Barcelona to me was way better than madrid, it still had the historical feel about it but yet it seemed young and happening. even walking down the streets at midnight the place is still alive, it seems that it never sleeps (except on Sunday morning), but even then there was a feeling in the air that somehting big was about to happen. I did the whole hop on and off tour which is highly recommended to make sure you see all of barcelona if you do not have much time. it covers the harbour which apparently was looked upon as a poor persons place until the olympics came to town now it is considered the place to live. i saw the gothic quater, all the different markets, the olympic village and window shopped down one of the most expensive streets i ahve ever seen and to make it even more heart breaking or breath taking the street went for 4kms. Thank goodness it was sunday when i went as all the streets were closed so i couldnt spend any money.

The streets are always busy and i went for a gourmet walk in hte markets on saturday, i was very excited when tey handed out freebies, even if it was only fresh fruit, it still tasted good, oh and champagne so it was all win win. it was incrediable that some of the stores had been opened for over 100 years with all the original things still in order.i also saw a mini version of barcelona in a museum, saw glass blowing and jewlery making ad many unusual buildings and archetectual icons. it was a tiring 3 days of sight seeing but well worth it and more exciting than its big brother madrid.