The Circus at Ciutadella Park

Spring is when the crazies come out...

 

In this gem of a city, Parc de la Ciutadella is where dreaded mullets and corporate crew cuts come together to enjoy Sunday afternoons-- acrobating, running, tree-climbing, boating, napping, cartwheeling, footballing, you name it. While local hangouts are hard to unearth and tourist attractions obstruct afternoon strolls, the park is a perfect marriage of the most local locals and most pickpocket-worthy tourists. Lovers sharing a joint, school children sweating through their uniforms, nosy pigeons poking at your spillings from Bo de Bi's, and kites flying high over the cranes of Sagrada Familia are some of what make up the ambiance of the crowded grassy hills.

When the men with plastic bags selling beer for a euro ["Cerveza, agua, beer. Cerveza, agua, beer."] start getting hard to ignore, walk a few blocks to Barceloneta and pick up a 3€ bottle of cava rosada, Catalunya's inexpensive version of champagne, at the bustling La Xampanyeria. Uncork and enjoy-- the acrobats become even more entertaining.

Leave the iPod at home-- the WiFi will be too tempting-- and listen, enjoy, and breathe in the Barcelona circus.