BARCELONA SAYS "ENOUGH!"

Tomorrow, I head to Spain again, but for only two weeks, so this trip barely counts. With all the stir about Michelle Obama and daughter’s trip –Fox News to the New York Daily News, all taking offense, makes me wonder, What’s the deal with going to Spain? Maybe the trouble is that the first lady is visiting the ultra glamorous “south of Spain” which, even if it doesn’t pack the pizzazz of “the south of France”,  is certainly gaining ground. Well, where I go isn’t even on the map so nothing to fear…the press usually doesn’t follow me around anyway!


Then I pick up the Times yesterday and the headline reads:

Beer, Sunburns and Bachelor Parties – Barcelona says “Enough!”

Enough indeed; time for me to put pen to paper, (or digits to keyboard, depending on your age!). While the Times is focusing on the some 6.5 million overnight guests a year flocking to Barcelona to get wasted on the beaches and in the tapas bars.....certainly not hanging out in the Picasso Museum, I want to talk about an absolute charming spot of the old city, the Boqueria.

This stupendous central market of Barcelona dates from the year 1217 when the “Boqueria” existed only of tables set up near the city gate in order to sell meat. In the late fifteenth century, it had grown to a pig market and then a straw market. Eventually a proper market was established on La Rambla, Barcelona’s renowned pedestrian mall. (more later) Throughout the 1800-s and early 1900-s the market continued to develop. In the year 1840 the official structure was opened. The building has been modified many times, but the metal roof constructed in 1911 is still in place today. And under it, is an Aladdin’s Cave of culinary delights.

Remember, it was once a FISH MARKET !!!

The market is an event, a happening, every day. What the mind can conceive, the market offers for sale. I will take you through with a few pictures. It is teaming, a throbbing heart of the city.

Dried Peppers

                         Ham anyone  ? 

or Chocolates perhaps.............

the absolute Best in Fruits and Vegs

There is never enough of Barcelona!