The view from the middle of these stops felt like home to me. This is where the la Boqueria is. It was called Licau and is a rambling quarter of beauty and energy unlike those elsewhere. The people are young and vibrant, and in the center of the road are hundreds of flower vendors. You can still smell the aroma of this mornings food market.
I had spent most of the day just wandering and wandering, enjoying the sites and sounds as well as the virtual mosaic of edible delights. I also saw such interesting pirate play toys I wish-shopped for Owen, a whole section of imagination tents and play things. I settled on fresh smoothies for one euro and fruit platter including kiwi passion fruit strawberries, etc and coconut for one more! Then some almonds and olives a large water and double espresso. 
While wandering with my delights, I stumbled upon an internet cafe, which I thought was a great place to rest during the city's quiet time. I talked and talked with my fave friend on webcam and uploaded photos for 1 euro per 15 minutes. Nearly three hours later I found that the food bizaar had become an even more energetic and now truly thrilling hip theater district with a lively buzz that was almost overwhelmingly exciting. I was exhausted and dirty, so I went to the hotel to change and come back for dinner. I left for dinner at 11:45 and the streets were buzzing with hungry shoppers and tourists.
I decided to walk and explore the Ramblas instead of going back to Licau, so I followed the crowd. Around the hundred year old founts and past the architecture and museums, where in daytime lines are long, I followed the tired and the restless. I found an obviously American section with bars and touristy type offerings that lost many of the crowd. I decided to round a few corners to see what else there was. In my small town, the best isn't always on the main path. I went down one small street, then another...not losing the metro euro couple to my 10 o'clock.
I was only slightly surprised to enter a courtyard with not one but about 15 very open dinner establishments with waiters waiting to escort you to a table if you chose their place. I took my time walking the circle, then sat at the fountain in the middle before selecting a small 2 story french bistro- Les quinze nits because of the cute tables on the terraces. Nice dinner, horrible service (they don't like single diners.) I crossed the courtyard after dinner to see what was on the other side. To my delight, I found the Licau district, even more alive and wonderful, now with street dancers and singers, theatre performers and restaurant seating where the flower vendors were this morning. I wandered and enjoyed, then returned via metro to sleep- vowing to roust myself early enough for breakfast this time....
Oh what a glorious day!
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