I arrived in Barca on Sunday the 10th and the very kind sponsors of my trip organised things that as recompense for having to get up at 3:45 to catch my flight from London, I had a couple of hours to myself to wander round before we had an official ‘work’ meeting at the Barcelona vs. racing Santander football game.
The city has never failed to inspire me since I came here in 1989 when it more or less unrecognisable as the culture capital that is its now. I can still remember the shed of an airport, the ramshackle Ramblas and other streets, wall with bullet holes in them and a not too pleasant smell.
These days it’s a totally different story, thanks to the superb development that took place for the Olympics. The streets are clean, the old building renovated and there’s a real urban chic and élan of those walking around – with some pride that they should have. The Grand marina is a great place to stroll around; there’s an abundance of wonderful churches, a magnificent Cathedral and shops, not to mention the world class museums.
One of these exits at Camp Nou, home of Barcelona FC and the venue for tonight’s soiree. I last went there on my first visit in 89 and incredibly it’s got even better and more impressive. Hospitality suites contrive to drain the excitement of football matches and this one of no exception. That said the food was regional and excellent and at least we have tickets in the stands and not in a glass box. Not footy to me.
Game’s s not up to much; Racing were beaten as they walked onto the pitch and even missed a penalty at 0-0. Barca wake up from somnambulant start and begin to play or contrive to find ways to miss. Goalless half time but takes Ronaldinho 5 mins to slot- ominously for a Liverpool fan – a free kick. Rest of match is one-sided procession. Ronnie heads in a free kick and only thing left in game is to watch his profligacy in blowing with some style various hat trick opportunities. Biggest cheers of the night for arrival from bench of returning star players.
Barca wins a basketball final again Real Madrid and ground erupts irrespective of football. Mes que un club indeed.
Ironic in an Alainis Morrissette way that that the Reds are here next week – or just bad timing. If we stand back like Racing we’ll get hammered. The idea of the latter is mooted for remainder of night but being mature adult it’s back to hotel wonderfully placed in centre of city in Plaza de Cataluña. Chic ambience shattered by English hen party negotiating entry into bar. That snobbish or have I just seen too many of same in Brighton?
Buenos suenos
Anyway I’m going to on up a new blog here for those interested in the show and all things mobile. Hi ho…
