Today started off early with Mike’s alarm ringing at 7:30, though it was a given that we wouldn’t rise until 8:30. I took advantage of the time to complete a scenic four-mile run from our hotel in Plaça d’Espanya to the Olympic park. The run was invigorating, taking me past picturesque views of the city, serene dog walkers, and thriving athletic fields dedicated to rugby, cricket, football, and tennis. I returned just in time for a refreshing shower and a hearty breakfast at the hotel.
At 10:00, we embarked on a bus tour guided by a local named Anna, who shared fascinating insights into the rich history of Barcelona. The tour allowed us to explore the city on foot, where we encountered stunning architectural marvels like La Pedrera and Casa Battlo. Many landmarks we admired were originally constructed for the 1929 World’s Fair and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, adding to the city’s vibrant history.
After snapping some pictures, we enjoyed a delightful lunch featuring delicious tapas—especially a standout grilled bread topped with tomato sauce and olive oil, and fried eggplant discs. I also dared to try mussels for the first time and was pleasantly surprised by their taste.
Post-lunch, we visited Freixenet Cava, where we toured their wine cellars. Here, we learned about the intricate process of crafting sparkling wines. The cava begins with high-quality grapes, which thrive in the region’s specific altitudes and soils. Notably, the impact of global warming has led to earlier harvest times in recent years.
The winemaking process was fascinating as we observed how the grapes are crushed in large industrial containers. The first press yields 60% of the premium grape juice used for the finest wines, while the subsequent squeezes produce lower quality juice destined for other uses. Sugar and yeast are added for fermentation, followed by a meticulous bottling process that ensures each bottle is expertly crafted without losing quality. With millions of bottles produced annually, Freixenet is a leading supplier globally, especially popular in the US.
Later in the evening, we made our way to the Olympic stadium for an exhilarating Champions League match featuring FC Barcelona against Brest. While Lamine Yamal was sidelined due to injury, striker Robert Lewandowski quickly made his mark, scoring a penalty to put Barcelona up 1-0 early on. The game concluded with a decisive 3-0 victory for Barcelona, which was a thrilling experience, even though I felt a bit down upon hearing that my team, Manchester City, had drawn a match they led 3-0 against Feyenoord.
Seeing fellow fans decked out in Barcelona gear enhanced the atmosphere: Ramy wore a lucky Lewandowski shirt, while Daniel sported a sleek black Barca hat and a dual scarf for the occasion. Overall, it was an enjoyable and memorable day, highlighted by attending my very first UEFA Champions League game—a moment I will cherish for years to come.
In summary, today’s exploration of Barcelona offered a delightful mix of culture, history, and sports, highlighting the city’s vibrant community and its love for football. The day was a reminder of the joy found in travel, delicious food, and shared experiences, promising more excitement ahead.