Las Ramblas is the street in Barcelona. Its basically the tourist/shopping/center of the city and is home to everything, from street performers, to high-end shopping, to pet stalls and struggling artists. Not just a tourist stop, but a mainway for everyone in Barcelona, stretching from the Port up to the shopping district. Surrounding the actual street is a maze of small alleyways iconic of Barri Góthic architecture and "old-world" feel. Small squares appear from nowhere with fountains and a bevy of watering holes and cafés.

We stayed only a couple blocks from Las Ramblas so during the day I'd spend most of my time walking around the area, taking pictures, talking with people, and generally enjoying the sangria-infused lifestyle that seems to come so naturally.

The start of the street begins at Port Vell where the Columbus monument stands. My favourite part is La Boqueria, which is the food market. If I weren't a computer guy, i'd totally be a chef and I would live in Barcelona and shop at La Boqueria every day. You can pretty much find anything you could want. Vegetables, fruit, fish, sheep's heads, candy as far as you can see, cheeses, spices... anything. Everyone's wheeling around and making deals, managing their shops, chasing away children stealing candies. What a great experience for a wanna-be food aficionado.

Continuing up the street you can buy flowers and plants; aquariums and cages line the center path where you can find turtles, rabbits, birds, and all sorts of wierd stuff you wouldn't think you need to buy. Small cafes and restaurants break up the craziness with tables, chairs, booze, and bread. All you need.

One of the most interesting things on Las Ramblas is the street performers. They are incredibly ornament and some are amazing. Some lady dressed up like a tree balancing a crystal ball in crazy positions, some dude dressed up like a cow yelling at people, another guy dressed like Ronaldhino juggling a ball while standing on a small podium. Army guys, angles, devils, pretty much anything you can imagine. And they all stick together too. All the stupid tourists take their pictures without giving em a little change so they all kinda shun the guy until he ponies up.

Other then that, not much I can say, its more of an experience thing. Definitely a place to check out in what is quickly becoming one of my favourite cities. I like the quote by the Spanish poet Federico García Lorca (thanks wikipedia):

"... the only street in the world which I wish would never end."