It all started innocently enough. A couple of us had never been to Barcelona, but heard about the great architecture, and had always wanted to see the Gaudiness of it all. Soon we were 4, then word got around, and we ended up as 8. I searched the net for cheap flights and reasonable accommodation, and soon, it was all sorted. 3 nights away, no kids, no men, no hassle……..I think we went Easijet that first year. We met at the airport for croissants and bucks fizz. did a bit of essential last minute shopping for much needed shoes, then boarded, The Easijet crew were very accommodating, turning a blind eye to the bottle of Cava we comforted ourselves with when the plane developed a fault and the aviation equivalent of the RAC had to be called in to do running repairs. Ever resourceful, the member, soon to be known as sister Angelica had been to Asda and appropriated 10 stylish plastic champagne flutes for ONLY 99p.
HOW much?…HOW many ? exclaimed Barbarella, in disbelief. This was to become her catchphrase, much mimicked and overused during the course of our subsequent trips.
After the repairs, the rest of the flight went without a hitch, and we were soon at our destination. The San Agustin was in a handy spot, just off the Ramblas. We were fascinated to learn it has been an ex-nunnery. It was only a matter of time I suppose before this was capitalised upon for the amusement of the group. It was a perfectly nice hotel, though watch out for the fluorescent orange juice!..It looked like the stuff you used to get in a tin, in the 60’s to be reconstituted with water. I don’t think an orange had been within a mile of it. Nevertheless, we were pleased enough with the place, and it was very handy for the shops and just up the road from the museum of sado-masochism (if anyone is interested) You can check it out at tripadvisor.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187497-d234573-Reviews-Hotel_Sant_Agusti-Barcelona_Catalonia.html ( the hotel…not the museum!)
Soon, we found a nearby square. Can’t remember what it is actually called, but according to the books, it can be a bit dodgy at times, hence the nickname. Anyway, it seemed lively, and being 8 of us, we felt there was safety in numbers, so we found ourselves a bar to relax and unwind outside. If you are lucky, as we were, you might find yourself the subject of the talented but somewhat risqué silhouette artist. All members were presented with an impressively accurate head profile, and an equally impressive, though somewhat pornographic full length representation featuring a variety of activities and positions. We all ended up handing over our 5 euros, lest they fell into the wrong hands and we were recognised!
We had a great time in Barcelona. Days were spent sightseeing…The architecture is amazing- and shopping- stopping for coffee- chatting and generally chllling out. Good finds were the lovely glass earrings and pendants, and the interestingly named, ‘Orgasmatrons’, actually fantastic little wire implements for head massage! The harbour area is beautiful, and you can have a paddle too if you like. Evenings were spent dining and drinking.
Most of the places we dined were great, with one exception, One afternoon, en route back to our hotel, two of the party were accosted by workers from a restaurant along the Ramblas and persuaded they would have the most delicious meal if they returned later. We ended up being served was imaginatively described by on of the group as ‘donkey chops’- some shrivelled up, tough tasteless gristle! Being ladies used to food that is at least edible, we refused to pay for the worst. Threats to call the police did not wash with us. We stood our ground and left. Apparently, the quality of food is well known for being less than fantastic along this patch…Better to eat away from the main street or head for the harbour area!
Most nights out seemed to end up back at Dodgy square with a few jugs of Sangria. We always liked to dress for dinner, specifically; we liked to dress in wigs. And teeth., and we did tend to get a lot of admiring looks. Check out the pics and judge for yourself! I really do think we look gorgeous!
…All of which brings me to where we started…..how the ole sister were formed. It was noted that one of the group was surreptitiously making notes of the dialogue, which is how the minutes of the meeting evolved. I will retrieve the original minutes of the inaugural meeting and post them for the entertainment of anyone who wishes to read them. The ole sisters went on to plan many more social events, culminating in an annual general meeting (AKA holiday)…. Watch this space for Venice 2005, Malta 2006, somewhere cold just before Xmas 2007, and the centenary cruise around the Med 2008