Last and final "Know Before You go!" And of course, I could not leave out my brother, Michael. Guest writer number 4! I know, I know. You can't even see his whole face in this photo. But for some reason this is one of my favorite photographs of him. Probably because of his huge smile. Anyway, to get to the important stuff...
We will be on a plane this time tomorrow. We will be in Prague drinking some Czech Pivo one week from now! We will be eating some Spanish Tapas/Laying at the beach two weeks from now! (Side note from me, Maggie, this is mom speaking through Michael for real. Mom is the QUEEN of one week from now, two weeks from now, a year ago...)
Language Lesson:
The two languages spoken in Barcelona are Spanish and Catalan. In the tourist areas you will have people who speak English as well as Spanish.
Catalan:
Hello: Hola
GoodBye: Adeu
Please: Sisplau./Si us plau. (sees-PLOW/see oos plow)
Thank You: Gracies
Do you speak English?: Parles anglès? (PAHR-luh uhn-GLEHS)
I don’t understand: No ho entenc (noh oo UHN-tehng)
Where is the toilet: On és el lavabo? (ohm ehhs ehl lah-buh-BOH)
Restaurants always include service charges by law, and these should be clearly stated on the menu.
Rounding up a couple Euros is acceptable.
The metro can take you to many places. Stations are marked on most maps; every station has a detailed scheme of exits to the city.
If we want to see many attractions we could get a Barcelona Card: The Barcelona Card f
eatures unlimited free travel on public transport and free admission and discounts at around 100 visitor attractions. (24 Euros for 2 Days)
Majority of restaurants and cafes are closed between 4PM and 8PM for migdiada.
The golden rule of thumb applies well in Barcelona; to save money and get better food, look for places off the beaten track by fellow travelers and seek out cafes and restaurants where the locals frequent.
The average temperature in Barcelona in August is between 75 and 80 degrees. It should end up being the warmest city we travel.
Las Ramblas: a gorgeous tree-lined pedestrian walkway, the busiest and most lively street of the city. Mostly occupied by tourists, expect to pay higher prices for food and drink
La Placa Catalunya: Connecting all the major streets in the city, the Placa is known for its fountains and statues, and the central location to everything in the city.
El Portal de I'Ángel: Large pedestrian walkway with many new and stylish shops to browse in.
Walk around the winding streets and hidden squares, fountains and palaces in the Barri Gótic.
Basilica of Santa Maria Del Mar Placa de Santa Maria (near the Picasso Museum). One of the most representative examples of Catalan Gothic architecture.
Gaudi architecture: Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Milá (and many others).
Many others including: Havour Cable Car, Montjuic Hill, Torre Agbar (way too many to list.)
Hiya Maggie!!
ReplyDeleteIt's Saturday here in good ole St. Louie and bet it is evening in Dublin. Wanted to check to see your posts and found that you had several that you did before you left. I loved all the info on Barcelona!!! Muchas gracias!! Hugs. Love Grandma
Cute photo and well done Michael! And so very true about your mom. Made me laugh and think I want to remember those things! Spain!
ReplyDelete