Shoes on the Streets... of Barcelona

How do you image Barcelona? I was expecting a Vicky Christina Barcelona plethora of beauties drifting around the cobbled, winding streets in tan leather brogues and two-toned cream pumps. The truth is everyone cycles, walks and skates everywhere, which calls for flat sandals and sneakers. And for others it's more about the tattoo.

What is about me that people are keen to show me their tattoos? Er, maybe because I call out my very seemly "show us ya tattoo!"

Rental bikes are everywhere in the City. Whizzing past you, clipping at your ankles and weaving through the crowds. A new scheme imported from London means you can simply pick out a bike from one of the racks located all over the city, ride to where you want to go, and drop the bike off at the nearest rack.

Amid the 15th century patina, activity is everywhere. Some do everything on their skates, even their banking.

And in the Parc de la Ciutadella table tennis is busy all day.

Walking the old town is just as rigorous as any sport, and the flats came out for these Russian friends who had happily prepared with shorts, scarves and coats for chill or shine.

For work most opted for sensible shoes and boots for work, like this hairdresser who possessed a Sinead O'Conner-like cool.

Or took their shoes off, like 26 year-old Maria Roch, designer and owner of Room near the Picassao Museum, looking effortlessly chic barefoot on the flokati rug.

Down the lane at Lisa Wixell, this shopkeeper opted for comfortable white high tops, her pink tights making the statement.

Some older couples still do the natty dressing...

While other older couples have fully embraced the REI river sandal look seen on this chap at our favourite tapas place Irati. After agreeing to be photographed, he then ushered us outside to demonstrate his pouring skills, for which, as you can see, river sandals were key.

And here the picture postcard elegance of this woman, being passed by casual friends, one tattooed, one with dreadlocks.

This policeman, a "conventionally handsome guy", as my kids would say, could not agree to having his photo taken or discuss his boots. My boss is over there, he indicated but shrugged when I said maybe I could just take a picture of the street and he would happen to be in it.

I had bought a new pair of beige Miz Mooz sandals, bit of a heel, supposed to be incredibly comfortable and go with everything. First day, blisters.  I bought a pair of Campers from a local store. More blisters.

So it was back to the old gold Havianas jandals (flip-flops). Not high-ish, not glam. Just doing their flip-flop thang.

But proved perfect when the superpowers call on you.

Just outside the old town, we met these fun blokes from Northern Ireland and England fresh from O'Hara's Irish pub. They were in the midst of that cultural staple, the bachelor party pub crawl. They only agreed to a photo if I posed with them too - then in an instant scooped me up. Then Kevin too.

I'll tell you - the old gold jandals were in their element.

Don't forget to enter the Giveaway of a scarf bought in Barcelona. The winner will be drawn randomly this Friday 13 May.
A couple of the fun comments so far:
Trish: "Yabba Dabba Doo!"
Jenn: "I startled my baby by laughing at the 'demented stewardess' part."
Mary Jo: "One can never have too many fluttery scarves to cover the after-dinner tummy."