Joy of Eating

First meal upon arrival in Barcelona? Obviously march on towards some good old tapas! :) My colleague recommended a few places and much to our delight two of them were in close walking distance from our hotel. If I could have it my way, I would have lighter bites throughout the day. Love trying more things and nibbling away with a drink or two. 

Sweet figs with marscapone cheese and spanish ham on toast. Melts in your mouth… :P

We ordered this tropical salad almost every meal. I rarely eat fake crab meat but somehow in this mayo, corn and extra virgin olive oil combo, it goes sooo well with the crispy toast rubbed with garlic and fresh tomato.

Eggs 'huevos cabreaos' style. Served with super thin fries, tomato sauce remember to mix it together with the fried egg. :)

Loads of people still waiting for a seat at 10pm. Still prefer to eat earlier but it's kind of nice to be part of these crowds and just chill out on a cool summer's night.


Mushrooms, artichokes and ham :)

After some amazing tapas at Cerveceria Catalan, we decided to end off on a sweet note. We had no idea the homemade cake would be so indulgent. A moist spongy pound cake with a creme brûlée topping with a burnt sugar crust. Don't forget the whipped cream with caramel drizzled on the side. OH WOW, totally worth the calories :D

We tried to order gazpacho all the time and I used to think it's gross because I associate it with V8 tomato juice but mmm it tastes awesome! Also tried my first ever baby squid ink paella with artichokes. Looks iffy but very flavorful.

Velvety omelettes at El Asador De Aranda. Not pictured are the famous roast lamb because we digged in immediately. Simple classic menu with hearty portions.

=D My must-have and favorite tapa of all time. Originally I wasn't going to order this because I thought it looked kind of oily but with one taste of these succulent green peppers with specks of sea salt, I fell in love. Everywhere I went, I had to get this.

 Couldn't help it, had to try Mauri's bakery right beside our hotel for fresh plain croissants.

Towards the end of our trip we no longer craved seafood but just wanted some warm fresh shawarma with pita bread drizzled with plenty of tomato and yoghurt sauce :) Very satisfied lunch on Las Ramblas. Ebeneezers in Hong Kong is still probably one of the best though! hehe

One week in Spain: wonders of Barcelona

We spent four full days in Barcelona and three days in Ibiza where we explored, ate delicious food, and most importantly, tried our best to capture the beauty of the city and landscape forever in our memories and photos. I like the quote from the World of Wanderlust, the only thing you buy that makes you richer is traveling :) The more we see, we can learn, grow and understand other cultures. The world is not just about us and despite feeling the weight of the everything on your shoulders sometimes, there are far greater issues and concerns if you take a step back to look at the world through the eyes of another.

We bumped into Jason's cousin who was on exchange in Barcelona studying architecture. What are the chances that you stumble into someone half way across the world. 

Views from Mount Tibidabo mountain.

On the cute blue cable car :)

Casa Batllo - pretty touristy I have to admit but was my first time laying eyes on Gaudi's works in the city. Redesigned by the designer in 1904 the local name of the house means 'house of bones' which is amazing to spot out in the exterior. 

Doing touristy shots :P

We didn't realize how far W hotel was located at the every southern tip of the beach under 38 degrees heat..

yay we finally made it to the bronze fish structure..

 In a spur of the moment, we decided to hop on those double decker tour buses to relieve our tired feet.

Thank goodness we bought our admission tickets online. The line-up outside was ridiculously long, definitely over 90 minute wait. Nevertheless look at the lens flare on La Sagrada Familia's interior. Amazing design..looks like you're gazing up at the stars above the trees :)

One of my favorite stops. Clear blue skies and magical rooftops, almost want to have a ice cream cone while you enjoy these views.

Next stop, Casa Mila or La Pedrera

How do you stay in the moment, look up and what do you see?

According to our guidebook it says medieval or warrior-like figures on the rooftop but we were like...aliens? 

Views from Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.

One last snapshot of Las Ramblas.. P for Peggy :)

Coming up, foodie shots!