LL&BB

That caption should get your attention.  Last of Lisbon/ Beginning of Barcelona. Anyway makes sense to me.  

Poor Sharon was still down but insistent we go out so Sandi and I left the apartment and went out to find a bar have a glass of wine and then head to a restaurant recommended by Rick Steves.  We walked all the way up Restaurant Row  - Rua das Portas de Santa Antoa to #150 and found our restaurant.  We were early so went across the street and found a lovely little restaurant and bar.  We asked for a nice white and she brought a bottle over for us to taste. It was green wine and little "fizzie" so she brought another one with fresh glasses.  We weren't sure about that one so she brought a third bottle and again fresh glasses.  After tasting all three we had had enough so we left.  Just kidding.  We made our separate selections and enjoyed our glass of wine and then headed over to our restaurant.  

This is Rick Steve's favorite restaurant when he wants to splurge.  It's family run and is in the theater district so caters to many celebrities and politicians.  

Just a few lobsters trying to show off so I would pick him for dinner.  I fooled them I decided not to have lobster.  

We asked the waiter to take our picture and he snapped about 10 or so, handed me back my phone and said paparazzi.  You can tell he had us laughing.  We had a lovely meal of  Salmon, roasted potatoes and creamed spinach.  Very good!

The waiter here is slicing  pata negra ham which is served as an appetizer with some cheese.  

We stepped outside and the street was filled with people.  Intermission at the various theaters along the street.

We got home at a reasonable hour and set our alarms for 5:30.  Cab picked us up at 7:00 and we were at the airport and on our way to Barcelona.  

We arrived in the city around 2:00 and went to the office of Barcelona - Home  to check in and get the keys and directions to our apartment.  We arrived at the apartment and could not get the door open.  I ran back to the office only to be told the key was correct and to turn the key this way and that, etc.  So I ran back and sure enough after 20 minutes her directions worked - ha.  Not that long but it is a little tricky to open the door but I'm sure we will have it mastered in a few days.  

We were a bit hungry so we dropped our things and looked for a restaurant.  I had seen an Italian restaurant,La Tarantella. that was open so we decided to give that a try.  What a find.  Happened to check the Trip Advisor rating later and it was right up there in ratings.  The pizza was delicious and they made a great rocket (arugula)  goat cheese, and tomatoe salad.  Sharon had a mushroom risotto.  We will definitely go back.  Very close to the apartment and the "eye candy" was very nice.  

I was trying to be very discreet taking a piccture of the "eye candy" so didn't get any great shots but you get the idea. He was not only nice to look at he was so nice to us.  

Now we returned to the apartment and started looking around.  Wonderful living room and dining area , bedroooms are spacious and plenty of closet space, etc.  bathrooms are small but adequate.  We couldn't  find a hairdryer however.  Kind of a necessity for the three of us.  Now for the kitchen.  Let me wow you with all the amenities. 

A one cup coffee maker.

A tea pot I think.

One kettle and one fry pan.

One empty cupboard.

A soup ladle with its very own drawer. 

Two empty cupboards.  

So warm and inviting.  Not even dish soap on the counter.  We really spruced it up now!  Notice the adorable scrubber holder.  

We started to fill empty cupboard number 3.

I didn't bother taking pictures of the rest of the empty cupboards since you all now know what they look like.   We do have a drawer with some  silverware  and another one filled with some directions for the wash machine/dryer and dishwasher.  (By the way- no directions in English on how to operate anything. ) We've already blown our attempt to successfully use the wash machine.  After doing one load we accidently started the washer again.  We decided the only thing to do was just let it complete the cycle.  This morning I opened the door and water came gushing out.  Fortunately the wash machine is on the patio so the water  just went over the side and onto our downstairs neighbors patio  and laundry.  It was raining out anyway so I'm hoping they won't even be aware that something happened upstairs.  

Sharon was going to take it easy so Sandi and I again went out to get just a little bite to eat.  We had eaten a late lunch so we just decided to grab a few tapas and a glass of wine.  Found a cute little place  Of course we were the only ones there.  A bit early to be eating for the Spanish.  

Our street. A very wide street with bike lanes, walking lanes, and a middle promenade.  The street has interesting shops, at least 6 markets per square block and I think we've been in them all, checking them out.  

The shopping mall we went to in search of a coffee pot, a hair dryer, and a few other things for the apartment.  

We discovered a super duper supermarket there.  We were so excited!

Everybody's took a little break after all our shopping.  

While at the mall we saw a salon and both Sharon and I were in need of a haircut so we made appointments for later in the day.

Adam fluffing what was left - which wasn't much!

Sharon looked like a milion dollars when she was through.  I looked like a shaved sheep.  Oh well, it will grow. 

We had planned to stay in and cook but when we got as far as the apartment  we all decided we should go out instead.  Guess where we were heading - La Tarantella's.  Good food, good wine,good eye candy.  We walked to the restaurant and they were not opening until 8:00.  So we walked around the neighborhood a bit, found a little place to have a drink, and then took a look at Trip Advisor and found a restaurant with a good rating not to far from where we were and it was open   As it turned out it was almost right next door to the apartment - Piccata.  It serves Mediterranean cuisine and it was so good!  I had a mushroom ravioli with "foie" creme.  I can hardly wait to go back and have it again.  Sandi had a salad with asparagus and arichokes and prawns which she wants to repeat and Sharon thought her ravioli with parmesan creme sauce was the bet she's ever tasted.  Again, the eye candy was nice too.  I think we are really going to enjoy our time here.  

The meal ended with a little complimentary lemoncello.  

It was a very busy, very productive, and overall great day in Barcelona!