Exploring the Gothic Quarter

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Riding on the top of a double decker bus is a lot like flying over the city with the wind your hair. The only downside that I can find is that you can’t land whenever you want. I made one full loop around the city to get my bearings but on the second trip I was ready to climb down and try my own proverbial wings. I headed into one of the most well known areas. The Gothic quarter or Barri Gotic is a neighborhood that used to be the city center and has all the oldest landmarks in the city.It’s a cluster of winding tiny streets and cute shops and interesting restaurants. One of the Major landmarks of the area is simply called the Cathedral. It’s a beautiful Gothic style cathedral whose actual name is The Cathedral of the Holy Cross of Saint Eulalia but the Cathedral is easier to say so I will stick with that. In the square in front of the church you can find a plethora of tourist entertainment and a very nice but small flea market. I of course opted for the the flea market any opportunity to shop. I walked slowly through the little market, looking at all the incredibly interesting trinkets and antiques. I don’t know why I find flea markets in other countries so interesting? Maybe it’s the old adage about other people’s trash….lol. After my little mini shopping spree I headed out exploring the tiny exotic streets of the Barri Gotic. Then the hunger hit… maybe it was the smell of roasting meat of the just the day wearing on me but I needed food and I needed it now. Lucky for me the area has many fabulous restaurants. I decided to go with a Tapas place and yum was it good. Tapas for those of you who don’t know are little individual plates of food. Tapa actually means a pot lid and when men would come into a bar after work the barman would give him his beer and a little plate of food covered with a pot top… hence the word for small plate of food… Tapas. Moving on through the busy streets with a full belly and now just hungry for adventure I found myself at the Placa Reial. It’s a enchanting square with shops and restaurants lining its walls. It also has a beautiful fountain in the middle. I imagine it would be a lovely place for lunch or even just a nice dessert or coffee. Winding through the streets I can’t help but imagine what it would be like to live in this great city. It’s so old but so new at the same time. But for now I need to catch a bus so I can once again glide through the city atop my regal double decker.