Espana

The Final Cut - last meal in St Chinian

Au revoir France, hola Espana!

Its great to back in Spain. We were last here exactly 4 years ago although then, we were in the West of Spain and today, we find ourselves in the East - the Costa Brava more specifically or even more specifically, Figueres. We were welcomed by 30 degrees and crystal clear blue skies

Spain

Figueres is Salvador Dali town. He grew up here and today, it houses his lifes work - the Dali Theatre Museum, the largest surrealist object in the world.

Inside, we found a wide panorama of his works which traced his artistic progress from impressionism, futurism to cubism plus the many surrealistic creations of his entire life were on display. He is even buried in a tomb below the museum. The scope of his work was mind blowing - paintings, sketches, drawings, etchings, sculptures, settings and many more. The guy was a freak. Many of his works include his muse and wife, Gala.

We had arranged to meet up with Tanya (me old mate Graeme's wife) and her son Jordan, as they happened to be in nearby Girona today. A text from France to London organising a meet up outside the Dali Museum at 1pm in Figueres worked to typical half Austrian precision. Chris and I (with some but little help from the sprogs) blitzed the clean up in St Chinian and we arrived in Spain right on schedule. We found our hotel and checked in early. Its always a sense of relief when you book accommodation on the internet 2 months in advance and it turns out great. So far, touch wood, all has gone to plan.

So after catching up with Tanya over a couple of cervezas (ive been waiting for 4 years to bust out my 4 favourite Spanish words "dos cervezas por favor" we weaved our way through the museum, which was great.

Galatea of the Spheres by Salvador Dali

After that, we were a bit knackered so we headed home to rest a bit before we headed out to find some of that Spanish food for dinner. It was about 8pm which is not late to eat in France or Spain - everyone dines very late here. We had no idea where we were going so we just meandered towards the middle of town where most of the people seemed to be. We stumbled on to the Ramblas or the main street. the place was heaving. It was such a buzzy atmosphere. It was also really weird not being in France. Chris or I do not speak Spanish so we are relying on the "Top of her Spanish class" Jamie to take the lead. She was great - a bit nervous at first but quickly into her stride. The funniest moment so far was when she was asking for the bill after dinner, the "quenta" apparently, she asked the waiter for a beer! The guy was laughing with us which is cool.

Dinner was a selection of tapas - patatas de tortilla, jambon iberico, patatas bravas, calamare, pan con tomate and of course dos cervezas. Muy bien!

 First selfie photo in Spain

Tomorrow - clothes shopping. We haven't been shopping yet because we have been waiting for the better prices that you find here. Jamie cant wait - she is totally in her element and loves Spain.

Adios amigos :)