We had planned on doing some shopping in the center and enjoy some air conditioned buildings as our unit does not have the sweet taste of cool air. However, unbeknownst at the time, most stores even in the highly tourist regions are closed on Sundays. I read later that is illegal for many shops to be open beyond 72 hours in one week and they must be closed Sundays. This government restriction is suppose to assist in the free market and the small businesses who are unable to compete with larger companies. Not sure how government restrictions help free market but that’s just me I guess. But I guess the Spanish economy should demonstrate how well their socialistic programs are working as their unemployment is hitting 20% in certain industries.
The restrictions did not apply to the port, as shops were open 24 hours 7 days a week. Which was great because I found a pair of shorts that fit and would be good for our volunteering and eventually Pueblo Ingles.
We scoped out a great bar and seated ourselves in the air conditioned bar about 4 or 5 hours early. Luckily some British sports were on beforehand as I got to watch some sports I had never seen before. Google the sport hurling, it’s pretty impressive. Seems like a mix of baseball, golf, lacrosse, and ultimate Frisbee.
The bar filled up, with tourists all dressed in Spain jerseys. Quite comical actually, especially since we fit this category too. Granted our $5 jerseys from Panama cost a little less than the $50-65 Euro jerseys sold here in Spain, but we were still the pitiful tourists supporting the country we were traveling in (Go USA Soccer)!!!
It was a great match. With a ridiculous amount of yellow cards, I think the Dutch team got 15 yellow cards! The match ended wonderfully as Spain won.
1-0 Spain!
We were so excited!
After the game the streets were packed!
In the streets of Barcelona!
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