We started our last 24 hours in Barcelona at Barceloneta beach. It was a very sunny day for November and in the high 60s. Our breakfast was sea side: Surf House Barcelona. They had a yummy brunch for us to start the day right. After breakfast we walked the beach. Everyone was out and many of people were selling huge beach blankets that had mandalas all over them in tie-dye, blue and white, and red and white.
As we moseyed down the beach we began to see more and more nude people. Most were over the age of 60-70. Paul then smiled and remarked how he loved “the freedom” that Europeans had. “Look at that old man sunning his wrinkly balls! He doesn’t even care! We don’t have that in the States! They’re so free here.”
“Well, do you want to sun bathe naked?” I inquired.
“Hello no, but I’d love to have the option!”
I don’t really need this option but I like his point. I mentioned he could probably sun his balls on a nude beach in the US?
“Ya, I guess but it’s not the same.”
He’s now added this act of freedom to his old man bucket list.

After our time wandering around the beach with the naked free people we headed to the Picasso Museum. After that we wanted to go inside Sagrada Familia church – but alas it was going to close soon (it was 5:45pm on a Sunday). Tickets were also 16 euros.
I may have been spoiled in other cities but Barcelona is definitely somewhere you need to buy tickets in advance. You also need to check if things are open on the weekend. We missed a famous tapas bar, Quimet y Quimet, because it is only open on Monday-Friday. We assumed it’d be open on a Saturday. Unlike the central market in Florence, the Barcelona market was closed on the Sunday we tried to go. My biggest take away is for Barcelona sights you can’t just “show up.” Next time I’m in Barcelona (I’ll definitely be back) I’ll buy tickets ahead and know that some places will be closed on Saturday/Sundays.
After walking around the Sagrada Familia church we went to eat Paella!!! The paella was so tasty and I’d love to have eaten more but alas – we had to get going for our plane trip the next morning.

Love, Love your narratives of the “Beach”! I think some thing should be left to the imagination :). Enjoy the journey!
LikeLike