Replies

1. 
   cynthia2 | Oct 03, 2007 06:35am | #1

   Hi JT.  I was in Barcelona last year and found a great fabric shop at the north end of La Rambla -- a long main street that runs north/south through the city.  I can't remember the name of the shop, but I'll pull out some old Mastercard receipts and see if I can find it.  If not, just walk north on La Rambla and it will be on the East side of the street near the top.  You can also try calling the concierge at any of the top hotels in the city (there's a Ritz Carlton there, I'd try them first).  A good concierge will be able to direct you to both the fabric shops and any fashion museums.  Barcelona is a beautiful city.  Try to see the Gaudi homes and definitely the cathedral he helped design.  They are incredible.  I hadn't expected to like his work, but the more I saw of it and learned about it, the more I came to like it.  The best way to see the city is to use the Hop On, Hop Off tour bus.  Just like the name implies, you can hop on and off as it makes its way around the city.  There are actually several, so you can hop off at the cathedral, take the tour, and hop on another.  They're great fun.  Do be careful, though.  Purse snatching is almost a hobby in Barcelona and pickpockets are plentiful on La Rambla.  I didn't have a problem, but several colleagues did.  Like any major city anywhere in the world, just be careful and alert.  I found everyone that I met in Barcelona to be charming and welcoming.  Have a wonderful time!  Best, Cynthia

1. 
   jatman | Oct 03, 2007 08:54am | #2

   Thank you, Cynthia!  I will try to find that store and look at the Gaudi architecture (I need to do my research!).  I also appreciate the advice - I've been very fortunate in that I've never had a problem any place that I've gone but because of that I tend to get lax and think nothing will happen to my purse/wallet/suitcase/etc.  It never hurts to have a reminder!  Thank you again!

   JT