Easter 2002 saw us taking a short break in Barcelona. It is an amazing city and we could quite understand why people rave about it. For me the added bonus was that it is on the coast and has a beach, so you get something for everyone.

We arrived in torrential rain and the first thing we had to do was buy a large umbrella in order to walk around, but from there things really started to look up. This is Gaudi's city alright and everywhere you walked there was something to marvel at, providing you looked up! We seemed to pack a lot into a short space of time. We visited museums, parks, the beach, went up in a cable car and seemed to spend lots of time going up and down Las Ramblas.

Again we were struck by what a great thing a metro is. The Barcelona version rivals Paris in its frequency, cleanliness and ease of use. Why do we get it so wrong in Britain? The thing that did make us feel at home, however, was the hotel - "indifferent" would be the kindest description once we managed to get a room with a window. The guide books say avoid hotel breakfasts and we would concur; the hot food was cold, the dining room boasted one teaspoon and choice was pitiful. However, the accommodation was central and the staff were friendly enough. Barcelona itself more than made up for it and this a city that is definitely worth a second look.

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