I had heard about food tours, which seemed like a fantastic thing to do, but when I looked them up in Paris, they were way more expensive than I wanted to pay (about 200 euros). Then in Barcelona, when I found myself going out and having no idea what was on the menu (Spanish or English) or what Spanish food was (I knew paella was not from the area so most of what was offered was a tourist gimmick). I took a look at the food tours and found one (still steep) but more in my price range (75 euros). This would be my Barcelona splurge. I was really excited. I love learning about where I am and I love food! There was an option to request a vegetarian version ahead of time, but I wanted to taste all of the local delicacies. I had planned the food tour for Thursday morning and then would head to Terrassa to spend the weekend with Joanna that evening. I packed up my suitcase, checked out of the hostel a day early, and after the fiasco getting to the cava tour, I was grateful that this meeting point was just down the street. On my way I saw this:
And thought of my sister Megan and her roommate and best friend, Sarah (they sew and are crafty).
I arrived 10 minutes early. 5 minutes after we were supposed to be there, I sensed something was wrong. I flipped on my international data to find an email saying the tour guide was sick and could I come tomorrow at 9:30. It’s always something! I went back to the hostel, unchecked out early, and took a moment to look at the bright side. I had been looking forward to a day of rest while Joanna was at work. I could certainly do that at the hostel- there was good internet and the room was quiet. The day before I had looked longingly at the pastries at a bakery thinking I had run out of breakfast opportunities. I would go there (turned out they weren’t very good). I wanted some touristy paella because dang it, I was in Spain! I knew full well that it wouldn’t be great, and it wasn’t.
But there were vegetables in it. So I got to do all the little things I had wished I had time to do (not the big things- there’s still a list of that) AND I got a nap in! I found out that my mom and Ron Voyage will be coming to Barcelona next year and will stay around the corner, so I went and took a picture of this little Bodega that I loved. 
As I was walking by the hostel restaurant that evening, I saw someone eating a pizza LOADED with spinach and mushrooms. That is what I had for dinner. It was incredible.
Thursday morning! I make it to the food tour with no hiccups! We wander through the gracia neighborhood which I am still enamored with
And for our first stop we come to a table with champagne glasses. I knew this would be good. We have some cava (which I now know all about) and a sausage sandwich (so incredibly flavorful) which the catalan people have for 2nd breakfast. For first breakfast they usually have a coffee and a sweet pastry. This first spot was owned by a woman at a time when women weren’t allowed to own businesses. Now her children run the restaurant and there are pictures of the family all over the walls.
Next we head to the market where we are introduced to the owners of each stall we stop at. There are stories of children from competing stalls growing up in the market, falling in love, getting married and then merging their stalls. 
We try incredible ham (prosciutto) and cheeses
There’s even a bar in the Market because the Catalan people don’t do anything without stopping for a drink and gossiping with their friends. 
In this courtyard, there is this fountain. When you push the button in the middle, water pours out of their mouths.
This used to be the city hall and was modified by Gaudi’s apprentice. His apprentice never got his Architecture certification so Gaudi had to sign off on all of his stuff and thus got the credit.
For Catalan Festivals, neighborhoods get together and make stuff for parades like these giant people:
And this dragon:
And these giant heads that are used to scare children away before people run around with fireworks
That thing in his belly is the face mask
These posters were made by local children:
This is a tapa that was invented in Gracia- it’s a something bomb. There are potatoes (and I think sausage) inside.
Another pretty square:
Typical snack. Canned anchovies are a delicacy
These are vegetables among other things designed to compliment each other’s flavors. We were encouraged to down it in one bite. It was delicious. 
Meatballs with beans
And finally, a cafe with a dessert that was invented at this local pastry shop: it’s like creme brûlée but with lemon and cinnamon instead of vanilla. 
The tour was awesome and I highly recommend it. I wish I had done it first thing so I would have had a better idea figuring out what and where to eat. I loved the combination of learning about (and tasting) the food as well as learning about the local history. I would totally do it again in another unfamiliar city.
Walking back down Passeig de Garcia I saw these pretty stained glass windows
And this building that looks like a castle
Another famous Gaudi building
Strange fashion
And back at my hostel I had to give these swings a try before I left. Very comfortable.
The tour guide asked me what I found most surprising about Barcelona compared to what I thought it would be.
This was a difficult question. I was told it was awesome and I would love it. True.
It’s absolutely beautiful everywhere I look (this is what I was told about Paris but I found it more true to me in Barcelona).
I was surprised to find that in the summer red wine is served cold (mostly house wine).
The weather surprised me too (but it’s being weird. I guess they have global warming here too). I learned not to trust the weather app- it would have a zero chance of rain and then a sprinkle would turn into pouring rain (Enjoyable though, as it was a relief from the heat).
Most surprising though was the number of openly affectionate lesbians that I saw. Good job Barcelona!
Off to Terrassa!