Wandering Around Barcelona – Parque de la Ciudadela

When your in a brand new City with a plethora of places to see and things to do, there is something to be said for just getting hold of a map and following your feet.
Well it was such a scientific approach that let us through to the incredible Parque de la Ciudadela, which had so much to offer and so much to see.

Its parks like these that tend to blend the tourists and the locals and really gives you a sense of the lifestyle out here. Families having picnics, couples cwtching (Welsh term for cuddling), people reading in the shade of the trees.

And that’s without the Citadel, the Museums, the sculptures and of course the jewel in the crown (literally), La Cascada – a lavishly decorated fountain that commands attention.

There is also a lake and even a zoo, neither of which we had to the time to visit but would definitely go back in a heartbeat and would highly recommend to anyone venturing to the City of Barcelona.

Here are some Pictures of the park, I hope you enjoy and get to see it for yourself one day – thanks for reading!

Our Material World – The recipe for unhappiness

Human Nature

Human nature seems to put us on a constant charge toward that which makes us un-happy. The marketing machines out there are all selling products and services which we perceive WILL make us happier; the neighbors buy into this and so must we? This process means we need to work harder, work longer all the while spending less time doing the things we like with the people we love; all in pursuit of that little bit more.

So I suppose, in a nutshell, the recipe for unhappiness is this: ‘If you want to be unhappy (or a little unhappier) just spend your life chasing that little bit more: more money, more material stuff and keeping up with the neighbors’.

Just a little bit more

One of my lasting memories of school was when my teacher rolled into an anecdote and spoke of the richest man in the world who, when asked what would make him happy replied: ‘just a little bit more’. That’s a greedy sentiment isn’t it? Actually maybe it isn’t! Just ask the happiest people you know and they will always say the same thing when asked what they want: ‘just a little bit more’ another child, a pay rise, that new car; the list goes on and on.

Indeed chasing that little bit more is clearly a core part of our programming, and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing; the intrinsic need for more has spurned us on to pioneer in all manner of human goals and through this we have achieved virtually unquantifiable attainment. However the flipside of that achievement is plain old greed, which (for example) has directly induced global warming – seriously harming our planet.

So what can we do about it if we are greedy by nature? So I suppose that as this drive for more is part of our nature, we are doomed to strive for what we don’t have and to spend less and less time doing what we value most. Not really – I mean does anyone in their winter years really advise on working longer and harder? No. Do they advise on putting in longer hours trying to gain recognition or a promotion? Nope. They will simply advise to make the most of the time you have with the people that matter and doing the things that make you happy.

Simplicity

I was recently in Madrid, traveling is a huge passion of mine, as you will notice from my blog, and took the time to visit the Prado Museum where I came across a 400 year old still life, painted by an inspirational artist called Cotan. This is only one of 6 (Cotan) paintings still in existence and the ethos of the artist was simplicity, to revel in the basic things in life over and above rich worldly goods; this is perfectly outlined in the painting below.

Still Life with Game, Vegetables and Fruit – 1602, Museo del Prado Madrid

Shortly after completing his works Cotan became a recluse and chose the life of a monk. I am not saying for one second that this is the path to happiness for everyone; but the principle is a powerful one majestically summed up in his work. Chasing the simple things in life is a far more noble and achievable quest than the alternative; the hamster wheel approach of pursuing the riches on the horizon; anyone who tells you differently is selling something.

In conclusion

What should we do? As discussed above the simplest explanation is often the most effective and in my humble opinion, the recipes for greater unhappiness and happiness are:

To be a little but more unhappy – simply spend the rest of your life chasing that little bit more and keeping up with the Jones’s.

To be that little bit happier – spend the rest of your life chasing ways to make the most of what you have. Focus on the needs and not the wants and you wont go far wrong.

The latter point is probably more of a journey rather than a destination for many of us in the modern world, but it is surely a path to greater happiness, to greater simplicity. Should we only live once then it has to be a path worth taking!

First Day In Barcelona

Following our First Night In Barcelona we gather for breakfast at the excellent Barcelona B&B and share a table with some fellow travellers. This provides us with an excellent opportunity to share some tips about what to see and do in and around the city. We then head out to explore what Barcelona has to offer making a bee line for the famous Las Ramblas.

Despite the bustling surroundings you kind of know when you hit Las Ramblas, which is a huge walkway through the heart of the city. Passing shops, kiosks bars and restaurants we then came across a place I had been particularly keen to explore La Boqueria – which, being a lover of all things food and drink, was a fantastic treat.

Walking among the various range of stalls presenting a tantalising mix of colours, scents, sights and flavours, I couldn’t help but take some pictures to capture the market in all its glory – I hope you enjoy!

First Night in Barcelona

Breakfast Room in the Barcelona BB

Arriving as the sun was bidding a fond farewell to the evening, a short hop into the city on the train from the airport; and then on to the Metro. It was just after 10pm and the city was still bustling and vibrant as we arrived at our accommodation, our home from home for the next three days and nights – The Barcelona BB which came very highly rated on Trip Advisor and truly did not disappoint.

We were greeted by Kiku who showed us around and helped us get our bearings as well as throwing some excellent dinning recommendations our way. A quick freshen up and we ventured to La Rita Restaurant (one of Kiku’s picks) for an excellent three course meal, washed down by a beautiful bottle of Sauvignon Blanc.

Being British the difference in culture hits you straight away, the Spanish love to go out, they love to drink and above all they love their food. Meals are taken later in the evening so considering our arrival time, we were perfectly placed to get straight into the Spanish way of life; only a couple of hours in we were already loving every minute of it!

Our Tour of Spain

Flying above the clouds the holiday we’ve been planning for the past few months has finally arrived. Our destination for the first leg of the trip will be cosmopolitan city of Barcelona. I cant wait to take in the food, the sites and the opportunity to stroll around such a beautiful and historic city bathing in the sunshine.

We are due to take in four amazing and different places: Barcelona, then Benicassim for the Fib Festival, then Madrid and finally Alicante; I can’t wait to experience the sights, sounds and flavours of Spain and to share them all in my blog.

As I take a sip from my warm bottle of water which washes down an airport meal deal; what am I most looking forward to? At this moment I am thinking of the food. Just an hour to go till touchdown!