...because of those crazy, climbing 'castellers'...

In a moment of perfect timing, as I was showing my visiting friends through the city we came across La Festa Catalana- a celebration and display of many things Catalan.  The most spectacular being the Castell competition where teams compete to build and dismantle human castels.  Fascinationg, nail-biting and declared by UNESCO to be amongst the 'Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity'.  

UN BESO: the castellers of Cataluña X

...because of the perfect summer beach drink, the 'clara'...

The clara - the Catalan shandy - a mix of 60% beer, 40% lemon fanta and the perfect accompaniment for a hot summers day on the beach. Delicious and refreshing.

UN BESO: Una clara on the beach X

...because my favourite pool deck is getting famous...

As seen in this months 'Vanity Fair', España (Agosoto 2012).

UN BESO: Grand Hotel Central, Via Laitana, 30 Barcelona X

...because of the sweetest summer fruit...

The Paraguayo. I don't know the English name for this fruit because we don't have it in Australia.  It is like a peach but flatter, juicier and more dulce.  It makes summer that much sweeter!


UN BESO: the sweet summer paraguayos X

...because of the little and beautiful Plaça Felip Neri...

A short walk from the main cathedral is my "secret square' - the (almost always) peaceful oasis of Plaça Felip Neri.  It's schrapnal damaged walls are a reminder of violent past.  The luxury Hotel Felip Neri has tables under the jacaranda tree, next to the fountain and is the perfect place to stop for a refreshing afternoon clara (catalán shandy)away from the bustling streets that surround it. 

UN BESO: Place Felip Neri X

...because in summer everyone should have a fan...

  

The two essential things for surviving a Spanish summer- a siesta and a fan! Guadalupe has quirky little shop tucked in El Born.  She stocks 'made in Spain' abanicos (fans) and other spanish momentos. There is a fan to match every outfit here!


UN BESO: KITSCH, Plac. Montcada, 10 Barcelona X

...because of the best little La Bodegueta in town..

A bodegua is a wine store in Spanish.  La Bodegueta is an antique wine shop and tapas bar, tucked away on the corner of Rambla and Provenca. Authentic and delicious with fun staff.  It is an institution. 
It's sister restaurant is around the corner in Provenca... La Bodegueta Provenza (Blog 5/2/2012).


UN BESO: La Bodegueta, Rambla de Cataluña, 100, Barcelona X

...because of the breath taking beauty of the completed interior of the Sagrada Familia...

La Sagrada Familia of Gaudi is probably the most famous landmark in Barcelona, started in 1880 and still being built. Last time I visited in 2006 the interior was not complete.... it now is and it is spectacular.


UN BESO: La Sagrada Familia X