bottle of red from their cabin.  It was a fun night sharing wine and playing cards.  We were so stuffed from a late lunch and snacks, no one wanted more food.  It was a great last day of our trip and I have loved spending time with our friends.