La Rambla

Asking for direction from Chris Columbus

La Rambla is the icon of Barcelona, a busy street right in the city center, popular with both tourists and locals alike. A 1.2 kilometer-long tree-lined pedestrian mall in the Barri Gothic, it connects Placa Catalunya in the center with the Christopher Columbus monument at Port Vell. Usually full of street theater, cafés and market stalls, it serves as the emotional hub of Barcelona.

Street performers, playing their songs. Sometimes some of the audience dance according to the ryhtm, including me...

When walking down La Rambla one can visit its many small shops or enjoy watching the various performances (actors, mimes etc.).

Our friend, Rezal, with the 'moment' of his life.

Cafes and restaurants on La Rambla often charge steep prices. So, for tourists on budget, indulge on any good smell you can get. But I have to admit, most of the restaurants on this street serve a good paella. With a condtion of "I have no idea what a genuine paella taste like", I recommend people to get one at any restaurant located here. Regardless of the sky shooting price, it is worth. Usually a paella marinera will cost about 20 Euro.

Paella marinera...colorful and delicious.

La Rambla can be crowded, especially during prime time tourist season. Most of the time, there are many more tourists than locals occupying las Ramblas -- this has changed the shopping selection, as well as the character of the street in general. For this reason also, it has become a prime target for pickpocketing. Lots of unwary tourists have had their wallets stolen on this street. Most recently robbery has also become an issue, even during daylight hours. So, while enjoying the stroll, keep checking your pocket and bag. A securely zipped bag can be opened without been realized.

Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca once said that La Rambla was "the only street in the world which I wish would never end". I agree. The street performers, the art exhibition, even the visitors always have something that catch my attention.

The name rambla means, in Catalan, but also in Spanish, an intermittent water flow, and is derived from the Arabe word, which means 'sandy riverbed'. I can't see the river but nonetheless I love killing my time there.