2009-06-15 Barcelona to Collioure

Today went just about as well as can be expected when travelling by rail during a rail strike. We got up this morning, both a little hung over from too much Spanish wine, and got our things packed and ready to go. After checking out of the hostel, we begin to walk to the closest metro stop when we thought, "Hey, this is the beginning of our vacation! We should splurge on a cab!" and we did!

We arrived at Barcelona Sant station in time to catch the 11:15 to Portbau. This is the closest we were able to get to our destination. Portbau is the last stop on the Spanish side before you cross into France and is a cute little burg. We were only in it momentarily as we hitched a ride in a cab with another stranded tourist named Shandre or something of the sort. She spoke no English and my French is fooey. But she was able to get a car for us all and we rode together.

The drive in was spectacular. There is nothing quite like the south of France. It seems every free inch is covered in vines, despite the rocky and steep terrain. The tenants have built up terraces in order to allow a somewhat horizontal surface in which to grow grapes. The drive gave us one great view after another.

30 minutes and 50 Euros later we were in Collioure. This is the cutest little town ever. It truly exemplifies everything you would expect from the south of france. Furthermore, Collioure has an inordinate amount of artists! You can't walk ten feet without coming to an atelier or gallery of some sort. Some good, some bad, but it all lends to the atmosphere.

There are some things I'd like to do while here but I promised Megan we could take a break. We deserve it. But there is no way I'm missing the castle on the hill :)

But as for now, a brief nap, some dinner, and then tomorrow, The Beach!