This is as much of a food report as a race report, so apologies if anyone was expecting more F1 detail! Photos and videos taken with an iPhone.
I'm a huge fan of Barcelona the city, and visit a good friend there regularly, so this was my 8th or 9th trip to the area, but first time to the GP. My only previous live race was a wet Silverstone that left me very underwhelmed, and quite happy to be just an armchair fan. This year a friend from London, Angus, suggested we visit Kimble in Barca and take in the race, so off we went on Thursday last week. The excuse was Angus' birthday. This was also a chance to indulge in another favourite pastime, eating.
To start with, some great modern tapas at Lolita, a relatively new place run by the brother of the owner of the famous El Bulli restaurant. Mini butter-beans with truffles and quails eggs were a favourite, but amazing food all round.
http://www.lolitataperia.com/en/On Friday we ate more tapas at the incredible Cuidad Condal. I eat here every trip, you just can't beat it, some of Barca's finest tapas. The mini-rib-eye steak on tostada with a padrón pepper on top is perfection.
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187497-d1059712-Reviews-Ciudad_Condal-Barcelona_Catalonia.html
The journey to the circuit on Saturday went pretty smoothly. A half hour metro then train ride to Montmelo, the town buzzing with F1 fans. We hopped on a coach that we thought would shorten the walk to the circuit, but it dropped us off at the southern main entrance so we still had a half hour walk up to the General Admission area. This wasn't so bad, a bit of a hike up the hill around the circuit, but a chance to soak up the atmosphere and get our bearings.
We sat on the steep grass banking before turn 9, cracked open the wine and waited for quali. Great views of turns 7 and 8 leading up to the fast right hander at 9. Lovely to see them stick to the track and zoom out of sight. Afterwards we watched a GP2 race and made our way back. Everything well organised, no queues, great views, everybody very polite and enjoying the sun. Not the best result for the home fans but an interesting qualifying with Mercedes one and two.
Alonso during qualifying
Me in anticipation of a Red Bull on pole
A Torro Rosso comes by
The GP2 race start after F1 qualifying
Sunday morning arrived, we're somewhat worse for wear after another late night. (Kimble is now nicknamed Kimi Wrongington) We head off for the circuit remembering the sun-block this time, along with wine, cheese, bread and my favourite, some good quality jamon. We've arrive only half an hour or so before the start, the circuit is obviously busier than Saturday, and there's no chance of getting the same spot on the bank for the start so we cross into the infield corner of turn 4 for the start and first few laps.
The leaders on lap 1, turn 4
Kimi and Massa battle into turn 4
We moved back to the top of the banking back near turn 9 and stood watching for some of the middle of the race, then found a bank further up with of nice view of the cars coming round turn 9 and accelerating away. A fantastic race for the home crowd, another Alonso masterclass, and a top day for Ferrari. A great experience, so much more fun and better value than dreary Silverstone! We're planning to go again next year. We headed back through Montmelo and stopped for a few beers, watching the groups of fans, locals, soaking up the atmosphere.
Kimble is a big Barcelona FC fan, and they were playing Athletico Madrid that evening. As we were leaving Montmelo he spotted the local penya. A penya is basically a club for the local old boys (and girls and young'uns if they want) to watch their beloved Barca. Lots of chairs and a few screens, with a fridge and a cash register to sell drinks, the place decked out with Barca colours, posters and photos. We watched them beat Athletico, making them league champions once again. Lovely timing.
On Monday we went for a 'Menu del dia' (food of the day), commonly referred to as a menu. Cheap and cheerful, these can be exquisite, depending on your luck. Fortunately with Kimble's local knowledge we enjoyed another great meal - more anchovies on mini tostadas in a gaspachio type soup, but thicker. Then a surprisingly succulent burger (no bread) and chips, bottle of delicious red wine.
Strange sign in the square by the restaurant
We had a couple of hours to kill before the flight, and Barca FC just happened to be parading their success around the city. Open-topped busses carrying sound systems, dancers and the team came through the main harbour area to the delight of many, many thousands of ecstatic fans. What a sight! I'm not a football fan, but I do enjoy watching Barca, it was an unexpected treat to see these stars come by. A real party atmosphere.
Thousands line the streets in anticipation of their team's arrival
The team bus
Angus and Kimi Wrongington
Finally it's time to depart. A surprisingly tasty hot dog (and obligatory beer) at the airport and it's home to bed. A great few days.
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