Wednesday, September 11: Catalan National Day

First up today after a leisurely morning is the Museu D'Historia de Barcelona

which is an archeological dig in ancient Barcelona adjacent to and under the Cathedral.  This is the foundation of a textile factory.

And, of course, ancient Spaniards needed a winery.

After such an exhausting excavation, we need a wine break on the adjacent Placa de Rei.

Unbeknownst to us when planning the trip, it turns out that today is Catalan National Day.  Catalonia (the northeastern part of Spain) has been clamoring for independence from Spain to the point of holding a referendum a year or two ago.  This was frowned upon by the folks in Madrid who arrested and imprisoned several Catalan leaders responsible for the referendum and sending the some into exile.  They were convicted in a trial last spring and are to be sentenced this fall.  Today celebrates Catalan independence.  Parades and perhaps demonstrations are expected.  It should be fun.

We start to hear chanting and notice police helicopters overhead.

Then a group of angry protestors march into the plaza setting off fireworks, one of which actually hit me on the arm.  Interesting to witness but maybe a bit too close.

The protestors continue on.

Next up is the Cathedral of Barcelona.

Notice the Spanish flag (yellow with red stripes) hanging on the building in another plaza.

 We have lunch at the rooftop El Cercle in Barri Gotic.

Rigatoni with shrimp.  You knew that I had to get a food picture in here.  Don't worry there is more food on the way.

After walking through old town

we head back toward our hotel where we encounter more marchers for Catalonian independence.  In contrast to the previous group, these marchers are happy and it is more like a party.  Catalonians have come from all over Catalonia, many by bus which are parked everywhere, and many are wearing commemorative blue shirts.  Note that many are carrying or adorned with the "future flag of Catalonia", the traditional yellow with red striped Spanish flag with a blue triangle and white star.  The folks in Madrid do not like this flag.

As the weather has improved, we can finally show you a view from our hotel.  Note that the buildings are not square at the corner but rather have a 45 degree corner.  All buildings in old town Barcelona are built this way to give views of crossing teams of horses to prevent collisions.

After quiet time in the hotel, we have dinner at one of the many outdoor cafes in the middle of Las Ramblas de Catalunya.  A dish on menu catches our eye as being unusual:  broken eggs.  It is Iberian ham and eggs piled on top of French fries (Spanish fries??).  It is a bit weird but good.

More tomorrow.