A Quick Visit To An Old Friend In Manresa...

While I'm living in Barcelona, I'm determined to see as much of Catalonia as possible. I'm pretty lucky to have a friend living in the very centre, in a city called Manresa. I've known Eva since the TEFL course at Oxford House- it was lovely to catch up with her, and to explore her city with Nina and Julie. Getting there from Barcelona was very easy- just one train- and offered incredible views of the famous Montserrat mountain.

I definitely felt like I was in a distinctly Catalonian city here- all shop signs and menus was solely in Catalan, the bartenders spoke either Catalan or English, and we bumped into a sardena (a traditional Catalan dance- see the photos below) on the main Passieg. We just missed out on going to a €10 calçotada happening in a random city square, but it was fun to watch the locals tucking in and engrossing themselves in calçots and merry conversation. Also, watching the locals dance the same perfectly-synchronised delicate steps, while listening to the accompanying brass band under the pastel-coloured sky, was a great way to see in the evening.

It is a rare treat to find a city that has unique character, but is completely walkable; Manresa may be small, but it definitely has a lot to offer. Even better, the old city is largely untouched- unlike Barcelona's Barri Gotic, no touristy shops/bars here.

Seeing this city has whetted my appetite for seeing more Catalan cities- Girona, Tarragona, Manresa...perhaps Figueres, with its Dali museum, or Vic, from Eva's recommendation next? We shall see...

A train with a view...Montserrat, the pride and joy of Catalonia, stands in the background.

La Seu- the grand cathedral, and the first thing you notice upon entering Manresa.

A random calçotada happening in a plaza.

Locals enjoying the calçotada.

Monserrat popping up in the background.

Eva and I under the cotton candy sky.

A brass band providing music for the sardana, a traditional Catalan dance.

Locals taking part in a sardana. Occasionally, passer-bys would join the circle.

La Seu lit up at night.

Epic burger at Braserie El Glop.

Montserrat popping up in the distance once again.

Homemade vermout that I bought from a local shop, on Eva's recommendation- delicioso!