Día 10 · viernes

Today is my favorite part of any trip. It’s the day I feel like I live here. Double bonus for me since Barcelona is one of my top three favorite cities in the world. And today I feel like a resident instead of a tourist.

We rightfully slept in a bit this morning. I found a gym down the way and got a day pass in hopes of finding an erg but no luck. Did some time on an indoor bike before heading back to the apartment. Stopped by my local coffee shop on the way back. We head out, grab bikes and head back to the Gothic.

We have an appointment at L’Embruix - Tatuajes & Piercings Barcelona. We came by yesterday after asking Maria for a local studio recommendation. Johnny is great. Our age roughly; the old school tattoo artist that comes to mind when when I hear the term. Ink all over, looks more gruff than his personality truly is.

We have loved the Barcelona flower, the tiled design seen on sidewalks all over town. So we asked Johnny to design us one for our 15th anniversary. It’s simple, stark and quick to tattoo us both.

We had a few minutes before we arrived and grabbed a coffee across the street at Travellers Nest Bar. The staff are friendly and excited when we say we’re getting tattooed, asking to see them after. We head back across the street for beers that the staff comps for us when they find it’s our anniversary. Having a great residence day already.

Walking around the Gothic, we check María’s map and find Irati Taverna Basca for pinchos lunch. It’s the counter service style of European lunch counters that I love. Easy to see everything, though I end up ordering more than I need. Delicious either way.

Back in the streets, we stumble into a street market where i find dried mushrooms and jams. Mike is looking for olive oil but finds none. Then we chance upon Orolíquido, an olive oil store. And this is what I love about Europe. It’s basically a wine store for olive oil. We taste several before selecting one from Andalucía and one from Girona. We have to get one from Girona. We should have purchased more. This is better than anything we can get in the states, and it won’t last at our house.

Making our way back east, we find Bar Brutal. This is the definition of hole-in-the-wall. This is the tiniest restaurant with so many tables packed into it. Shocking for me to say, the food and drinks are amazing. This place is a dive, dark and dingy but full of life and people. Love it.

I love a bookstore in a foreign country. I mean, I love a bookstore anywhere. But Euro bookstores are always interesting. I never find chain B&N type places. They may exist, but I never see them. We stumble upon a lovely, two-story shop packed to the gills with used and new books. A young woman reading at a desk is the only employee. I ask her for cookbooks and tell her I don’t care what language they’re in. She shows me a treasure trove of culinary and linguistic pages. German, Catalan, Spanish, and French books, even a couple in English. I manage only to buy three or four. Will have some exciting cooking days at home in the near future.

Walking passed a small gallery, we read on a sign that it’s gallery weekend in Barcelona. This one is a tiny room with a Christo photo exhibit. It’s wonderful to happen into a history of a great artist I’ve loved since learning about him in high school. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for more exhibits.

Still making our way back to the house, we stop at Zafra and have beers on the sidewalk. Watching the local school let out of Friday classes, we talk about life and imagine living in such a great city.

After stopping back at the apartment to clean up, we’re back out and head to La Higuera for dinner. This is where i would hang out if i lived here. Super friendly, amazing cocktails. There’s a giant, hand-drawn cocktail menu. It’s overwhelming. The waiters know all the old people coming in and snooker on the television.

We decided for our last night in town to go see a rock show. We don’t know any of the bands playing tonight, but we decide on The Floodlights at Sala VOL. They’re an Australian band that seem to tour Europe on the reg. I’ve never been to concert outside of the states, but shows seem to be the same all around the world. Although shushing seems to work in Barcelona. Once or twice a sound came through the tiny bar and suddenly the whole room was silenced like the teacher just showed up. Amazing. Highly recommend the Floodlights. Female singer with another woman playing horns on occasion. I love a horn line.

We have a nightcap at Sonora Sport Tavern. There’s the traditional sports bar decor in all corners of the large room. Cool to see a Wrigley Field sign and UGA basketball on the wall. We meet a young couple at the table next to us who have just arrived to Barcelona in the last couple days. We commiserate on similar experiences and we offer suggestions and not-to-miss ideas.

We head back to the apartment. We’re up early tomorrow and on a plane back home. I’ll be happy to see my friends and family but sad to leave this great city again. I love the vibe in Spain, especially here in Cataluña. Will be back soon, besos!