Leaving Barcelona

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Barcelona-I love this city. Today I had breakfast on the terrace of my hostel, then took a walking tour through old Town Barcelona. It’s like many other old European cities at the heart. It was surrounded by walls at one time to protect it from different conquering forces, depending on who ruled at the time. There a few remaining Roman towers and walls.

Inside the old town it is walking only, with the exception of small delivery trucks and bikes.

We saw a few beautiful ancient churches but could not go in. And I learned quite a bit about Picasso who lived in Barcelona some, as well as Antoni Gaudi from the 19th century, who designed much of the architecture in Barcelona, including Sagrada Familia.

I found a good spot for Gelato, when in Spain…that was lunch for today.

I hate to leave, but must make my way to the Camino. I took a 4 hour train to Pamplona.

I’m learning how to observe again. Just watch, pay attention, notice people and places. It’s the norm here in Spain. You rarely see anyone on their phone. Everyone sits and watches others go by. The waiters don’t bring your check until you ask for it. After you have your food they just leave you be. You can easily get their attention if you need something but no one pushes you to leave. It’s odd. And I remember being like this a little more before cell phones. We were still always in a rush but in the in-between time we just observed. I can feel the clutter slipping out of my brain. It’s nice. How can I keep this going when I return?

Also everyone walks and bikes and busses. At 8:00pm there are literally hundreds of people out and about. Strolling, talking, laughing, many people walking arm in arm. Again you don’t see phones out at all.

Don’t hear me saying phones are bad. They are just a tool and a rather helpful one at that. We essentially walk around with computers in our hands. But we definitely have an addiction to them in the US. And research is telling us this addiction is rewiring our brains in not so good ways. Particularly kids. Check out Jonathan Haidt’s book -The Anxious Generation. There’s a current movement among parents to stall giving smart phones to kids until they are 16. I think it’s a wise move.

Anywhoo-just a few observations as I travel to St Jean Pied de Porte.

PS. Pics aren’t loading easily here so go to Facebook for pics.