Barça and the Moccha...

As promised some pics from my trip to Barcelona. We stayed at Fashion House, a lovely B&B on Carrer Bruc. In a beautiful building with original high ceilings and a lovely private terrace, where weather permitted, breakfast is served. The rooms were basic, but very clean and neat. Downside is, during the week there 's an afternoon gymnastics class on floor above, so an afternoon siesta is out of the question.

I've been to Barcelona quite a few times before, but this was the BF's first time so we visited all the usual tourist spots.

A "must see" in Barcelona is La Boqueria. I really like it. It's basically a market with lots fresh foods, meats, fish, fruit etc. The only "down side" is that it's just off the very touristy Rambla area, but since we were doing a bit of sight seeing anyways... we went to La Boqueria. We strolled around for a bit, the BF taking photo's of all the food stalls...

... and I eating all the food. :-) btw, this falafel really lived up to it's name. It was sooooo good!

Here's the BF being very artistic with his reflection...

... and me, making a new friend. (Can you spot the Chloé Tamaris?)

This wasn't the usual shopping trip I do with my girlfriends. The BF and I basically went to get away together for a bit and get some r&r. Which we did get for the most part, with the exception for a very unsuccessful morning excursion to the Disney Store. I was on the hunt for the "Fairest of them all" necklace, which they did not have. :-( We walked for what felt like the full length of the Avenida Diagonal to get to the store, only to find out that they didn't carry the jewellery line, just toys and other useless knick-knacks. The very word Diagonal still sends the BF into howls of sheer terror. Hahaha... We did however end that day well; from the Disney Store we took a taxi (we couldn't walk another step) straight to the beach, where we sipped rosé and ate tapas till sundown. Let's just say: all's well that ends well. We really enjoyed ourselves on this trip.

Closing words: FREE FANGRIA FOR EVERYVODY! ;-)

I'm back!

We arrived last night and had to drive back from Charleroi in the pouring rain. Let me tell you that Belgium's highways are not the best places to drive in fair weather let alone on a dark rainy night. At times it was down right scary. :( But we got home safely, so all's well.

Barcelona was great... as always and sooo neccessary! I'll post pics soon. Today I'm just chillin' a bit, getting used to being back and unpacking all the wonderful goodies I've acquired. :)

One more day to Barça!

I leave for Barcelona tomorrow. I'm so excited! I've already packed everything I want to carry with me and won't be needing between today and tomorrow.

I love travelling. I like to people watch at the airport. Check out their whole style from their outfits to their luggage. Stylish luggage is an important part of traveling for me. I always look for cute suitcases and they always get damaged in transit, because I'm too cheap to buy expensive luggage. :-p Plus I'd be concerned that someone might steal my expensive suitcase and it's presumed expensive contents.

So since my last travel bag was destroyed on the way back from London last year, I get to buy a new one this year. At first I was considering a knock off of this Rimowa in black.

But I ended up falling in love with this pink lovely instead.

I hope she holds up :-) I would however really love to have a leopard print suitcase as well. Something like this one that Rihanna sported last year.

And then there's Samsonite's Black Label Opto Collection. I love the low key classiness of this line, with it's quilted leather details and bright orange accents. They range from $90 t0 about $550, which is honestly the most I'm prepared to spend on luggage. :) Someday... maybe...

PS. I'm leaving my laptop at home since I'm not sure my hotel has internet access in the rooms and they haven't responded to my email asking if there is internet access. Besides, I'm supposed to be relaxing, so no blogging till I'm back.

Barça baby yeah!!!

In about 2 weeks I leave for 5 days glorious days of Barcelona!!! I LOVE Barcelona the shopping, the food, the people, the shopping, the beach, the shopping ;-) I just love the energy of the city. I always feel so relaxed when I'm there. I am definitely looking forward to this trip!!

Top 3 favorite places in Barça?

1. MI SA KO: Misako is a store that sells bags. And though the prices go up a bit each year (inflation I suppose), because they are not leather bags they are still VERY affordable. Last August I paid €28 euro's for this fabulous baby.


I always go to the store on what I think is Carrer Pi. So if you're not snobby about bags having to be designer, genuine leather or just plain expensive, be sure to pay them a visit when you're in town.

2. BAR LOBO: Ultra ultra ultra trendy restaurant/bar in the Raval district. Thankfully the food lives up to all the flashiness. One of my best friends said: "Best food ever outside of my mother's cooking." My friend in indonesian, this girl knows her food. Unfortunately they don't have their own website, just a page on the Grupo Tragaluz site, but Google them for more info, they're on what seems like every single Barcelona Hotspot list. They're situated on Carrer Pinto Fortuny close to the Ramblas. But be careful in the Ramblas/Raval area at night!

3. HOTEL AMISTER: I stayed at this hotel the first time I went to Barcelona in 2006 and just fell in love. Design interior, friendly staff, great value for money! They are situated on Av. Roma on the corner with Carrer Viladomat. It's a bit out the busy tourist area's like the Ramblas and Placa Real and about 15mins walk to the Passeig de Gracia.

For tapas, can't go to Barcelona and not have tapas, I prefer Barceloneta to the Ramblas/ Pl. Real area (not so good food and 'tourist' prices). Check out the many restaurants and bars on the Pg. Joan de Borbó. But steer clear of "El Rey de la Gamba" Brrrrr I get chills just thinking about the dirty glasses, cuttlery and finger nails of our waiter. Needless to say, we did not stay for a meal!

But anyway, Weeheeee! Barça baby yeah!! :-p