Languish.org

General Category => Off the Record => Topic started by: Pedrito on August 27, 2017, 05:20:07 PM

Title: A quick trip to Barcelona with the boys
Post by: Pedrito on August 27, 2017, 05:20:07 PM
Some weeks ago, I was about to book some days of vacation in Paris, when my wife told me she was scared of potential acts of terror. "Instead of Paris, why don't we go to Barcelona?"
And two days before the Rambla attack, I booked flight and accomodation in Barcelona, Sept. 6 to 10, for all the family.  :zipped:

Is there any spaniard Languishite up for one round of beer or more, during those days?
And, after the classic sights (Gaudì houses, Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, ...), is there something different and fun to do with the children, that are not children anymore (almost 14, 11, 8 y.o.)?
My oldest daughter would be interested in knowing some cool and trendy shops to visit and spend some monies in  :ph34r:

Thanks,

L.
Title: Re: A quick trip to Barcelona with the boys
Post by: Richard Hakluyt on August 28, 2017, 02:37:39 AM
With the current fashion in terrorist attacks the safest place to visit is probably Venice  :P
Title: Re: A quick trip to Barcelona with the boys
Post by: celedhring on August 28, 2017, 03:10:42 AM
Always up for a beer or four with a Languishite.

As for things to do with children... You can always check if there's some cool expo at the Cosmocaixa science museum, always loved that place as a kid: https://obrasociallacaixa.org/en/ciencia/cosmocaixa/el-museo

It's located in Montjuïc, which is a popular area for visitors (very nice views), so you don't need to stray off the path too much.

There's also the Tibidabo amusement park: https://www.tibidabo.cat/en/home  - haven't been there since I was a kid though, no idea if it's shitty nowadays. But it also has nice views since it's up the tallest mountain north of town.

Of course, people looking for an amusement park usually go to Port Aventura, but that's a full day trip.

Regarding "trendy shops" I'm the last person to ask. Most famous fashion stores are located in Passeig de Gràcia (including the most expensive ones), then you have tons of more accessible boutiques littered around the Gòtic quarter.
Title: Re: A quick trip to Barcelona with the boys
Post by: garbon on August 28, 2017, 03:41:32 AM
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on August 28, 2017, 02:37:39 AM
With the current fashion in terrorist attacks the safest place to visit is probably Venice  :P


I'll be testing your hypothesis out in October. :ph34r:
Title: Re: A quick trip to Barcelona with the boys
Post by: Richard Hakluyt on August 28, 2017, 03:46:17 AM
I have two tips for Venice, stay in the Cannaregio area if you can and when you visit the San Marco area go as early as possible in the morning.
Title: Re: A quick trip to Barcelona with the boys
Post by: Richard Hakluyt on August 28, 2017, 03:50:21 AM
I have a question about language. Assuming Pedrito and Celery get to have a beer or two together, to what extent will you be able to have a conversation only using your native tongues?
Title: Re: A quick trip to Barcelona with the boys
Post by: The Larch on August 28, 2017, 04:52:11 AM
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on August 28, 2017, 03:50:21 AM
I have a question about language. Assuming Pedrito and Celery get to have a beer or two together, to what extent will you be able to have a conversation only using your native tongues?

After a couple of beers I'd say "to a pretty good extent".  :P
Title: Re: A quick trip to Barcelona with the boys
Post by: Iormlund on August 29, 2017, 10:09:24 AM
I could join in if we can do it on Friday, Saturday or Sunday morning. My gf lives just below Parc Güell and I visit every other weekend.
Title: Re: A quick trip to Barcelona with the boys
Post by: Admiral Yi on August 29, 2017, 12:10:45 PM
Anyone know how much prices dropped after the attack?  Might be a good way to plan trips.  :hmm:
Title: Re: A quick trip to Barcelona with the boys
Post by: Iormlund on August 29, 2017, 12:50:26 PM
I doubt it'll have much of an impact on tourism. Would be nice if it did, though. Constant noise at all times, and stupidly high rent prices are not exactly great for the locals.

Title: Re: A quick trip to Barcelona with the boys
Post by: celedhring on August 29, 2017, 01:23:33 PM
Quote from: Iormlund on August 29, 2017, 10:09:24 AM
I could join in if we can do it on Friday, Saturday or Sunday morning. My gf lives just below Parc Güell and I visit every other weekend.

No prob for me. My schedules are very flexible.
Title: Re: A quick trip to Barcelona with the boys
Post by: Pedrito on August 30, 2017, 03:45:08 PM
So, thanks for the replies and the info. I think Montjuic will be a sure destination, IIRC there's the Fundaciò Joan Mirò there too?

The boys are already geared up for the aquarium, although I fear the monstrous queues; Ive tried to buy online tickets, but the site doesn't work very well.

About the Languish meeting, I'll try to plan a couple possible dates; I'll be visiting an italian friend, but still don't know when I will meet her. I will contact you by PM.
BTW, our apartment will be in the Plaza de Tetuàn area, not far from the Gran Vìa; do you know some good, family-friendly (i.e. not too formal) restaurants in the area?

@Garb: I live 35 kms from Venice, write me if you want to meet for a couple beers.

@Rich: I think half a pint will suffice to start bickering about football in three different languages and two sign alphabets.

L.
Title: Re: A quick trip to Barcelona with the boys
Post by: celedhring on August 30, 2017, 04:09:21 PM
Oh yeah, forgot about the Aquarium (it didn't exist when I was a kid) it's a hit with families.

The Fundació Joan Miró is at Montjuïc, but you have to climb up the mountain. It's a very nice walk, but I presume your children won't be too thrilled. Alternatively one of the tourist buses stops there, or you just can take the regular 150 bus which departs from Plaza d'Espanya (which is at the foot of the mountain).
Title: Re: A quick trip to Barcelona with the boys
Post by: celedhring on August 30, 2017, 04:17:12 PM
Drawing a blank for remarkable restaurants around Tetuán. Not a place with lots of activity. There's a bunch of offices in the area so you're bound to find loads of serviceable eateries.

There's Vivant (https://www.tripadvisor.es/Restaurant_Review-g187497-d6870895-Reviews-Vivant-Barcelona_Catalonia.html). Good food but I recall the place being a bit small and you're bringing a family. I guess you can check it out since it should be really close. There was also Can Soteras but it has gone way way downhill. Don't go there.

EDIT: asked a friend who works in the area and recommends this place: https://www.tripadvisor.es/Restaurant_Review-g187497-d6778563-Reviews-Bar_Centro_Burgers_Craft_Beer-Barcelona_Catalonia.html
Title: Re: A quick trip to Barcelona with the boys
Post by: Iormlund on August 31, 2017, 12:45:13 PM
I go to a burger place just a couple blocks along Passeig Sant Joan called Goiko Grill (https://www.goikogrill.com/nuestros-restaurantes/). I don't know how it compares to the one Celed's friend recommends as I've never been there. Making a reservation is recommended though, and essential for the weekend.
Title: Re: A quick trip to Barcelona with the boys
Post by: Pedrito on September 07, 2017, 04:21:36 PM
Cel, Iorm,
I'm actually right now in Barcelona, but I don't know if I Will be able to meet you  :(
Tomorrow I Will meet with an italian friend that lives here, and then the boys are running my agenda...
Should I be able to carve a couple of hours out, I'll keep you updated.

L.
Title: Re: A quick trip to Barcelona with the boys
Post by: celedhring on September 07, 2017, 04:43:33 PM
Don't worry! You'll probably have more pressing things to do on a holiday than meet two Spanish strangers  :lol:

It'll be a pleasure to meet you if you find the time, nonetheless.
Title: Re: A quick trip to Barcelona with the boys
Post by: Admiral Yi on September 07, 2017, 06:17:25 PM
Good job of keeping up the stereotype of Yuros being shyte at meetups.  :lol: