It’s only an hour ago since I got back from Barcelona with the boys, my husband headed off to his business trip this morning, leaving me and the boys to get on with it for a couple of weeks. It’s nothing new of course, but once or twice a year I find myself without my sidekick, which is pretty scary when I realise that I’m the only ‘responsible’ adult in the house.
We arrived at the airport at about 10:30am, leaving my husband enough time to catch his flight at 11:50. We didn’t plan to sightsee this time, the three-hour drive from Valencia was enough for the boys. It was just a case of drop him off and spend an hour or so for breakfast, see some friends that lived in the city and then head back home.
I was able to take some photos before my phone died in the afternoon, here are some taken on the way and on our short time there.
As usual nothing ever lasts only for an hour here in Spain, especially when it has something to do with a social gathering. We arrive at our friends place at lunchtime. The whole afternoon was spent eating, drinking and it was also my first time at a typical Calçotada.
I was told that this is the time of the year when Catalans harvest the Calçot (very similar to spring onions but much bigger!).The Calçots are then grilled on the fire and then dipped in a romesco sauce which is a mix of nuts such as almonds and hazelnuts, garlic, olive oil and dried peppers. That was then followed by BBQ lamb cutlets, pancetta served with bread and roasted potatoes.
Unfortunately my phone ran out of juice, and I was unable to take any photos of the meal! How frustrating! But here is a typical looking grilled calçot served with romesco sauce. This image is a very tidy example, usually they are wrapped up in newspaper, before eating the outer skin is peeled off and then dipped in the sauce.
It was very long but enjoyable day, I wished we could have stayed a little longer it was only the drive back home that really put me off… I’m not keen long drives, especially when it’s only to the airport! But, at least I have seen a little of Barcelona, and have promised myself to return sometime soon.
But for now, normality awaits, I am left to referee two bickering boys and to keep our home in order until he gets back (puts my responsible hat on). Wish me luck!
4 comments
Lovely pictures of Barcelona! I love that city so much and I hope you soon get the chance to visit again 🙂 and at the moment I am working on a post about the calçots, as I experienced my first time too this week!
Hi Linda! Yes, I know, even though I only spent a couple of hours in the city I have fallen in love with Barcelona. My husband and I promise to return maybe for a romantic weekend ;)! Any suggestions on the best places to stay?! I also can’t believe you experienced your first Calçot at the same time as I did! I can’t wait to read about it! 😀
Hi! I just published my post (I was a little bit delayed, haha:)). Hmmm, Barcelona is definitely worth a romantic weekend! But at the moment I can’t really help you with hotels… Because the only time I stayed in the city for a few nights, I stayed in a hostel, which wasn’t the most romantic 😉 Usually I just go there for a day or night, as I live an hour away from the city!