(From Brian)
After not shopping we got back to the hotel, reminded ourselves how good the cheese was that we had from earlier, cleaned up and set out for a romantic dinner by the beach. But there was a bonus treat in store for us at the hotel first. Not so much for us as for everybody within a few kilometers. The Barcelona gay pride parade was setting up to start just a couple blocks down at the main plaza and the truckloads of paraders were lining up down the street, under our hotel window and beyond. When I say truckloads I mean that they were pulling up on 18 wheeler flatbeds with music blasting and a theme to each group (much like our Bay to Breakers). It was mostly men who managed to turn speedos into a theme and the overwhelming majority were in peak physical shape. They lined up the groups on their trucks in the street with each blasting its own music as they rocked out and entertained the passersby.
We got an up close look at the parade on our way to get a cab and also got to enjoy seeing the reactions from bystanders who probably don't see anything like this ever. After picking up a variety of black licorice from a bodega we took a taxi to Port Olympic (mostly docking for sailboats but with a lot of beach and restaurants). We cruised around the waterfront then settled into a beach-side bar for some sangria and people watching. Our bar filled up as the Mexico vs Argentina game was about to start. The fans were mostly for Mexico or specifically Messi (Argentina's star player is also with FC Barcelona). We watched about 20 minutes and then went out in search of paella.
We found a cute little restaurant right by the port and sat out on the sidewalk. As an appetizer we ordered garlic bread which can best be described using Lindsay's immediate reaction: "there is no way I would eat this if I new what was in it or if we weren't on vacation". It was toasted bread with a butter, garlic and possibly mayo spread. It's fun to order things we are used to at home and see how different they are here. (As an aside, while on the trip Lindsay discovered her nemesis: Patatas Bravas. This is a tapa consisting of fried potatoes, spicy sauce and a thick mayo. All things she doesn't like so we decided that this is her food enemy!). The surf and turf paella (Paella Valencia) was also delicious but came with so much that we had to ask for a party bag to take some home. No, the term party bag was not actually used. Interesting side note - it seemed that all restaurants with paella had the same generic paella sign which implies that they are made elsewhere and delivered to restaurants across Spain. Also noteworthy is that servings are for two people with no option to order for just one.
After our huge meal we started walking to work off the meal and have a further look at the port. All the while we were debating a stop at a gelateria. We ended up happening by a few buildings with more history than anything in the USA and also managed to accidentally find the Arc de Triumph - the Spanish version. After a little over 3 miles of walking we started to tire out but were nearly home. A group of Argentinians celebrating their teams victory at the top of Las Ramblas delayed us briefly but the tired feet demanded we go home. Walking through the city for a few hours was a perfect ending to a wonderful visit to Barcelona.
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