We usually don't spend more than two nights at any location. The Missus is funny that way. She gets "tired" of places and wants to move on. However, I planned on three nights in Barcelona, and in retrospect, even this was too short. We could have easily spent a week, or more. On this morning we had tickets to the Picasso Museum and the Missus had determined that we'd be walking there.
From Sagrada Familia we headed off, first down Avinguda Diagonal, then down Passeig de Sant Joan.
Past the Plaça de Tetuan and the statue of Bartomeu Robert also known as Doctor Robert.
At the end of the street is the Arc de Triomf, built as a main gate for the 1888 World Fair. It now marks the entrance of Ciutadella Park, which holds the Parliament Building and the Zoo.
We decided to stop and have some espresso before crossing the street and passing through the gate.
It's a nice green space, where locals and their dogs love to hang out.
We spent the time before our reservation itme walking the street of Barri Gòtic. It is by far our favorite neighborhood in Barcelona. When we return, this is where I think we'll stay.
We loved the Picasso Museum (sorry they don't allow photos). I really didn't appreciate Picasso until I saw his early works at the Prado Museum in Madrid. He was so talented at a young age; his father was an art instructor and professor at the School of Fine Arts, so Picasso was taught in the most traditional way. His early work really highlites his talent. The transformation from his early works thru his various periods, to cubism is amazing. I finally understood his famous quote: "It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child."
At age 16 Picasso attended the Royal Academy of San Fernando in Madrid. While there he visited the Prado Museum and among the works that made an impression on him was Velasquez's Le Meninas, which I was blessed to see myself. Which Picasso set out to interpret in only the way he can.
It also displayed some of the 40+ interpretations of the classic, an amazing amount of work. It just 
cemented my appreciation for Picasso. As far as I'm concerned, a must visit.
Picasso Museum
Carrer Montcada 15-23
Barcelona, Spain
After visiting the museum, we meandered around Barri Gòtic, then into the Ribera neighborhood taking time to stop in at the Church of Santa Maria del Mar -the "Church of the Sea".
Completed in 1384, this is the only surviving church built in the Catalan Gothic style. The interior is pleasantly spacious and uncluttered.
Just a few blocks away is the waterfront and some of my favorite pieces of public art.
Barcelona's Face – Cap de Barcelona.
Created for the 1992 Olympics by Roy Lichtenstein it is said to be inspired by Gaudi.
In contrast to previous days, cloudy and drizzly, this day was bright and sunny. You couldn't help but smile…..and you couldn't help but smile along with Gambrinus – The Barcelona Lobster.
This happy crustacean was once part of a now defunct restaurant. When the restaurant closed, the city of Barcelona bought it and installed it here.
We ended our walk at the Columbus Monument, which is also the end of Las Ramblas.
The Missus wanted to return to Barri Gòtic. She saw some shops that interested Her. So we headed back.
She found a shop that sold hand made sandals in the typical Spanish style.
By now we were getting hungry. We had enjoyed our previous visit to Bar del Pla and was just a block away, so why not? There was still a couple of items we wanted to try. Like before, having no reservations, we sat in the bar area.
The Missus had Her crianza and I had a beer. We placed our order.
That phone in front kept on ringing, folks walked through the door trying to get a table, or making reservations.
Meanwhile, I got to watch that flying pig swaying back and forth above the bar.
It was kind of relaxing in that "watching the aquarium" kind of way.
Of course we had to have the pan con tomate…..
Next up, the tasty and porky, Pork Cheeks.
Fork tender, porky, mildly sweet demi glace, this was nice.
This was followed by the House Foie Gras.
Ok, this is foie gras, seared, rich, they love their pine nuts…….a touch of sweetness, the wonderful flavor of pure fat. This was a triggering event for us. From this point on, we'd be having foie gras every single time we saw it on the menu. Every time……
The lamb "terrine" was interesting.
Like the pork trotters we had on our previous visit, this looked like a product of sous vide that had been seared. It was very tender and well seasoned, tasty though that flavor of the pasture we enjoy was quite muted here. Still, not a bad dish at all.
We enjoyed our visit to Bar del Pla and will definitely return when back in Barcelona.
Bar del Pla
Carrer de Montcada 2
Barcelona, Spain
After our post meal espresso's it was time to head off. It was just past 1pm, there was much more to do……
Thanks for reading!