"Sunny" Spain
Another vacation. Long thoughts where to go: to Europe or to Asia. Europe scared the crisis and strikes, but still won. And here we are at the Barcelona airport.
Day one (June 2).
In Barcelona at 4:30 am. At the hotel at 5:30. Check-in is at 13:00. And neither money (as in Egypt or Turkey), nor requests will help you settle in earlier. Luggage was assigned to the luggage room, a kind uncle receptionist opened a bar, where they managed to hang out on soft sofas until 8:00. Breakfast 4.5 euros per person, as it is not included in the price of the tour at the Serhs Maripins hotel on the day of arrival. After breakfast we go to get acquainted with the town. I liked Malgrat de Mar: clean narrow streets, well-groomed 2.3-storey apartment buildings interspersed with hotels, there are a lot of flowering plants in pots on the balconies. On the first floors, as a rule, there are shops or garages of residents.
At 10:00, shops, cafes, etc. , slowly, lazily begin to open. The main shopping alley is on the embankment, on the way to the railway station.
The sellers are not annoying, practically no one speaks Russian, however, as well as in English and Spanish. We are in Catalonia, so everyone speaks Catalan, which is far from Spanish, more like French. Vacationers: Italians, French, Germans, Russians in 4th place.
We made the first purchases: a mat - 2 euros, a set of underwear (very decent) - 8 euros, a protective cream forgotten at home - 5 euros.
At 13:00 in the lobby of the hotel there are 40 people eager to check in. As guests arrived at the hotel, they issued a coupon with a serial number. My daughter and I were at number 2, we were second given a room key and an information sheet to the restaurant. At 13:05 we were in a room on the 7th floor overlooking the mountains. The room is decent: air conditioning (which we never turned on), a safe in the room (paid: 20 euros for 7 days + 10 euros deposit).
There is a TV under the ceiling (it’s not very convenient to watch), but considering that we only spend the night in the room and, as a rule, we don’t watch TV, but listen to a music channel, this fact didn’t bother us. The bathroom has a hair dryer, shower gel, soap, 6 towels. On the balcony there is a table, an ashtray, 2 chairs.
After checking in, we unpack our suitcases, take a shower and go to the beach. It was not there: the cold wind from the sea penetrates through and through, the water in the sea is icy. We stand in a lying position for 1 hour (this time was enough to tan a little) and return to the hotel. Luckily, it's a 2-minute walk from the beach. The rest of the time was devoted to further exploration of the surroundings.
A night flight, a delay of 4 hours, check-in to the room 7.5 hours after arrival - they did their job and at 22:00 we were in bed.
Day two (June 3)
Cloudy morning, rain clouds. In sunny Spain it is very cool. At 9:00 am meeting with Pegas hotel guide. The worst impression.
As it turned out later, the presentiment did not deceive us, but more on that later. Realizing that you can forget about the beach today, we go to the railway station and go to Barcelona. When you want to find a train station, ask Renfe or Estacion de tren. Ticket from Malgrat to Barcelona 4.3 euros. If you buy back and forth, it turns out cheaper. It is even more profitable to buy a card for 10 trips - 30.4 euros. If there are two of you: the first card passes through the turnstile and passes it to the second (hence, you have already used up 2 trips). For the first time, the two of us went through at the same time (out of ignorance), because the turnstile was open for quite a long time, that is, we used one trip for two. But I warn you that if there is control on the train, a fine of 25 euros for ticketless travel. True, we never saw the controller in the direction of Barç a and back. It’s no problem to leave for Barcelona, but look back at the name of the train very carefully, because.
on the same track with a difference of 15-20 seconds, electric trains arrive in completely different directions. Trains called Blanes and Macanet-Massanes go from Barca to Malgrat. At Pl. Catalunia in the window where they sell tickets for electric trains, you can ask for a book with a timetable - they give it for free.
Yes, Barcelona. As I said, the day was not hot, which turned out to be a big plus for walking around the city. The route is standard: Plaza Catalunya, La Rambla, the Boqueria market (but it is closed on Sunday), the Gothic quarter, the Jewish quarter (near the church of Santa Maria Del Pi in a street cafe, delicious coffee with pastries), Gracia Boulevard. All these chic places have already been described many times, I won’t repeat myself, I’ll say one thing - it’s impressive. The second half of the day was devoted to Park Gü ell (another creation of the genius Gaudi). We drove from the square. Catalunya by bus number 24 (fare 2 euros). Entrance to the park is free. And what kind of views of Barç a! ! !
The day flew by unnoticed.
One minus - Sunday - all institutions are closed - they could not buy a telephone card. Plus - all the shops are closed, and we were not distracted by hiking in them.
Let's return to the Pegasus hotel guide Ekaterina. On the morning of the second day, a woman who was flying with us on a plane and settled in our hotel was torn off her shoulder bag, in which all the money, bank card, phone and passports. It happened in the old part of Malgrat, where she and her daughter were walking. A man of pleasant appearance from the back poured something over the shoulder on which the bag hung, and showing with gestures that it had been done by a bird, began to help wipe off the dirt. Naturally, he took off his bag from his shoulder, and then they saw him. Passers-by, local residents, called a policeman who was neither A nor B in English or Russian.
Our guide Ekaterina, who was called later from the hotel, was terribly angry about the situation, got nasty to the injured woman, and, saying that it was your problems, hung up. After the same outside guide (also from Pegasus, but in charge of another hotel) told her a couple of affectionate ones, she still phoned the guide taking the tour to Barcelona and agreed that the victims would be taken away from the hotel, and on the way back way from Barcelona. My daughter and I, having learned about this situation, lent money to the victims. The husband of the victim sent a money transfer to my name via Western Union, copies of passports and scanned photos to the hotel’s e-mail, and the girls from the reception were sent to the consulate. As a result, within one day, the victims were given temporary certificates. And the compassionate Russians, who were also waiting for an appointment at the consulate, but living in Spain, also gave 40 euros.
Conclusion: Do not put all your eggs in one basket, but rather store them in a safe, even if it is paid. Remember the phone numbers of close people who could help you from Russia. And keep copies of your passports at home.
Day three (June 4).
Another cloudy morning. We decided to go to Motaro Park for shopping. Ticket Malgrat - Motaro - Malgrat 4.5 euros. In Motaro from the railway station to the shopping center by bus number 1.4 or 5 minutes 15-20 to the hospital stop. Shopping was a success - worthy things of famous brands at prices lower than in Russia + 2 dresses were bought with a 50% discount, 1 dress with a 30% discount. The only thing is that prices in Beneton are higher than in Perm. Beneton is the only store where the collection is almost the same as in Perm. The rest of the brands (Mango, Stradivarius, Promod, Massimo Duti, etc. ) are completely different things. It seems that the Chinese are sewing for Russia in some Moscow basement.
We bought sandals (40 euros) in the stradivarius, shoes (65 euros) in Fosco - very high quality and fashionable.
Day four (June 5)
Hooray! Not a cloud in the sky. We will have breakfast and go to the beach. Surprise - an icy wind from the sea and icy water. We sunbathe for an hour and a half. We go to the room, throw down the mats and hit the road along routes that have not yet been traveled - to Santo Sussana. The thought came to my mind: why not go to the hairdresser? I have long wanted to do carving. But the hairdressers also only speak Catalan. Julia helped out from the tourist information center of the Natalie-Tours company. She called the hairdresser, where she herself is served, explained to the hairdresser (she is also the hostess) who will come and what she needs to do. After 1 hour, I left an ordinary hairdressing salon (we have such equated to cool salons) with curls on my head, without a characteristic chemical smell, and it cost me only 32 euros with styling.
Santa Sussana, of course, is cooler than Malgrat in terms of hotels and nightlife, but there is no clear territorial border between the towns. These days there was some kind of cool gathering of bikers and a big top circus on tour. That is, there was something to look at.
From 16:00 to 18:00 we sunbathed and swam in the pool at the hotel. Cramped, of course, but there is not a bad terrace where you can safely sunbathe. After dinner, shopping and entertainment at the hotel - Spanish dance concert.
Day five (June 6)
Two hours spent the day before by the pool was enough to get a tan. The body asks for a break, and after breakfast we go to Figueres. The city is known for the theater-museum of Salvador Dali and the fortress of the Costel de Sant Ferran. From Malgrat to Figueres, about one and a half - two hours with a change in Mosanet-Mossanet. The cost there and back by train is 12.5 euros.
In Figueres, from the railway station to the museum, the walk is 20 minutes, there are signs everywhere in the city - do not get lost, the entrance ticket is 12 euros. Be sure to go. We completely walked around the theater in 3 hours.
The second tourist point is the fortress: from the museum there is a direct road uphill (1 km). Entrance ticket 3 euros. The view from the fortress is amazing. And the fortress itself is impressive - a city within a city. You can take a suitcase on bail - an audio guide in your native language, but everything is clear there if you follow the signs. Yes, and the plan-scheme is given at the entrance.
The third tourist point - the toy museum - did not have time, and we were already tired. To the station and back.
At 17:30 we were already at the hotel, we also had time to sunbathe. By the way: a guided tour on a bus with a Russian group 45 - 50 euros, i. e. 2 times more expensive. A big plus of independent travel is that you walk around the city, slowly, you look at everything, you find yourself in such interesting corners of the city.
And the people are locals.
Such a variety of faces, characters, temperaments. And everyone is trying to help you from the bottom of their hearts.
Day Six (June 7)
HURRAH! ! ! The sky is blue, there is no wind, breakfast, the beach. The beaches in Spain, of course, are wide and sandy, but the sand gives the impression that it is with granite chips. The layer is imported and very thick. You go and fall through "knee-deep". I feel that after the Indian beaches I will not like any beaches. But the sea is still icy. After spending an hour and a half on the beach, we go swimming in the pool. In the afternoon to the station and to Girona. A round-trip ticket with a transfer in Mosanet-Mossanet 8.6 euros. In Girona, exit the station (exit to the right of the escalator) and if you turn right, then after 1 km you will get to the El Corte Ingles shopping center (shopping excursions are taken there), and if you go left, you will find yourself in the old historical part of the city.
Across the river Onyar (separates the old and new parts of the city) there are several bridges that offer wonderful views of the colorful houses of the 17th century and the main cathedral of the 14th century. It is very interesting to walk along the fortress walls, relax in the courtyards and take gorgeous panoramic pictures of Girona. The narrow Catalan streets are fascinating. They are different in different cities.
We have lunch in a street art cafe: the famous gazpacho, surprisingly delicious bread (like from a Russian oven), green tea for 2 persons, orange juice. For all 16 euros.
I was surprised that the shops are mostly boutique, the prices are lower than in Russia. But after Motoro Park they already seem high.
The railroad running through the city is decorated with greenery.
In the evening at the hotel again live music - the duet White and Black - is beyond praise.
Day seven (June 8)
A trip to Montserrat - a monastery in the mountains - the spiritual center of Catalonia.
To Barcelona by train, get off at the station Pl.
Catalunya, go to the metro (I also advise you to buy a card for 10 trips) and go to the Espania stop. Climb the stairs, look for the FGC sign with an arrow down and go down the escalator or elevator to the station. Pl. Spain. Here you buy a ticket to Monistrol de Vontserrat by train and kremalera or by train and cable car. Look carefully, because the system in the machine is complex, it is better to ask one of the employees to help. Our tickets popped up only there (as it turned out later). As a result, instead of 13 euros per person, we spent 20 euros, which is still 2 times cheaper than the tour operator. We went up to the monastery by cable car. The views are breathtaking. Kremalera walks on the ground among the rocks. The views are not great, but it resembles a roller coaster. So decide for yourself.
Restoration work is underway on the territory in some masses, but this does not spoil the impression. Indescribable beauty. The external and internal decoration of the basilica can be viewed for hours.
There is a very long line to the main icon.
Exit from the basilica along the wall in the niches of which there are images of, apparently, revered saints and candles! ! ! Catholics have large candles, in special cups and multi-colored. And no one will remove the put candle until it burns out completely. On the square in front of the basilica, a rack with candles. You take a candle, drop coins into a special hole - everything is based on trust.
Take a snack with you, as it is expensive on the territory of the monastery, as in any tourist area.
The monastery is active. There are 80 monks living on the territory, but we did not see a single one. It is a pity that we were a little late for the performance of the boys' choir at 13:00.
Returning from Montserrat, we left 1 stop earlier than pl. Spain. We went out into the city on the right exit, and ended up in the new business center of Barcelona. Around only office buildings of bizarre architecture. An unusually shaped hotel and a huge shopping and entertainment complex.
The interior of the center is chic, but for some reason you can’t take pictures. Large selection of clothes, shoes, etc. , prices, as elsewhere in Barcelona.
Day eight (June 9)
Morning, lying on the beach, trying to sunbathe. I close my eyes and it seems that I am lying in my native Perm on the banks of the Kama - a cold wind, cold water (only transparent) and sand instead of grass (grass would be better). Hello hotel and pool. After lunch, my daughter and her friends went to Barcelona to look at the singing fountains and visit a couple of nightclubs. I went to look around the area. In the center of the old city is the Cathedral of St. Nicholas - the patron saint of the city. Couldn't get inside. Near the mountain park, lift the funicular. The whole city from the observation deck at a glance.
Day nine (June 10)
The day is devoted to sunbathing and swimming (in the pool of course). In the evening we go to look for the second park. It turned out to be close to the first one.
A park for walking with children, but we had fun like children. Before that, simple and touching buildings.
Day Ten (June 11)
And back to Barcelona. The shops. From Pl. Catalunya, no matter which street you go, there are shops everywhere. Prices in chain stores are the same, but there are few repeating things, for example, in Zara - the collections are different. A large selection of wines in the El Corte Ingles store, which is a stone's throw from the entrance to the subway to the train. Having bought another batch of little things, we go by metro to the Sagrada Familia. You can walk around the cathedral and inside for a long time. Beauties! ! ! Gaudi is a genius.
Then take the metro to the embankment. The promenade is not very long. We walked all the way, taking pictures at unusual structures, ships and yachts. The beach is good, fine sand and the bottom does not end abruptly.
There are equipped areas for children and sports grounds for adults.
A lot of cafes and no stalls, shops and hawkers (which pleased).
Day eleven and last.
There was a thunderstorm at night. After breakfast, we walked along the promenade and at 10:30 with Pegasus to the airport. Departure at 15:30, but the Spaniards are leisurely. Please note that at Barcelona airport it is not customary to report at which check-in counter, which gate is the boarding gate and how much the departure is delayed. So we, a friendly team of 180 people, shied away at the airport when the check-in for the flight was already supposed to end, but for us it had not yet begun. When we turned to one of the employees of the airport (fortunately he spoke English), then in response we listened to a rebuke with a collision that he was not obliged to explain anything to anyone, look at the scoreboard (a small information booth in the corner of the hall). Time (which has long passed), flight number and destination stopped on the scoreboard. As a result, we took off with a delay of 1 hour, but arrived in Perm on schedule. Thanks to Orenburg Airlines.
Conclusion: In the first half of June in mainland Europe, tourism is more excursion than beach tourism, because the weather is changeable and the sea is cold. And for traveling to interesting places and cities - that's it! And if you prefer to move around the country on your own, then it is better to stay in Barcelona or no further than Callela or Motaro (train tickets are cheaper and there are more trains).
If you plan to return money for purchases (tax free), be sure to ask for an official document in addition to the check in stores. At the airport, go left from the entrance to the glass door with the inscription tax free. They return 80% of the purchase price, but the participants in the system are mainly large chain stores.
When paying in a store with a bank card, foreigners are asked for a passport or driving license. It happens that even without this they release the goods, but in one store they rested and did not serve. Return tax free will also be on the card.
Again, in the store you need to take an envelope, put the checks there and indicate the bank details and current account. Drop the envelope into the box at the airport.
Happy travels.
