"I'm so glad you are enjoying your life, my lady" 16 January

Ah Barcelona 💕

It is such a beautiful, well set out and walkable city. I stay in Eixample which is perfect for me. It's a 20 minute walk to Las Ramblas, but a world away.  When I walked there on Sunday I realised that was the first time I'd seen a souvenir shop since arriving.  That's my official excuse for not bringing back any presents - ha.

Eixample seems a very safe neighborhood and has a plethora of bakeries, tapas, restaurants, wine shops, supermarkets. I haven't needed buses/taxis since arriving and easily walk to a new adventure each day for every meal as well as sightseeing.

I wasn't expecting much from today as I was a bit disappointed to be missing out on my planned degustation lunch.

I had breakfast at the now-usual, avo toast, fruit, granola, yoghurt and two perfect flat white coffees at The Coffee House.

On the way to lunch (many hours later, I promise) I passed this restaurant. While I am indeed somewhat Oh Tubbo, I don't need to acknowledge that for at least a week so I pressed on to the planned Gusto.

As a solo diner, I am used to getting a less primo table. At Gusto I was shown to one of the best at the front window by the initial server.  Then I was greeted with a flood of welcoming conversation from the next server (who was unnecessarily handsome as Cate K would say), until I finally held up my hands in protest with Hola, Hello, Inglesa.  Mock shock horror ... you are not Spanish? .. then you must be Italian ...

Him: You are visiting?  Me: Yes

Him: How long? Me: today is my last day.

Him: How long? Me: I've been here 5 days.

Him: How long? 

It was at this point I realised he was asking Alone? not How long?   I confirmed yes alone.  But why? But why?  I explained the trip with Sam, and my side trip to BCN on the way home.  Him: I'm so glad you are enjoying your life, my lady. Also, alone? sometimes better ... 😉

Leftovers for dinner!

I had a marvellous pizza and rosé. I chose to ignore my phone and online distractions for once and instead soak up all the elements of my last day.  From my prime position I watched the people, the city and absorbed the accents and conversations all around me.  Unnecessarily-good-looking chap suggested I have dessert as by some miracle of pricing it would work out cheaper if I did - 'otherwise you lose'.  In this instance I admitted defeat and loss (sorry Sam).  I don't think I lost out really, as I seem to have scored one glass of wine for free.  Grazie.

After the meal I channeled brother Ed's sentiment after every lunch we enjoyed at Tides, Caloundra.  "We don't need to rush off do we? Let's just have another drink and sit and watch".  So I had another Rosé and did just that.

Bellissima 🍷.