We all overslept on the Saturday following our first night out in Barcelona.  I don’t know about everyone else, but I’m a brat about sleep and hostiles definitely take some getting used to.   When we all finally woke up and ate our massive American style hangover breakfasts, we went straight to La Rambla.

La Rambla is this mile long street that starts at the Plaza Catalunya.  Apparently it’s the only street in Barcelona that isn’t either a circular maze or a crazy hill, and as a result became a meeting place and destination for locals dating back to medieval times.  I couldn’t really see the medieval influence though – because to me it looked like any street in San Diego or San Francisco – filled with vendors and tons of people.  It was definitely a nice change from the Madrid streets though.  Everything was super clean and you could see the oceanic influence of the city.  I was so happy to be around some evergreens again!  The best part was at the end of the street.  The walkway opens up at a huge statue of Columbus and then, to the excitement of every Californian with us, the Mediterranean Sea.

Our ocean trip that day was quick, because we definitely couldn’t make it through La Rambla without stopping by the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria (most people just call it “La Boqueria” but I call it Heaven).  We first walked through in the morning, but then really wanted to make it to the ocean, so we didn’t spend much time.  But then about two hours later we were all in a mad rush to get back there because we were starving and couldn’t get it out of our heads.  Upon arriving the group straight SPLIT.  Some people were fiending for sushi, but I headed straight for the gyro stand where I ordered the best gyro I think I’ve ever had.

The place was crazy huge and full of the weirdest things.  Aside from the normal fish and fruit stands, there were stands that sold straight up dead rabbit, skin and fur and all.  It weirdly freaked me out.  I tried to concentrate on the good stuff though, like the fresh juices and bomb chocolate around every corner.  We spent about two hours walking around sampling all of the delicious treats and drinks until siesta called.