Day 21: Embracing the Rain

Being our last day in Europe, we had a plan to do as much as possible. We made a fair attempt even though we woke up to a rainy, muggy day.

We got dressed for another hike, with the addition of raincoats (we almost thought we weren't going to have to use them). We set out to find Parc Guel, Gaudi's Park. We took the metro as far as possible because we had little to no energy. We got out and began our "hike" that didn't last very long. Maybe we really are pros now.

Parc Guel was really beautiful. It had a view of all of Barcelona. Only thing, it was so foggy we could barely see everything. We were still able to admire the architecture of the park, though. The intricate designs and mosaics were really stunning, even if we were soaking wet due to faulty raincoats.

After our hike we set out to the "Champagneria," a local secret that we were lucky to hear about from an inside source (thanks Reid). We ordered pollo con queso, as directed, and were each given a glass of champagne and delicious fresh sandwiches cooked to order. Definitely our best lunch choice. Of course we were taking pictures documenting our lunch, simultaneously getting stares and looks of disapproval from locals. Used to it.

After lunch, we made an attempt to buy souvenirs for all of you people, but after walking around La Rambla for TWO HOURS in the rain looking for one particular store (in order to avoid junky tourist gifts) we had to throw in the towel.

We were drenched and exhausted so we headed back to the room and passed out for an hour or so.

We woke up not so refreshed, but excited for our upcoming meal. After a few days of researching. Henrik found out what were hoping would be the perfect ending meal in Europe. We got dressed in our nicest clothes and set out to find the restaurant.

Knowing the address, we were heading in the correct direction, but when we hit the beach before the number of the building, we were a little confused. We knew the restaurant was the highest one in Barcelona, so when we spotted a tower, we thought we should inquire. The tower, though, looked like a water tower. We walked up to it anyways and it certainly was it.

We took an elevator up to the top where we were stunned by the gorgeous views. We were seated right at the window overlooking ALL of Barcelona. Move over cloudy Gaudi, we were able to see the ENTIRE city from here.

While watching the sunset, we indulged in foie gras, steak, and even some pigeon and UNLIMITED bread (officially making this Christine's favorite restaurant). We had a delicious (free) chocolate ending and we were beyond full. It was a really great meal (thanks mom and dad).

We fit in with the classy businessmen and women that were patrons of the restaurant by playing with an odd figurine that was strangely used as a centerpiece. For about 15 minutes, we were posing this odd robot-like toy around the table for a photo shoot. We are thinking of selling them to the restaurant to use a decor.

We waddled out of the restaurant after eating wayyy too much and headed back to the hostel to hang out with our friends for a bit. Mostly everyone had left that morning, so it was a little sad and not nearly as entertaining. We decided that going out last night and dinner tonight was a good ending.

We are sad to be leaving, but we had an experience of a lifetime.

-J and C

P.S.- This is not the last post, one more to come. :)