My daughter and I fled our fleabag hotel in Toulouse for a modern hotel, "Les Bains Douces," listed as numero uno in the New York Times on 36 hours in Barcelona.  All art deco, clean, bright.  But our room door didn't lock.  The hotel treated it as if it was our problem.  And, in effect, it was our problem. 

We had a great meal though at a little restaurant across the street from the hotel.  Best pate I've had so far in my life.  Clear evidence as to why it's illegal in New York and Chicago.  Because it feels so good!  

Then we trekked the scenic route to Barcelona, about 5 hours, stopping for lunch in Carcassone, enjoying the ancient city and the modern, and the friendly college students at the tourist bureau (exchange of addresses and emails, hugs).  I visited this city more than 40 years ago when I was a college student.

Then, thanks be to God and the GPS, we found Hotel Jazz in central Barcelona.  It's a modern hotel that lives up to its name.  The traffic freaked us out.  The traffic is worse than New York City because much less organized.  It took us an hour to get into the parking area.

Then I had a single malt at the hotel bar and forgot about the car.

Tomorrow, Gaudi and Picasso, time with my daughter and her friend.  Intense flavors, and gratitude all the way.