Today was a very early get-up day as we had to be at the train station by 6:15 to catch our train to Barcelona. It was a very comfortable six and a half hour ride. We had the food car right next to ours so were able to get brekkie once we were settled in, and lunch as well. Some of us managed to catch a few zzz’s We arrived in Barcelona around 1:30 and headed over to the hotel. Fortunately Luis suggested that we and another couple take a taxi because Irv is having some difficulty walking longer distances. We had a couple of hours at the hotel before heading out for our orientation tour. Luis took us over to Las Arenas de Barcelona, a former bull ring that has been repurposed as a shopping centre. Apparently they raised the whole structure several metres above the ground to accommodate its new purpose. It has a rooftop terrace with a 360 degree view of the city.
After that we headed over to Mescladis, to take in a Planeterra experience. This is the G for Good program whereby G Adventures supports projects in the countries where they travel, integrating community initiatives into their itineraries. In Barcelona the Mescladis project is a collection of restaurants where persons in vulnerable positions can learn skills that will allow them to find meaningful work in the hospitality industry.
Our group, however, was not just there for a meal, we were there to MAKE a meal! Head chef Diana guided us through the creation of gazpacho, paella and a Catalunyan custard dessert. We all put on aprons and rolled up our sleeves and were chopping, slicing, mixing and stirring. It was great fun, and best of all, we got to enjoy the fruits of our labours. All in all a very fun and rewarding experience. Good thing we had to walk home, to shed a few of the delicious calories we had consumed!