CHRONICLE Asian Girl Conquers Wales | Page 67

Barcelona is such a cosmopolitan city with such grand buildings & monuments to behold. The art & history is magnifi- cent. The old world charm is magical. I was only there for two days but I fell in love with the city. Once I’m here, I’m so thankful for the warm weather! I don’t know what but the vibe is very differ- ent and I guess it is that ‘Spanish’ feel. My first destination was Placa Catalunya – the city centre. It’s a transportation hub with row of trees surrounding the area, shielding it from the traffic heavy streets. To the north are a couple of large circular fountains. A large number of sculptures are planted around the central paved area, seemingly at random. There even lots of birds here which attracted many people to take photos here- even myself. Just walk- ing and watching the buildings around the town make me feel so cheerful. The décor – even the footpath is so devine. That right there made me feel like I could happily hide- away here until my flight home to Malaysia. bursting with produce, candy, tapas, and other delights where you can buy anything from just €1. The colourful sight of fruits and spices are really fascinating to see. One of my bucket list coming to Barcelona is to try out Spanish food. Paella and Tapas are the most popular dish tourist try out. Paella is a spanish rice dish, cooked in a big pot, uses saffron and all types of seafood while Tapas are small dishes serves in small plates can be almost anything from olives, cheese, anchovies, octopus, squid, etc. I found a little restaurant that sells Paella with Tapas for €12 as a set. This was the cheap- est that I found, yet it tasted really good. In Barcelona I didn’t find any problem to eat as there were a lot of Muslims and you can find Halal and Middle-Eastern- restaurants everywhere,. I tried out some kebabs here which was unlike any oth- er kebabs I have ever tasted before. They put on many condiments that I myself not sure of what their names are. With just one bite I can taste a fine blend of authen- ticity and great taste. There were hints of In the mediterranian metropolis , terrac- sweet, salty, sour all in one bite. And the es are abuzz, people seem to spend every colourful texture of the condiment and minute of their time – strolling, drink- spices that they used feast the eyes as well. ing and coversing. Despite the dizzying crowd, I walk down central Barcelona La Just 10 minutes away from La Rambla, I went Rambla Street. It was an unforgettable ex- to the Bari Gothic or translation; Gothic perience. People from all over the world Quarter where you can find the Barcelona stroll in droves down the busy pedestrian Cathedral. I love buildings like this. It al- streets filled with market stall and street ways makes me wonder about how much performers like the famous yet eerie hu- time pass since their creation. This cathe- man statue. Just a walk down La Rambla dral was built on the top of an 11th centu- Steet is where the famous Columbus mon- ry church. There is a cool cloister to walk ument and Barcelona beach is located at. around in. The deeper you go into this area, the more local and interesting it becomes. I went inside La Boqueria - a large pub- The real beauty of the Gothic Quarter is lic market nearby. This place is literally its interesting little streets and alleyways. 60