Martin in a bottle.

Last week Martin, Sam and I launched our new boats - Jenny Shipley and Judy Bailey.

Check out the blog of the Treptower Yacht Club to see our adventures as we explore the waterways of Berlin...

BARCELONA, CITY OF HAM

This week I went to Barcelona for a wee holiday and to support my partner Sam as he presented at the Open Design Conference in Barcelona. Our friend Georgie came and met us there and we all stayed in an apartment in the el Raval. It was hot, dusty, hazy and full of tapas and salty fish.


Here are a few observations of our time there...



Gaudi's architecture was a delightful mix of organic gothic and playful mosaic. 

   

Gin Tonics served at my favourite local bar Pescada Salada (Salty Fish) in El Raval opened my eyes to the ingredients that can go beautifully with gin.
Served in enormous glasses, my favourite was with lime, rosemary and small olives. Maybe it also had something to do with the size...

 

The multitude of colourful umbrellas of the locals and Spanish tourists relaxing on the beaches of the Costa Brava, to the north of Barcelona, showed they had some serious sun bathing skills.  

The variety of ways to eat Jamon Serrano was a symphony of hammy deliciousness.