On a clear day in Barcelona

When the sun shines and the temperatures are mild, there is no city more wonderful than Barcelona for wandering the ancient center, where the crooked cobbled streets and squares hold delightful surprises. Saturday was such a day. The tourists suddenly were there in force, but away from the main artery of the Ramblas, typically Barcelonian tableaux unfolded.

Sightings of small knots of greyhounds and whippets and their red-bandanaed owners coalesced into a grand convocation of canines in Plaza Sant Jaume, the governmental square, where an animal rights demonstration had just concluded. Here are some of them:


A bit further on, a heladeria proved irresistible with its exotic flavors (mojito, turron), and its gorgeous fruit carvings adorning the stainless steel bins:

Opposite, a colorful bazaar of a shop drew the eye.
And everywhere, bombonerias flaunted their extravagant chocolate Easter displays.

Further on, copas (glasses of red wine), excellent green olives, and a foot-long bocadillo to share, of Spanish ham on a crusty baguette smeared with tomato (pan tomate) in a tiny bar deep in the heart of the Raval neighborhood where a Barcelona vaquero held up the counter while a young family idled in a corner. Then, on to Rondo Sant Antoni where stylish young couples soaked up rays at a large outdoor corner cafe, to watch the impromptu fashion show over cortados, espresso coffee topped with a dollop of steamed milk.

Another perfect day.