I am going to have to use a launderette at some point: in this heat, I have enough clothes for one week, not three!

The walk to Parc Güell is all uphill. Parts of it are very steep. Steps – with an option of an outdoor escalator – kind of steep. I needed a rest after the steps. I am not as fit as I was three years ago, thanks to the enforced rest after the heart attack. It’s going to be a while before I’m ready to tackle the Himalayas again.

I entered the parc at one of the higher entrances, close to the three crosses. I passed several very talented musicians on the way, but I found that I craved the natural sounds of a garden, rather than music. I guess it’s my fault for coming in the height of the tourist season.

The views across the city from the pinnacle were astounding. I do not think that one can really appreciate the staggering size of the Sagrada Familia from inside, or even close by – from that distance it towers over the city. And it is a tall city – blocks are regularly six stories or more high, and there are tower blocks of unknown height, all of which appeared smaller than Gaudi’s church.

It occurred to me in the parc, that the cathedral would not have been there when the park was built. Gaudi’s vision was future, not just his lifetime.

I enjoyed the strange stonework. It’s organic forms echoing the palm trees. The buildings are like something from Middle Earth, with the main entrance being the place to see it. I approached it from above, so it slowly revealed itself to me rather than blowing it’s load straight away. I loved the Grecian columns, the inspiration clear, the interpretation like a dream.

A treat, if you’re lucky, is to watch the green parrots, which are everywhere, nesting. They do make a racket though!

From the parc, I walked down towards the waterfront. An hour according to Google. Being un loco perro, I was out in the afternoon sun – and the morning’s uphill hike had taken it out of me. I needed to find somewhere to rest.

I popped into Experiencia Gaudi, about five minutes downhill from the parc. It was blessed with air-conditioning and comfy seats.

It’s a 3D cinema experience. I’m not sure how long the “show” lasted – not long really. They blew air at us and shook the seats. I guess it’s good that it wasn’t too long because I was beginning to feel a bit ill.

I also stopped at a cafe for an iced latte and a bagel. And to recharge my phone. I read some more of “El Hobbit”. I still haven’t left “Una Tertulia Inesperdada”. I wonder why they translated it as “gathering” (tertullia). The first chapter of “The Lord of the Rings” is “A Long Expected Party”, which immediately creates a link back to the first story. I guess the translation must predate the sequel.

Then I have an iced coffee and a piece of cake in a little cafe in the city’s central park. I’ve seen gay couples (mostly women) holding hands quite a lot – that’s nice to see.

I’ve also found myself thinking that Barcelona has the architecture and street plan of a capital city. The broad avenues planted with trees, the high and grand buildings, the many statues, and majestic churches.

And I am struck by how green it is and how little traffic there is. Some of the trees must have been planted since I was last here, but most are way older. There appears to be a decent and safe cycle network. And an underground metro system! I can’t help but compare it to the clogged city that I live in and it’s appalling “cycle network”.

I continued downhill, with the landscape gradually flattening out as I got to the seafront.

You really have to look around when walking through Barcelona. It is full of beautiful architecture. There’s a lot of ugly tagging type graffiti (at least it’s not too my taste), but there are some talented artists in the city.

I had to put my feet into the Mediterranean. I love the feel of the sea and the disorienting movement of the water beneath me as I watch it pulling in and out.

I do like Latin men! The beach is where you get to see the most skin and muscle. So do try not to stare.

I slowly walked back to the hostel. I was hot, smelly, and tired. And my back and feet ached. Whatever I do tomorrow, I sense that it’s going to involve less walking and some public transport!

Back at the hostel I showered and changed. I looked at the room. Every single bottom bunk has a sheet creating a little cocoon of privacy. I suspect that nobody really wants to share room with a bunch of strangers.

Same for me: the stay in the hostel was cheap and I wanted to get away for as long as I could.

I suppose the test will be whether I’m willing to make the same choice again.