preparations

SFO -> JFK

JFK -> BCN

Barcelona

marketplace

Casablanca

Gran Canaria

We stopped in our tracks. A respite from birds and postcards? Was it possible? Even Isaac paid attention as we crossed the frightfully busy one-lane motorway. (Forget pedestrian rights of way; here you have the right to be hit. Even the red lights were treated as suggestions by the drivers, all of whom seemed late to the same appointment. :-)

In spite of the Duncin' Donuts at the left edge of the plaza (visible in the photo) we ventured towards the crowds. The first thing I noticed was the salami and other sausages hanging in one vendors stand. In a few more seconds we were overwhelmed by the incredible assortment of fresh foods, fish and shellfish, legumes, meats, and cheese for sale at what must be at least a hundred stands.

Little old ladies (and a few little old men) manuvered covered pull-carts in front or behind them, the better to make way and to carry purchases home. We were enchanted; wandering the aisles, letting the sights and sounds roll over us. All sorts of tantalizing unfamilar foods could be seen, and many more that we thought we recognized. Mmmm.

Sadly, we were beginning to run out of time in Barcelona. We had but a few hours left to see more of the city and make it back to the airport. We moved on.