Barcelona Alone???

[igirl]

I've been listening to the podcast here. HAve not purchased worksheets just yet. Anyway my question has nothing to do with the podcasts! :) I was planning on going to Barcelona with my boyfriend he was leaving the 18th and me the 22nd. Now because of the volcano he rescheduled for the 26th. His family is there, but they do not speak English. I do not speak Spanish well :(. Is there that much to do in Barcelona? Our plan was to travel outside the city. If I go alone I'd most likely stay around Barcelona for 5 days. I think I will be so lost! I do ahve access to a moped which I have never driven.

Any advice?

Thank you!

[Legazpi]

I've been listening to the podcast here. HAve not purchased worksheets just yet. Anyway my question has nothing to do with the podcasts! :) I was planning on going to Barcelona with my boyfriend he was leaving the 18th and me the 22nd. Now because of the volcano he rescheduled for the 26th. His family is there, but they do not speak English. I do not speak Spanish well :(. Is there that much to do in Barcelona? Our plan was to travel outside the city. If I go alone I'd most likely stay around Barcelona for 5 days. I think I will be so lost! I do ahve access to a moped which I have never driven.

Any advice?

Thank you!

There's plenty to do in Barcelona for 5 days. Just buy a guide book and visit some of the sites, or if the weather's fine you can just lay on the beach or, failing that, you could even go do a 5 day Spanish course!

[igirl]

Do you happen to know of any place I could take a course? Friday-Monday I saw one place but they held courses mon - fri. Any help is appreciated!

[frangels]

Do you happen to know of any place I could take a course? Friday-Monday I saw one place but they held courses mon - fri. Any help is appreciated!

just learn the basics to get you through five days, for example:
where's the bathroom? can i see the menu? where is la segrada familia? etc..

[Legazpi]

Do you happen to know of any place I could take a course? Friday-Monday I saw one place but they held courses mon - fri. Any help is appreciated!

I doubt that there are any I'm afraid - most schools close for the weekends (except maybe Saturday morning). Can you not extend you trip in some way?

Not that it really matters - there are plenty of buildings, museums, etc to keep you occupied. Or you can always take a good book and just find a nice terraza to sit and watch the world go by. Just be careful for pickpockets on the Ramblas though.

(BTW - I wouldn't risk driving a moped in Barcelona if you've never ridden one before - it's not the best place to learn)

[igirl]

I appreciate all your help. I'm just upset because I didn't plan on being there alone. I think Air France will not let me change my flight without a huge fee. I do know Spanish basics and am planning on learning but I just am annoyed because I may feel like I don't know what the heck I'm doing.

I'll look for a Saturday course also.

Thank you!

[greytop]

You may also find that although the family don't "speak" English, they may well understand some words, especially the younger members who listen to pop music or use the internet a lot.
Just relax and enjoy it. You'll find the Spanish people very friendly and eager to help in general - and Barcelona depends on tourism so outside the family you'll manage easily.

[gary]

If I go alone I'd most likely stay around Barcelona for 5 days. I think I will be so lost! I do ahve access to a moped which I have never driven.

Any advice?

Thank you!

I have been going to Barcelona for at least a fortnight every year for the past 5 years and I still find things to do and to see. I am going again this summer. If you have never been before do the tourist thing and go see the sights, maybe get a train up onto the Costa Maresme/Costa Brava one day to chill.

Here are some dos and donts (http://www.notesfromspain.com/2008/09/05/what-frank-and-i-have-in-common-barcelona-dos-and-donts/)I put together for the Notes from Spain website a couple of years ago - I reckon it all still applies...

After five years of visiting Madrid and Barcelona regularly each year I STILL couldn't decide where to go if I ever had the chance to emigrate - As Steve Stills says "Love the one your with"

[saffron]

You will enjoy the change of scenery despite the dissappointment of being alone.

there is a tourist office at the airpot - make sure you get a map. Before you go get a guide book or check out sights online.

You will be there for St georges Day [St Jordi] non event in UK but celebrated in Barcelona. the family you are staying with will want to welcome you and if they cannot show you round will point things out on the map.

I remember arriving on a warm Sunday afternoon and walking near the cathedral and coming across a happy group of people who had dropped their shoppingand were dancing - it is a local dance. Unplanned things are often the most memorable. the next day I got the tourist bus - a good way to see the city and you can get on and off at various points - though despite the sun on the Sunday on the Monday in march it snowed so top of the bus was closed for part of the trip.

the Palau de Musica is beautifull but you need to book a visit or concert so go early.

the first time I went to the area I stayed in Girona and also went to Figueres. i so enjoyed Girona that I did not go to Barcelona - if you want a change get a bus or train to Girona for the day. However there is so much to see and do in Barcelona there is no need to leave the city. Do spend some time just relaxing.

Do not worry about your limited Spanish build on the fact you understand some of the language. The family will be pleased with any effort you can make.

Finally wont your boyfriend be able to give you any advice or tips you need?