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a feel good travel blog

Top 7 Food Markets in Barcelona to Eat like a Local

2/26/2020

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Sure the architecture is beautiful and the sun is nice, but most people visit Spain to experience the food. Quality and fresh food is a part of Spanish culture, and the Catalans are no exception. The city itself features 39 food markets so it's hard to know, which ones are the best to visit. Some are better and bigger than others, and most tourists will stay in certain zones, which makes various food markets more accessible than others. 

When hungry and looking for something fresh and something cheap, be sure to check out these local favorite food markets. 
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pixabay.com
Mercat de Galvany
Located in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, the posher part of town, this market offers the finer foods in life. Different than most markets in the city, here foodies discover everything from sushi to charcuteries to organic produce. Smaller than most markets, it unfortunately is not one of the cheapest markets, but certainly offers a variety of local and international eats. 


Mercat de Santa Caterina 
Known as the second market, Santa Caterina is near the Barcelona Cathedral in the El Born area near the Gothic Quarter. Tourists and locals visit here, but is not flooded with tourists like La Boqueria. Most people recognize this market thanks to the wavy and vibrant roof, which looks similar to the skin of a mutli-colored lizard. Like every other market, one finds a variety of produce, seafood, cheese and tapas stalls. Many recommend Bar Joan. 
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La Boqueria
This is the most notable and popular food market in Barcelona. Located off the famous La Rambla Boulevard, some claim its overcrowded with tourists. Don't let tourists shy you away though. It's a tourist attraction, not a tourist trap. Many local chefs order their produce and meat from this market, making it the most prominent market in town. For a market, the prices are higher here than at most in town. Opened since 1840, guests discover a variety of produce, spice and candy stalls as well as cafe, tapas, charcuteries and juice counters. Some claim El Quim de la Boqueria is the most popular place to eat. 

Mercat de la Barceloneta
Located near the waterfront, this market is frequently visited by locals looking for the fresh catch of the day. The local neighborhood once housed and operated many of the city's fishing industry. Expect to hear lots of chatter between locals searching for the best seafood in town. The vibe is as "neighborhoody" as one can get in the city. 
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Mercat de Sant Antoni
This market emerged in 1882 satisfying locals with fresh food for over a century  After a near decade of renovations, this market finally reopened to the public in 2018. Known as the next big thing, the market features 235 stalls, of which 53 are fresh produce stands. Like La Boqueria, many people visit for the tapas and fresh fish. On Sundays, there is a book market that surrounds the building and some stalls also sell trinkets and other small things. 
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Mercat de la Llibertat
​Small and intimate, this is another market to experience the "neighborhood" vibe. Seafood and produce stands are here as well as fresh food. Inside there is a Bonpreu super market so if looking to compliment your makeshift lunch with cheap groceries, be sure to check out this market (less impressive than the others). 

Mercat de Hostafrancs

Known as the most eclectic in Barcelona, if looking for some yummy treats...and maybe a cheap dress...shop here. Besides traditional food and produce stalls, outside the market are stalls offering plenty of household bargain buys. From inexpensive clothing to books, toys and stationary goods, this market is chocked full of locals trying to find the best deal in town. Some recommend to eat the Bar de Mercat d'Hostafrancs.

What's your favorite food stall or market in Barcelona?

This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Top 7 Food Markets in Barcelona to Eat like a Local.

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Must-Visit Historical Attractions in Nice, France

2/25/2020

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Nice, France is an ancient French town residing along the French Riviera on the Mediterranean Ocean. Discovered by the Greeks, conquered by the Romans and influenced by the Italians, Nice has an unusual historical past, distinguished by a variety of architectural styles originating from different periods. Over the Centuries of it's turbulent history, today, Nice is a calm and quiet town visited by tourists and artists alike. Between the ocean and the Old Town, there is plenty of beauty and history  to discover in Nice. 
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Old Town  of Nice 
The Old Town of Nice (Vieille Ville), also called Old Nice (Vieux Nice) sits nearby the Mediterranean just below Castle Hill. Old Town is where most people spend their time and for good reason. The streets comprise of old tenements, churches, plazas and squares filled with street side cafes and shops. It is easy to get lost in the narrow, shadowed, cobblestone streets that meander around town. Besides an array of shopping and culinary adventures, this is the area to discover some of the most vibrant buildings, displaying a mix of warm and cool-colored hues.  

Some major points of interest include: 

La Place Rossetti - The most notable square in Nice that features the architectural wonder, the Nice Cathedral. This is one of the most notable and bustling squares in Nice, and for a good reason, since it is one of the most picturesque and represents the life and culture of Nice. 

False Gate - The marble gate is the gateway to the newer part of the city. 

The Cathedral of St. Reparata - This 17th Century cathedral's dome is visible from Castle Hill. Inside are the remains of Saint Reparata, the patron saint of Nice. 
 
Other churches exist and various markets pop up at times in Old Town. It is easy to get "lost" to explore the various shops, cafes, churches and relics. Travelers find a variety of French favorite shops from antique stores to French soaps and spices to tablecloths and handmade aprons. 

I recommend a half day to experience the best of Old Town. 
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​Placa Massena - Built in the 1840's, this plaza is the jewel of Nice. As seen in the image below, this is one of the main plazas, which also attach to various Old Town streets. The plaza consists of various bronze statue water fountains and art pieces along a checkered, tiled ground. Look up and discover seven statues propped upon high poles. Each pole symbolizes the continents on our planet.

Norte Dame Church

Located in city center is the largest church in Nice, the Norte Dame. Similar to the Norte Dame in Paris, this church was built after Nice became French between 1864-1868. It became the first modern religious structure, but adheres to relics of the past with scenes from the Assumption, featuring 19th Century stained glass windows and two square towers. 
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Castle Hill 
Besides Old Town, Castle Hill is another must-visit attraction in Nice not only for the fantastic views, but to discover Nice's ancient past. This hill divides the seaside of Nice into two parts, the eastern part with the port and the western part with Old Town. The castle and the cathedral was first mentioned in the 11th Century where these buildings were once the center of town. 

Before this, the Greeks lived in Nice, calling their 4th Century settlement Nikaia. Walking up Castle Hill one notices the remains of Greek artwork as well as the defensive walls. The castle was demolished in 1706 thanks to the commands of King Louis XIV, and the ruins are still visible today.

Everyday at noon a cannon fires on the top of the hill. Legend has it Sir Thomas Coventry-More, firing his cannon, notified his wife to come back from the city center for lunch
. There are two historic cemeteries to explore on the top of the hill, one being Jewish, the other Catholic. On top of the hill are two panoramic view points, one overlooking Old Town and the other overlooking the port. 

Cimiez 
This neighborhood in Nice contains the ruins of the Roman town, 
Cemenelum. Founded in the 1st Century, this area was a staging post for Roman troops in the Alpes Maritime region, which later became the capital. Ruins include Roman baths, amphitheater and arena. 

The area was also once visited by beloved artists such as Matisse. The Museum Matisse houses the artist's work, belongings and historical artifacts.  Today, people roam the neighborhood to admire Belle Époque architecture. Visit The grand Boulevard de Cimiez to marvel at the luxury historic hotels built throughout the Victorian Era. One of the most notable is the 1908 Grand Hotel. 

Discover more beauty and charm at the Park Arènes and Cimiez Monastery, which has homed Franciscan monks since the 16th Century. The Cimiez cemetery includes burial remains of Matisse, French painter, Raoul Dufy, Russian and British diplomats as well as the 
1937 Nobel Prize winner for Literature, Roger Martin du Gard.
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La Promenade de Anglais 
One cannot visit Nice without walking on the famous seaside footpath. According to the Nice Tourism website, "
Originally a footpath no more than 6 feet wide, it was widened by an Englishman, Reverend Lewis Way, at his expense in 1820 and the local population soon dubbed it ‘Chemin des Anglais’. In 1931, when it was given its final form with two roadways separated by a central reservation planted with palm trees, the ‘Prom’ was inaugurated by the Duke of Connaught, one of Queen Victoria’s sons."

Le Negresco
As seen in the image, this Belle-Epoque is the only landmark in Nice that is a hotel and a museum. Built in 1912, the hotel features 121 rooms and 24 suites, each decorated in their own style ranging from modern art to Louis XIII style.  The museum contains five centuries of art history and rated a five-star hotel. Some claim this is one of the most prominent hotels worldwide. 

What's your favorite historical spot in Nice, France? 

This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Must-Visit Historical Attractions in Nice, France.

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11 Historical Sites to Visit in Tucson, Arizona

2/6/2020

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When people think of desert cities, they rarely think of rich culture and historical attractions. Thanks to the Missionaries, the Natives and the cowboys, Tucson is a place chocked full of historical sites, landmarks and homes. Be sure to experience some of the best of Tucson's past. 
Old Tucson
Known as the region's premiere film location, this old Wild West town features plenty of shops, stunt shows and traditional southwest barbecue. More than 400 film and commercial production have been made here. 

For another old district, visit Old Town Artisans. Located in the El Presidio Historic District, these 150-year old adobe style buildings feature six local and fine art studios and galleries. There is also a Spanish-style courtyard filled with plenty of regional plants and trees where visitors enjoy lunch and a coffee.  

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Mission San Xavier del Bac
A must visit while in Tucson, this national historic landmark is considered the finest example of Mexican Baroque architecture in the United States. Founded in 1692, this Mission is part of a series of missions founded by the Jesuit missionary, Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, who traveled throughout the southwest and parts of Mexico to spread Catholicism. Before the establishment of the Mission, the  Tohono O'odham people lived, and still live nearby today. This active parish is an architectural wonder inside and out. Located across the parking lot is a climbable hill topped with a large cross.

It is common for pilgrims to visit today. The front of the church's exterior contains a large shell etched into the facade, above the doorway. This symbol is the same as seen in many churches in Spain welcoming pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago.
 

Part of the parish contains a museum and a shrine that keeps inexpensive lit prayer candles.
Barrio Historico 
This historic neighrbohood in downtown Tucson features original and typical Sonoran architecture. The vibrant adobe style homes and businesses reside between Main Ave. and Stone Ave. just south of Cushing Street. 

J. Knox Corbett HouseThis Mission Revival style home was built in 1907 by David Holmes. The Corbett family lived in the house for 56 years, and today is now the Tucson Museum of Art. Back in the day, the house was a social hub where the family hosted many parties, events and meetings. 
Garden of Gethsemane
Located west of downtown is this public statue garden depicting some of the most prominent Christian scenes such as the crucifix and the Last Supper. The creator, Felix Lucero, was stationed in France during World War One. During his time abroad, he made a promise to dedicate the rest of his life creating religious work, which he kept his word. ​
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El Tiradito
Located near Downton in Barrio Viejo, is El Tiradito, a quasi-spiritual and historical site. This site is dedicated to the steamy love affair between Juan Oliveras, a young recently married eighteen (18) year old Mexican Sheep Ranchers son in law, and his mother in law who was the wife of a very wealthy sheep rancher. Legend has it that he was a "sinner and a lover," and the shrine is dedicated to a "bad guy." The husband caught Juan and his wife making love in his bed and chased and axed down Juan, killing him in his own blood. 

According to tusconmuseum.com, "
The 'Curse of The Wishing Shrine' centers predominately on its visitors motives for their visit, and their own lives. It is said that if one visits with a clear open heart that forgives, they will pass, and they may even get their wish fulfilled. For others, it may just be the beginning of history repeating itself depending on what they themselves bring to the shrine. Also, it is said that if you light a candle at the shrine and it remains burning all night long without going out by sunrise, your wish may be granted depending on your motivations."

Barrio 
Viejo is Tucson's second oldest historic district. Built in the 1870's, city planners bulldozed much of the original adobes for urban renewal in the 1960's. The area features the most adobe style homes compared to any other neighborhood in Tucson. 
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Image from Pixabay
St. Augustine Cathedral
Built in 1896, this Romanesque Revival Style church resides near Downtown Tucson. Open for services, the facade contains etchings of horned toad lizards, yucca and saguaro. Statues of the Mother Mary and Saint Augustine, the patron saint of Tucson, are found onsite. Once inside, it feels like a walk back through time in Europe, a moment where it's easy to forget that one is in Arizona. 

St. Philips in the Hills Episcopal Church
Located near the foothills, this is another popular site for prayer, solitude and reflection. A once famous Tucson architect, Josias Joesler, designed this structure in 1936 showcasing the best of Spanish design. Besides services, the church hosts a variety of music events and concerts and also features an art gallery, memorial garden and labyrinth. ​
San Pedro Chapel
This historic desert church sits on a hillside overlooking the Old Fort Lowell Neighborhood. Built by residents in 1932, this was once the prime chapel of worship. Today, the chapel services events, parties and memorials. 


Sosa-Carillo-Fremont House Museum
Built in the 1870's, this house is a prime example of Sonoran and Territorial architecture. This typical row house contains a Black Mission fig tree, which is typical and also an offspring of the Spanish Mission Era. The house is used for public events, exhibits and play performances. 

This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to 12 Historical Sites to Visit in Tucson, Arizona.

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    Author

    Elizabeth Rae Kovar is a Fitness Trainer, Author of Finding Om, Presenter, Yogi, Vegan & lover of the World. View her portfolio at www.elizabethkovar.comor health-based blog at mindbodysoul-food.com

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