Portbou is a small town in the north of the costa brava, close to the french border. Good for walks and visiting the Walter Benjamin memorial. It takes around two hours to get there from Barcelona.

Ever tired of the city? The mountain of Montserrat is roughly one hour train ride away from Barcelona (trains from Plaza España). Good for hiking and visiting the famous monastery of Montserrat including the black virgin Madonna!

Thinking what to do on a Sunday afternoon? Go into the “Parque de la Ciutadella” where everybody is hanging out, playing games, taking the sun, having beers or playing drums.
Beeing the only big park in the center of Barcelona it gets quite lively on a weekend and is a good place to visit and relax.

Sausages, hams and cheeses as seen in this Barcelona shop window are a gastronomic speciality here in Catalunya. Cold cuts, so called “Embutidos” are even offered in some restaurants and best accompanied by “pa amb tomàquet”, (bread with tomato and garlic) and a glas of wine or beer!

I felt flat-envy this weekend, after being invited to a barbecue at a friends apartment. Hanging out on the terrace all afternoon, taking sun and having beers and food was just fantastic. Damn, would I like to have a place like this!