How do you say Barcelona?

Although I was charmed by the myth that Barcelona is pronounced with a th sound rather than a soft c as an accommodation for a long since dead member of the Spanish royal family, I’m going to probably pronounce it with a c sound.  At least until I’ve had a few glasses of Rioja, that is.  After that, bets are off.

My long awaited trip with middle son is finally approaching so it’s time to start gathering ideas about what to do and see and taste in Barcelona. It’s our first visit to Spain and I think we’re both getting pretty excited. To be perfectly honest, I’m anticipating the time away from all of my work responsibilities almost as much as I am the time I’ll be spending on the beach sipping Albarino.  Despite the lack of snow, it’s been a long winter, folks.

Yesterday I advised my son that it was time to begin considering activities for our trip, what sort of things might you like to do?, I asked.  His answer: hangout and eat.  Actually, it might have been “eat and hangout.” Well, sounds like this is going to be just the sort of vacation I’m looking for!

Now, obviously we’re going to check out some of the sights like the nearly completed Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia and the Picasso Museum.  We’ve also got tickets for a soccer match which should be a blast. Beyond that, though?  We’ve got nothing.  I came across a cool website recently called Vayable which looks like it might be just the ticket for G and me if we feel like we want to add a little structure to a day or an evening.  A gourmet tapas tour or a bicycle ride to some wineries would be an enjoyable to experience a new city and its cuisine.

Tell me – What would you do if you had a few days in Barcelona?  Keep in mind that I don’t like being indoors, unless it is pissing rain, and I like staying active so some physical activity needs to be part of the itinerary.  Ok – go!