LAST DAYS IN BARCELONA

Remember "eye candy"?  They liked us at Tarantella.  Great neighborhood restaurant.  Not everyone gets a heart shaped pizza. 

We had to view the Magic Fountains one more time!

My friend TJ told us we just had to have a large sangria on the Ramblas and sit and watch the people go by.  So we did.  Thanks TJ!  Those glasses never got empty, I swear.  Only cost us 25.89 euro's.  Thank goodness the exchange rate is terrific these days.  

We had seen this great little restaurant off of the Placa Reial called La Crema Canela.  Very good!

We finally had the nerve to wak into this little place which we had seen so often.  We just weren't sure what those "happy pills" were.  We wanted to find out.  Guess what, it's a candy store.  Big deal!

It was a beautiful day on our last day in Barcelona so we packed our bags ( always a challenge to get everything back into the suitcase) and headed to the Barcelona beaches.  The beachees created a summer tourist trade.  From Barceloneta there is a three mile stretch of beach.  Before 1992 ( the Olympics) this area was an industrial wasteland nicknamed the "Catalan Manchester."  

This is the W hotel with it's windblown sail, dominating the small peninsula.

There are four beach segments and each has its own vibe:  Sant Sebastia, popular with the older beachgoes and families, Barceloneta, with many seafood restaurants, Nova Icaria , pleasant family beach, and Mar Bella, attracts a younger crowd, clothing optional.  

This young lady is "paddle surfing" topless.  As we walked back along the beach we noticed quite a few persons sunbathing in their all together and I wouldn't exactly say they were all the "younger crowd".  

Of course this is left over from the Olympics.  

This is our usual subway entrance - the red line  - L-1.  

And our stop - announced Rok-a ford!

We got back early enough so I ran over to the spa to see if I could get a facial and massage.  They were able to fit me in.

Then I had to run to the dentist to have her take a last look at my tooth.  This is the dentist and receptionist who were so nice.  

Then we went to our neighborhood favorite restaurant Piccata on Grand Via 489.     We had to say goodbye to our friends.  As Sharon pointed out it's kind of sad when your best friends are your waiters, chef,  grocery checkout person , etc.  Oh well.  

This is Gabriel who always welcomed us with a warm welcoming smile.  

David, the chef.  He always waved to us and welcomed us.  Tonight he gave us a complementary pumpkin soup as an appetizer.  The restaurant really had good food.  They had changed their menu when we were there and we always enjoyed whatever we ordered.  

Our favorite, which we had everytime we came went after we discovered them  was tempura vegetables.  

This night I had a beef tenderloin with foie gras served on a bed of potatoes.  Delicious!

Sharon enjoyed these checken on a stick.  

They always gave us a complimentary glass of either lemon cello or this after dinner drink which became our favorite. 

A selfie with Gabriel.  

Leaving the restaurant.  

Heading home.