Barcelona's La Rambla - A "Somewhere Sunday" Post

This week's "Somewhere Sunday" takes us on a leisurely stroll down La Rambla, one of Barcelona's most famous streets.  We'll start at the top and work our way toward the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell.  Maybe we'll stop for some treats along the way at La Boqueria or pick up some fresh flowers at one of the street side stands... what else is a lazy Sunday afternoon for?

While it is said that anymore there are more tourists on La Ramba than locals, it's still the place to people watch.  As we wonder the street we see human "statues" spray painted an assortment of colors, jugglers juggling for change, a mother and daughter walking arm in arm, and young couples embracing as if they were the only people in the world.  It's such good people watching that we have to remind ourselves occasionally to see beyond the people to our surroundings.  Tile work here, ornate iron balconies there, and a wood carved angel catch our eye.

People spill out onto the pavement from La Boqueria, shopping bags full of fresh fruit and vegies, meats, cheeses, and, yum...chocolates.  I think it's time for that treat we mentioned!

The site of La Boqueria has had one incarnation of a market after another since the year 1217.  It's obviously a favorite of both locals and the tourists.  

As we stroll further along La Rambla, we come to Port Vell and the Monument to Christoper Columbus honoring his first voyage to America.  Standing atop a 147' tall column, he watches over the waterfront while two bronze lions stand guard at the base of his monument.