Spring in Barcelona

There is a change of season. New sights. New sounds. New smells. The rainy days are over - maybe fewer, if not completely over. The sun is becoming a regular visitor and a welcome one! The city has a fresh new "mood" and is an exciting place to be in. I can actually hear birds singing in the early hours of the morning, and continuously throughout the day. Bare trees are once again fully clothed in their green leaves. Ladybirds and bees are back, thanks to the blooming trees and flowers. The pollen count is high. I have heard that the pollen count worldwide is alarmingly high this year. The question "Who is really in control?" needs no answering. With the change of season, I have noticed a change in people's activities and behaviour. Colourless clothing has been replaced by a bright, cooler colours. People are wearing tank tops, miniskirts, sleeveless shirts, vests and board shorts. The sightseeing buses which ply the city's tourist routes are back on the road. It seems like the flow of tourist visitors is increasing. You can hear many different languages being spoken all over the city. Ice cream shops are back in business, as the warm weather makes people feel like eating ice cream. The street vendors are also back on the street. From the African guys who sell handbags, sunglasses and watches, to the Asian guys who sell gimmicky souvenirs, the streets are alive. The main street in the city's Barrio Gotico (old district) is called La Rambla. La Rambla is a pretty oak-tree lined street, running from Plaza Catalunya down to the port. La Rambla  is a "must do" place on almost every tourist's itinerary so you can imagine how busy it is on La Rambla. The pedestrian walkway in La Rambla is throbbing with people. It is so busy you get frustrated walking behind groups of people who walk abreast and prevent you from passing. Or, the typical tourist who stops at everything, to look in a shop window or to take a photo. Thankfully, Spring has breathed new life into Barcelona and the city is alive with new vigour.