Barcelona is even more vibrant than I remember from our first visit seven years ago. I am so grateful we have plenty of time here and aren't rushed to cram everything into only a day or two because this city can be exhausting! Yesterday we took a walking tour of the Gothic Quarter, and then visited the Palace of Catalan Music, with its fabulous Modernista interior. The Palace was finished in only three years (1905-1908), during a time when choirs in Catalunya were very influential as a source of nationalistic pride. It is still owned by the Orfeo Choir of Barcelona and today hosts concerts of all types of music.
After a looooong nap (me), we set out in search of dinner in our wonderful neighborhood of Poblenou. When I booked our hotel, I was mainly in search of lodging that required as few points as possible and was close to a metro stop. I had no idea we would end up in a delightful area of town that is emerging as a great place to live and work. We are right around the corner from wonderful restaurants on the Rambla del Poblenou, and the beach is only an easy 15 minute stroll away. We are truly "living like the locals" for these three days, and we love it.