Tapas

I've just returned from 6 weeks in Barcelona, staying in various places around the city. It's a beautiful place and one that is marked by extremes - inland seems to be the area where locals can walk at any time of day and night, sampling good eats and an easy life, nearer the coast it all gets very busy, hot and somewhat more risky.

It was the first time I have been robbed in my 34 years, being over 6 foot tall with wide shoulders, black curly hair and a careful nature. I've been in central London at all times of day and night, travelled around China, Egypt, Vietnam, Cambodia and Europe and having a button-up or velcro pocket and being alert has been sufficient. Until a late night in the Gothic area in Barcelona, where I was jumped from behind and dragged to the ground where my pockets were emptied. The thieves took my advice and left very quickly but the damage to my knee had already been done - the week's holiday after working hard for 5 weeks was ruined as I was unable to walk more than a few yards without my ruined ligaments sending shooting pains up my leg. The hospital staff were very kind and my hostel manager - a very kind Indian - actually went out for provisions to see me through the next few days.

Another guest was dragged to the ground the same night by the hookers that populate the area near McDonald's but managed to escape with just the loss of some money. A Japanese guy in the hostel was pick-pocketed on the subway but didn't realise until much later. A couple I met in a bar had their money stolen without realising. Another tutor, a friend of mine, had her bag stolen on the beach.

Reading that back I don't know of a worse area for robbery!?

When I was in Phnom Penh I was warned that if I was out after 2am there was a very real risk that I would be robbed with violence. If I'd known the same could happen in Barcelona I would have been much more careful. And I would have left the city with many more fond memories.

Tapas are small portions of meals.  You can make a meal of them by ordering several of them.  You can also do as is customary which is to go to the bar, have a drink and one or two tapas, then move onto the next bar and repeat.  They typically have an assortment of salad, meat, seafood, fried food, and deserts to choose from. 

I enjoyed sitting at the bar with a drink, reading a book or socializing, and ordering one tapa at a time, passing several hours in the process.  It was very relaxing and the assortment here in Barcelona was great. 

Frequently the tapas bar will have the cold dishes out behind glass so you can point at what you want but know that they have hot tapas which you must order from a menu.  Many locations will have a picture menu which is helpful.  For most tapas you will pay between €1.50 to €3.00 each, making it very affordable.