Further exploration with the Padillas - Barcelona and the Costa Brava

Meeting up on Friday morning at the steps to the Cathedral, Raul, Anne Brea and I once more took to the streets of Barcelona. This morning's meanderings took us through the old city of Barcelona, a labyrinth of streets and buildings that encompass more than 2,000 years. we took in the Roman Walls and Temple, the medieval palaces and the high Gothic architecture of the Cathedral, the winding streets with imposing facades from the 18th and 19th centuries, saw the house where Joan Miro was born and in all spent a few hours laughing, talking and learning about the more fascinating aspects of the Catalan capital. 

After a lunch break and a cup of coffee we hit the road and drove out of the city up to Tossa De Mar. This is one of those towns that almost defies you to not love it: the semicircle beach, the pedestrian streets filled with shops (some rather more touristy) wrapped around a centuries old town all kept neatly together by the remains of the walls that once protected the city. Walking through the old city gate and seeing the cross that marked the entrance to a safe place, it is a place where everywhere you look presents another photo op. We made it all the way up to the lighthouse and some spectacular views over the coast, where it's easy to see the Costa Brava's rugged beauty in all its splendor. 

On the drive back we stopped in the town of Mataro to visit Can Manetes, for a chance to look around the shop and see what local artists are making before we headed back into the city to make sure we were well rested for the full day that awaited us the following morning.