June 21, 2025

Lunch at El Fornet Near Our Hotel

We had lunch at El Fornet (see on map), a café within walking distance of our hotel, Hotel Violeta Boutique (see on map). We had passed by it earlier and thought it looked stylish and cozy.

As soon as we entered, the staff told us “No English,” but we managed with pointing and gestures. We ordered an Iberian ham sandwich, cheese-filled bread, and freshly squeezed orange juice for 18€. The staff were friendly, and while the food and atmosphere were average, the overall experience was pleasant.

After leaving that café, we happened to find another branch of El Fornet and realized it was a chain café. We felt a bit disappointed—on trips, we usually prefer independent local shops. But Taco Bell doesn’t count; I love Taco Bell.

Visiting a Flower Shop and Market

We visited Flors Navarro (see on map), a flower shop we had seen from the bus the day before. Behind the flower shop was a small market(see on map). It was hard to tell whether the place was closed for the day or shutting down entirely, but it felt like the market was slowly declining.

I’m not an expert on European cities, but Barcelona seems full of modern supermarkets now. Maybe fewer people go to traditional markets these days.

Flying from Barcelona to Paris

After returning to the hotel and packing, we took the airport bus from Plaça de Catalunya (see on map) to Barcelona–El Prat International Airport (see on map). The fare was 7.45€ per person.

At the airport’s Terminal 1, we visited the Sala VIP Pau Casals Lounge. The lounge was spacious and comfortable, with plenty of food and drinks. Nothing was mind-blowingly delicious, but there were so many options that we didn’t get bored.

A Pleasant Surprise at ALE-HOP

Near our boarding gate, we saw ALE-HOP, a store we had noticed several times around the city. We went in and were surprised—hats were only 6€! I immediately bought one on impulse. Just a few days ago, I had paid 45€ for a cap at RSVP (see on map) in Paris, so this was about one-seventh the price.

When I asked the cashier to remove the price tag because I wanted to wear the hat right away, she tore it off with a quick, strong motion. I couldn’t help thinking, “That was wild.”

Arrival in Paris and Settling In

After landing at Orly Airport (see on map), we called an Uber. There’s a designated pickup area at the airport, and each section has lettered signs like “F,” which makes it easy to tell your driver where you are.

Our Airbnb apartment was new, functional, and comfortable. Since we had stayed in hotels during our trip in Spain, we couldn’t do laundry for a while, so the first thing we did after checking in was wash a huge pile of clothes.

An Ice Cream Gem: Les Gourmandises

We picked up a suitcase we had left with a friend in Paris and stopped by Merci (see on map), a shop within walking distance. Unfortunately, the hat I had wanted was sold out.

Later, we visited a nearby ice cream shop called Les Gourmandises, Glaces maison (see on map). I ordered milk chocolate chip and lemon, while he chose pear and passion fruit. Both were absolutely delicious, and the two cups together cost 9€.

Maybe the Paris heat made the ice cream taste even better, but I’m sure it would be just as good on a cold day. That’s how amazing it was.

While we were eating on the terrace, a man who seemed to be the owner came over and asked, “Where are you from?” When we said “Japan,” he smiled and greeted us in Japanese, saying, “Konnichiwa. Arigato.” He had seemed a bit distant when we ordered inside, but in reality, he was a very warm and friendly person.

On our way back to the apartment, we stopped by Carrefour City Sedaine Paris (see on map) and bought some gratin and other food for dinner.

<p>The post Barcelona Travel Diary 2025-03/Paris Travelogue 2025-05:A Happy Surprise at ALE-HOP in Barcelona Airport and the Best Ice Cream in Paris first appeared on ふたり暮らし。.</p>

June 19, 2025

We started the day with breakfast at a café called Casp, just around the corner from our hotel. We ordered a panini, a croissant, and a latte for €6.70. The food wasn’t bad, but there was nothing special to praise either. The café had a 2.8-star rating on Google Maps, and we thought, “That sounds about right.”

Visiting the Sagrada Família

After breakfast, we took the B24 bus toward the Sagrada Família (see on map). However, we couldn’t pay by tapping our credit cards. The driver kindly told us, “Yellow buses are cash only.”

When we finally stood before the Sagrada Família, we were struck by its massive scale — much larger than we had imagined. Entering through the Nativity façade, we were greeted by the morning light shining through colorful stained glass windows. The light poured onto the floor, creating a breathtaking glow.

We took an elevator up one of the towers and then descended via a narrow spiral staircase. We had downloaded the official audio guide app, but the commentary was too long to follow while walking, and the passageways were too narrow to stop and listen, so we barely used it.

Seeing the tower’s decorations up close was thrilling — beautiful, charming, and bold. The Sagrada Família is still under construction, and walking down the spiraling stairs allowed us to peek through gaps at the dizzying drop below. It was both scary and fun.

When we sat on a bench inside the basilica afterward, the morning light had softened. The earlier light had been sharper and more vivid, but even now, when the sunbeams broke through, the colors filled the space like a living prism. The ceiling rose impossibly high — magnificent in every way.

We ended our visit by viewing the Passion façade, the underground exhibition, and the museum shop before stepping out into the sunlight again.

Churros Break at La Selecta de Xurros

We strolled through a park with a pond (see on map), but the sight of a seagull eating a pigeon’s remains shocked us. The heat in Barcelona was intense, and the park was crowded, so we decided to rest at La Selecta de Xurros (see on map).

We ordered five churros with hot chocolate for €6. The churros were freshly fried and delicious, with chocolate that wasn’t overly sweet. Still, we both preferred the churros we’d had in Ronda and Granada. I liked the ones in Ronda best, while my partner favored Granada’s. These churros were closer to the kind we can find in Japan — tasty but not particularly unique.

Lunch at Taco Bell

After leaving the churros shop, we had lunch at a Taco Bell near the Sagrada Família (see on map). It was lunchtime, so we patiently waited in a long line. I’ve always liked Taco Bell, so I didn’t mind.

Afternoon at Park Güell

We took another bus, this time one that accepted tap-to-pay. The ride was smooth, and soon we arrived at Park Güell (see on map).

It was brutally hot, with harsh sunlight and few places to rest. The cave-like stone walls were interesting, though they looked as if they might crumble at any moment. The main terrace was completely exposed to the sun, so we went down to the shaded area beneath it. A cool breeze blew through — it felt like a relief.

Looking back, the exhaustion from days of travel and the relentless heat must have gotten to us. There, in the cool shade, we ended up having an argument. We sat quietly for a while, calmed down, and eventually made up.

We walked over to the “Casa del Guarda” (see on map), but the line was so long that we decided not to go inside. The building itself could be entered for free without an extra ticket.

At the gift shop, my partner bought a lizard-shaped bookmark. Unfortunately, the two women at the counter were too busy chatting to even glance at her. When her credit card didn’t go through the first time, they didn’t stop talking — one just pointed at the card reader and said, “Doesn’t work.” When the payment finally went through, one of them held the item against her chest until their conversation reached a climax, then handed it over without looking up. My partner was understandably furious.

On the bus ride back, she muttered, “Gaudí’s Sagrada Família was incredible, but this park — and this city — are just boring!”

Dinner at Pirineu En Boca Barcelona

That evening, we went to Pirineu En Boca Barcelona (see on map), a restaurant run by a butcher shop. My partner ordered lamb chops, and I had a faux sirloin steak. We also shared Andalusian-style fried eggplant with honey.

The portions were generous, the atmosphere was warm, and overall, we were completely satisfied. My steak had cooled a bit by the time it reached the table, but it was still delicious.

For dessert, we tried sheep’s yogurt and “mató.” We weren’t sure what mató was when ordering — turns out it’s a type of cheese. The yogurt was quite sour, but drizzling honey over it made it wonderfully refreshing. My partner liked it too.

The total came to €69.95, and we left feeling that it had been one of the best dinners of our entire trip.

<p>The post Barcelona Travel Diary 2025-02:A Day of Wonder, Heat, and Heartfelt Moments in the City of Gaudí first appeared on ふたり暮らし。.</p>

Flying from Granada to Barcelona, exploring the Miró Foundation, and savoring an unforgettable paella near La Boqueria Market.

Morning Departure from Granada

We entered the breakfast hall right when it opened at 7:30 a.m.

Although the menu was exactly the same as the previous day, the quality of the Hotel Guadalupe (see on map) buffet remained excellent — fresh juice, flaky croissants, and a solid cheese selection. For 12€ per person, it was well worth it.

After breakfast, we checked out at 9:30 a.m. and took Bus No. 35 toward the city center to catch the airport bus. Near the cathedral, we noticed police vehicles and grass laid out along the road. It turned out to be a local holiday in Granada, and the area was closed to traffic. We had already checked the airport bus stop (see on map) the day before, but the buses couldn’t enter this zone.

Thinking there was still plenty of time before our flight, I suggested to my partner, “We can probably walk past the closed area and catch the bus.” But she was stressed by the unexpected situation and insisted on sticking with our backup plan — taking an Uber.

Google Maps still showed buses entering the closed zone, which likely meant it wasn’t synced with the local transport data.

We called an Uber, and not long after departure, we passed a square (see on map) where travelers were boarding the airport bus. I said, “See? I thought we could’ve caught it there.” My partner glared at me and said, “You always say things after the fact!” She was right — I’d stayed quiet earlier because she seemed anxious and I didn’t want to add to it.

Still, the Uber ride was smooth, and we reached Granada Airport quickly. The fare was 33.99€.

Flight to Barcelona

Granada Airport was small and quiet, with a simple security check and a tiny duty-free area.

According to Priority Pass, members could spend up to 22€ at a restaurant here, but unfortunately, our digital card (from the Rakuten Premium Card) didn’t qualify for that benefit.

We noticed a branch of Casa Ysla — the same café we’d visited downtown two days earlier.

From the airplane window, we caught a glimpse of the Sagrada Família rising above Barcelona.

Soon after, we landed at Barcelona–El Prat International Airport (see on map), an enormous and well-organized hub.

Following the signs for buses, we found the InterCity area and took the A1 bus from the ground floor to Plaça de Catalunya (see on map). Payment was simple — just tapped our credit cards on the driver’s terminal. The fare was 7.45€ per person.

Checking into Our Barcelona Hotel

From the square, it was about a seven-minute walk to our hotel, Violeta Boutique (see on map).

It seemed to have been converted from an office building — no elevator, slow Wi-Fi, and thin walls — but the room was clean, spacious, and pleasant enough.

After settling in, we had coffee and biscuits in the room, then set out for the Miró Foundation (see on map).

Visiting the Miró Foundation

We took Bus No. 55 from near Plaça de Catalunya.

The flat fare in Barcelona was 2.65€, higher than Granada’s 1.6€, though comparable to Paris Metro prices. We got off at Av Miramar – Fundació Joan Miró (see on map), though the previous stop, Av de l’Estadi – Vivers, would have been a slightly shorter walk.

The Miró Foundation was full of whimsical, imaginative works — some even reminded us of the “Hunter language” from Hunter × Hunter. The art was playful, colorful, and full of life.

The café inside the museum was completely empty, and we didn’t find anything irresistible in the museum shop, but the exhibits left us smiling. We thought, “If they had quirky, cute souvenirs that matched Miró’s art, we would’ve bought some.”

Evening Around La Boqueria Market

When we exited the museum, the No. 55 bus happened to arrive right away, so we rode it back toward the city center.

We stopped at La Boqueria Market (see on map), which had been featured on the Japanese TV show Sandwichman & Mana Ashida’s Doctor-chan. The market was clearly tourist-oriented, though lively and colorful.

We tried a fried burrito (5€), which wasn’t bad but not particularly delicious either. Since we arrived around 6 p.m., many stalls were already closing.

Feeling hungry, we searched Google Maps and found a restaurant called Miño (see on map) nearby. We ordered one portion of paella to share, plus another burrito. My partner had a glass of wine, while I chose a non-alcoholic ginger beer.

The paella was absolutely incredible — rich with squid ink and shrimp flavor that soaked into every grain of rice. We ended up racing each other to finish it.

On our way back, we stopped at a convenience store called Condis (see on map) to buy water and yogurt (1.95€) before returning to the hotel.

<p>The post Barcelona Travel Diary 2025-01: From Granada to Barcelona — A Day of Art, Paella, and City Charm first appeared on ふたり暮らし。.</p>

June 18, 2025

We went to the breakfast buffet right at the opening time, 7:30 a.m. It had a generous selection — freshly squeezed orange juice, flaky croissants, and various kinds of cheese. For 12€ per person, it was absolutely satisfying.

Since we had reserved 8:30 a.m. entry tickets to the Nasrid Palaces (see on map), we had to hurry after breakfast. The main entrance (see on map) closest to our hotel, Hotel Guadalupe (see on map), officially opened at 9:00, but showing our Nasrid Palace tickets and passports allowed us to enter earlier.

Visiting the Nasrid Palaces

When we arrived, there was already a line, but it moved quickly. The famous Lion Fountain — often called the highlight — was less intricately carved than expected, and I couldn’t help but think, “Is this really the main attraction?” Later, I learned this section was once the harem, much like a women’s quarters in Japan.

There wasn’t a Japanese audio guide available when we visited, and I hope they bring it back someday.

The early morning visit turned out to be the right choice — it was cool, not too crowded, and the sunlight streaming onto the marble floors was beautiful. By the time we left, the sun was blazing again, and the pleasant coolness had already vanished.

Walking Through the Fortress Walls

We walked to the fortress walls (see on map). With no shade, it was intensely hot, but the panoramic view of the city made it worthwhile.

The Generalife Gardens

Next, we went to the Generalife Gardens (see on map). The courtyards surrounded by buildings were beautiful, and the flowerbeds were vibrant. Pomegranate trees — granada literally means “pomegranate” — were blooming with orange flowers. Roses and water lilies were in full bloom as well.

We were surrounded by flowers in every direction, and we felt deeply glad we had come.

There were several drinking-water stations around the vast grounds, so we refilled our bottles while walking.

Terrace Café Overlooking the Gardens

We stopped at the terrace café (see on map) attached to Parador de Granada, which offered a lovely view of the Generalife Gardens. We ordered a beer and an orange juice. A staff member asked, “Would you like some water?” and when we said yes, a bottle arrived — for 3€. The total was 13.50€ (2,343 yen). It was a refreshing break before the afternoon heat.

Afternoon Siesta

We returned to the hotel intending to take a siesta, but despite lying down on the bed, we couldn’t really fall asleep.

Evening in the City

In the evening, we took the bus downtown. Our first stop was Alhambra Churrería Granada (see on map), where we had crispy, delicious churros. They were even lighter and crunchier than the ones we had in Ronda, and the hot chocolate was thick and rich. When I told the clerk how good they were, she proudly said, “Five generations.” The bill came to 5.90€.

At the nearby square, there was another festival-like event, this time with a Pikachu?-like balloon — or maybe it was Raichu?.

Exploring the Islamic Quarter

We walked through Calle Calderería Nueva (see on map), a street with a strong Moorish atmosphere. We stopped by Tetería Dar Ziryab (see on map), a beautifully decorated Islamic-style café.

I ordered mint tea and baklava, while my partner chose a tropical smoothie. The baklava was soaked in syrup — intensely sweet at first, but the sweetness faded cleanly, leaving a pleasant nutty taste from the pistachios. The mint tea was refreshing, though the tea at the bottom of the pot was shockingly bitter. Everything cost 12.50€.

Afterward, we walked up the steep slope to Mirador de San Nicolás (see on map), a viewpoint overlooking the Alhambra and the city. In hindsight, we should have taken the bus — the hill was steep and the place was packed with people. The view was magnificent, but it was hard to find a comfortable spot to sit.

Dinner at a Local Bar

We took the bus back down and had dinner at Bodega Los Tintos – A Elegir (see on map). The staff didn’t speak any English, but using a translation app on my iPhone helped us communicate.

We ordered two glasses of sangria, and three small tapas came with it: eggplant fritters, anchovies topped with caviar, and a few other bites. When we asked for gazpacho, the staff said, “We have salmorejo instead,” so we tried it. The garlic flavor was strong and delicious — I wished I had ordered more.

Since I love eggplant, I was happy to see it among the tapas, though I thought thicker slices would have made it better. The total was 16€.

As we left, we took a selfie, and a cheerful local photobombed us with a peace sign — a small but heartwarming moment.

Back to the Hotel

We returned to the hotel by bus around 10 p.m. The night in Granada was still bright and alive.

<p>The post Andalusia Travel Diary 2025-04:Exploring the Alhambra Palace and Its Gardens, Enjoying Local Cafés and Tapas in Granada first appeared on ふたり暮らし。.</p>

June 17, 2025

We had a simple breakfast of leftover bread, cheese, and salami before taking a morning walk through the park next to the bullring (see on map). The air was cool and refreshing. Ronda is such a beautiful town—we were both so glad to have come here. It truly exceeded our expectations.

After packing our bags, we checked out of our Airbnb at 11:30 a.m. and walked to Ronda Station (see on map). Today we were taking the train from Ronda to Granada. I had bought our tickets on the official website and stored them in my iPhone’s Wallet app.

The Train Journey from Ronda to Granada

The 12:24 p.m. train arrived on time, but the departure was delayed by about twenty minutes. Since the train wasn’t a direct one to Granada, we had to transfer at Antequera (see on map), which made us a little nervous about making the connection.

Delayed Departure and a Helpful Conductor

When the train finally started moving, the conductor came around to check tickets. I showed him the digital ticket on my iPhone, and he asked, “Your final destination?” I answered, “Granada.” He kindly told us, “Platform 4 for your connection.” His friendliness was reassuring—but if the train was late, platform numbers wouldn’t matter much. My partner said, “I’m a bit worried,” but as soon as the train started moving, he fell asleep like always.

Rolling Hills and Wind Turbines of Andalusia

Through the window, the Andalusian landscape unfolded before us—gentle hills stretching endlessly into the horizon. We saw many wind turbines spinning in the distance, reminding me that wind power must be a major energy source in Spain.

Making the Connection at Antequera

When we finally arrived in Antequera, the connecting train was still waiting for us. We felt relieved. Perhaps the conductor had tried to tell us that the connection would be held, but we hadn’t understood his Spanish.

Arriving in Granada

Tap-to-Pay Bus Ride to the Cathedral

We reached Granada Station (see on map), and from a nearby stop, we boarded Bus No. 21 to the Cathedral area (see on map). Granada’s buses accept tap-to-pay with credit cards—very convenient! The fare was €1.6. From there, we transferred to Bus No. 35 and headed up to our hotel, Hotel Guadalupe (see on map), located near the Alhambra Palace.

Checking In at Hotel Guadalupe

There were small cafés nearby that served breakfast, but we decided to book the hotel’s breakfast buffet instead (€12 per person). The room was neat and cozy, with all the essentials we needed.

After having a coffee in our room and taking a short rest, we took the bus back to the city center.

Sweet Treats at Café Ysla

Discovering the Famous Pionono and Local Pastries

We visited Café Ysla (see on map), famous for its pionono—a syrup-soaked sponge roll that reminded me of Japanese castella cake. It was delicious. We also tried a pastry called rosccide yama, a sugar-coated puff pastry similar to a mille-feuille. Both were excellent. Along with coffee, the total was €6.75.

A Festive Plaza Full of Mario? and Luigi? Balloons

In a nearby plaza, a local children’s festival was taking place. There were inflatable figures of Mario?, Luigi?, and even Princess Peach? dancing among the crowd.

Evening Around the Cathedral

The Grand Scale of Granada Cathedral

As we approached the Cathedral (see on map), its massive structure loomed larger and larger, giving a real sense of weight and grandeur. The guard told us, “Tomorrow,” as visiting hours had already ended for the day (until 6:30 p.m.).

Tapas and Wine at Bodegas Castañeda

We had dinner at Bodegas Castañeda (see on map), a lively restaurant filled with locals. We ordered red and white wine by the glass—there were no prices listed—and received three kinds of tapas: olives, small bread, and a tuna-topped egg.

I had wanted to try fried eggplant, a typical Andalusian dish, but the staff told us they didn’t serve it. Instead, they recommended stuffed eggplant. It turned out to be absolutely delicious—perfectly seasoned and cooked. Since I love eggplant, I was in heaven. The grilled vegetables on the side were simply seasoned with rock salt, enhancing their flavor beautifully.

We also ordered pork sirloin, which came in a generous portion and was just as satisfying. The side dish—grilled goat cheese drizzled with dark honey—was especially memorable. Everything came to €37.45 in total.

Although the tables were small, many customers were standing and using wine barrels as makeshift tables, giving the place the cheerful atmosphere of a festive tavern.

A Perfect End to the Day

Late-Night Grocery Stop and Ride Back to the Hotel

Before heading back, we stopped by Carrefour Express (see on map) near the bus stop to buy a 1.5-liter bottle of water (€0.75), then took the bus back to our hotel for the night.

<p>The post Andalusia Travel Diary 2025-03:A Scenic Train Ride from Ronda to Granada and Sweet Moments at Café Ysla first appeared on ふたり暮らし。.</p>

June 16, 2025

We woke up at 7 a.m. to a cool and refreshing morning.

Even though it had been still hot and sunny at 9 p.m. yesterday, today felt pleasantly mild.

Breakfast was simple—baguette and cheese We’d bought the day before. After eating, We took a morning walk to Puente Viejo (see on map). There were no tourists yet, and the quiet streets felt peaceful.

The Arab Baths (see on map) were still closed, so I tried to peek inside from the gate but couldn’t see anything.

Ronda still has remnants of its old city walls, crumbling here and there, which give a glimpse of its medieval past. We walked around town, admiring them.

Although it felt cool early in the morning, the heat quickly intensified as the sun climbed higher. Our energy started to fade fast.

By the time We walked from Puerta de Almocábar (see on map) back to the church at the center of the old town (see on map), it was unbearably hot.

Breakfast Treat: Churros at Churrería Alba

To take a break, We went to a café called Churrería Alba (see on map) in the shopping street.

Their churros were freshly fried—crispy, piping hot, and beautifully swirled. You dip them in thick hot chocolate, and the combination is heavenly.

We also ordered orange juice and gazpacho. The total was 10€, cash only (no credit cards accepted).

On the way back to my Airbnb, We stopped by a small shop (see on map) to buy water and locally made potato chips.

After the morning walk, I was completely exhausted, so I took a nap.

The breeze coming through the window was cool, the bedsheets felt smooth and light, and the room was bright. It was the perfect siesta.

Exploring Casa del Rey Moro and Its Deep Well

In the afternoon, I visited Casa del Rey Moro (see on map), a museum that leads down to the river through a vertical tunnel.

At the entrance, an elderly couple was bombarding the staff with questions—“What kind of place is this?” “Is it difficult for seniors?” “Do we need helmets?”—so there was a short line at the ticket counter.

Once they finished, entry went smoothly.

The small garden was beautiful, and I even saw peacocks—with tiny chicks, which were adorable.

To reach the river, you have to descend through the mine shaft. It’s quite deep, and walking down takes effort.

But it was worth it. The water below was crystal clear and deep green, reflecting the light beautifully.

Looking up, We could see flocks of birds flying across the gorge—it was a wonderful sight.

Of course, We had to climb all the way back up, so this museum is definitely for people with strong legs!

Just outside the exit stood Arco de Felipe V (see on map), another highlight of Ronda.

Cooling Down with Gelato

It was too hot to keep walking, so I stopped by Gastro-Bar MK (see on map) for a scoop of gelato (3€) before heading back to my room.

Honestly, sightseeing under the midday sun in Ronda this time of year might not be a great idea. I rested for a while back in the room.

Evening Views and a Flamenco Guitar Concert

As evening came, We went to the town’s best viewpoint (see on map).

It required an entrance fee, so We skipped it and went instead to a free viewing terrace below (see on map).

From there, I could see a waterfall cascading down the cliffs—a beautiful view.

I was really glad We came.

But still, the heat was intense. Everyone walking by looked exhausted, silently dripping sweat from their chins.

An elderly couple sat by the roadside, looking completely done in.

When they smiled as if to say, “We’re beat,” I returned the same kind of smile—“Me too.” That’s how hot it was.

Later, I visited Casa Museo Don Bosco (see on map).

We bought a 20€ ticket that included admission to the house and gardens, a flamenco guitar performance, and a glass of wine.

The one-hour concert was wonderful—not only because of the music, but also because the air-conditioned hall was blissfully cool.

Dinner and a Quiet Night In

On our way back, We stopped by Carrefour Express (see on map) and bought some salami for dinner.

The Iberian pork salami cost less than 2€, yet it tasted surprisingly good.

<p>The post Andalusia Travel Diary 2025-02: A Day in Ronda – Crispy Churros, Moorish Wells, and Flamenco Guitar first appeared on ふたり暮らし。.</p>

June 15, 2025

I woke up at 5:30 a.m. and took an Uber at 6:30 toward Paris Orly Airport (see on map).

It took just under 30 minutes from the 20th arrondissement, and the fare was €12.58.

As we approached the airport, the driver started speaking to us in French. We couldn’t understand most of it, but We caught the words “two minutes!” I guessed he meant, “Get your bags ready so you can get out quickly when we arrive.” Sure enough, when we reached the airport, We got out immediately. Apparently, Orly’s drop-off zone has a strict time limit and drivers are charged extra if they overstay.

Flying with Vueling Airlines

We were flying to Spain with Vueling Airlines. Since we had already checked in online, we went straight to security.

Traveling from France to Spain is easy — both are in the Schengen Area, so no passport control is required.

At the security checkpoint, a staff member said they needed to check my liquids. Everything was packed neatly in ziplock bags, so there was no issue.

We then visited the Premium Traveller Lounge using the Priority Pass.

The lounge was simple and clean, but not having a restroom inside was a downside. I didn’t use the restroom myself, but my partner said the one just outside the lounge was “catastrophically dirty.”

The Unexpected Baggage Fee

Because we were traveling light, we had bought Vueling’s basic fare without a luggage option (€80.74).

This fare allows only one underseat bag. Our backpacks looked compact enough, so we thought it would be fine.

However, my partner was nervous the whole time — “What if they don’t let us board? What if we have to pay extra?”

At boarding, a staff member asked us to place our bags into the size-check box. The underseat limit was 40×20×30 cm, and while our bags were slightly taller than allowed, they weren’t bulky. We passed without issue — or so we thought.

Once we were seated, another staff member came by and told us to check the bags again. We went back to the gate, placed the bag in the box, and this time were told, “The total dimensions fit, but it exceeds the 40 cm height limit, so you need to pay an extra fee.”

In the end, we each had to pay €60.

A person’s seat cost €80.74, while one small backpack cost €60 — unbelievable.

Had we added the cabin bag option in advance, it would have been only about €25.

It was a painful mistake. Since my partner had booked the tickets and looked more upset than I was, I decided to stay quiet. My partner barely spoke for the rest of the flight.

From Malaga Airport to Ronda

We arrived at Málaga–Costa del Sol International Airport (see on map).

From the train station connected to the terminal (see on map), we took a local train to Málaga María Zambrano Station (see on map), where the long-distance bus terminal is located.

Spain’s national railway accepts contactless payments, which is so convenient. I used my Visa card registered in Apple Pay — I can’t emphasize enough how easy this is.

Málaga María Zambrano Station is attached to a large, modern shopping mall with many familiar brands. It felt reassuring to see something familiar. The bus terminal (see on map) is just a short walk away.

We wanted to buy our tickets at the counter, but a sign said it would open at 3 p.m.

So, I tried buying tickets online, but both Visa and Mastercard payments kept failing.

Even my Mastercard, which I had registered for international travel before departure, was declined. Frustrating doesn’t even begin to cover it — what’s the point of that pre-travel notification system if it doesn’t work?

Exhausted, we sat down at Taco Bell (see on map) inside the mall. While retrying the payment multiple times, a Visa verification message finally came through. After confirming it, the payment succeeded and we finally got our tickets. I was so relieved — and by the way, I love Taco Bell. It’s delicious.

A Peaceful Ride to Ronda

We boarded our bus at Platform 31 and headed for Ronda.

Apparently, you can also pay for the fare onboard — even with a credit card — so buying tickets online wasn’t really necessary.

The bus was half-empty and comfortable, and the scenery outside slowly shifted from coastal to mountainous.

After about 1 hour and 30 minutes, we arrived at Ronda Bus Station (see on map).

It was incredibly hot.

Our Airbnb was about a 10-minute walk from the terminal.

From our room window, we could see Puente Nuevo, the iconic bridge of Ronda.

The apartment was spacious and comfortable — honestly, I could live here.

First Impressions of Ronda

When we went out to explore, I noticed orange trees along the streets — such a “Spanish” sight.

There was a beautiful square nearby, and I instantly fell in love with the town.

The old quarter, with its whitewashed walls and cobblestone streets, was full of charm and history.

We were exhausted from the day’s journey, so we stopped by a nearby Carrefour Express (see on map) to buy dinner: a baguette, cheese, spreadable cheese, Iberico ham (so good!), water, orange juice, and cherry tomatoes — total €17.24.

We enjoyed a simple meal at our Airbnb and went to bed early.

Summary

A long day of travel from Paris to Ronda, full of lessons learned — including how a slightly oversized backpack can cost nearly as much as a seat.

Still, the moment we arrived in Ronda, all the stress melted away. The white streets, the scent of oranges, and the view of Puente Nuevo made it all worth it.

<p>The post Andalusia Travel Diary 2025-01: A Costly Lesson at Paris Orly Airport and a Scenic Bus Ride to Ronda first appeared on ふたり暮らし。.</p>

我々が宿泊しているホテルビオレッタ ブティック（地図）から徒歩圏内のカフェEl Fornet（地図）に朝食を食べに行った。前に通りがかった時に、ちょっと洒落ていて良いなと思っていたのだ。我々を見るなり店員さんが「no English」と告げてきたが、指差しとジェスチャーで何とかなった。イベリコ豚の生ハムサンドと、チーズが入っているパン、それと生搾りオレンジジュースで18€（3,139円）だった。カフェの評価としては、店員さんの応対は満点、雰囲気と味は標準的といった程度だった。

朝食後にバルセロナの街を歩いていると、先ほど入ったカフェEl Fornetの別店舗を発見し、チェーン店だという事を知り少しがっかりした。旅先では、できれば個人商店に入りたいと思ってしまう。でもタコベルは別。おれはタコベルが大好きなので。

昨日バスに乗っているときに見かけた花屋Flors Navarro（地図）に行ってみると、花屋の奥には市場（地図）が広がっていた。単に休みなのか、店を閉めたのか判断はつかなかったが、全体として縮小傾向にある市場なのかなと思った。おれはヨーロッパの都市に詳しいわけではないけれど、バルセロナは街中にスーパーがわりと進出している気がするし、市場で買い物する人は少なくなっているのかも知れない。

ホテルに戻り、支度をして、カタルーニャ広場（地図）から空港バス（ひとり7.45€：1,300円）に乗り、バルセロナ・エル・プラット国際空港（地図）の第一ターミナルへ移動した。第一ターミナルのプライオリティ・パスラウンジSala VIP Pau Casals（公式）はとても広くてゆったりしていて良かった。食べものはどれもまぁまぁの味で『美味しい！！』と感激するほどではないが、とにかく色々な種類の食べ物や飲み物が手供されていたので飽きなかった。

搭乗ゲート近くに、街中でも何店舗か見かけたALE-HOP（公式）という店があったので入ってみると、帽子が6€（1,046円）という安さに驚いて衝動買いしてしまった。先日パリのRSVP（地図）というかばん屋で買ったキャップは45€（7,770円）もしたので、7分の1くらいの値段だ。会計の時にスタッフに「すぐに被りたいので値札を切ってくれますか？」と頼むと、ブチっと引きちぎってくれたので『ワイルド』と思った。

パリ＝オルリー空港（地図）に到着。Uberで車を呼び、ピックアップ専用のエリアがあるのでそこで車に乗り込んで市内まで移動した。ピックアップエリアには柱に「F」とかの目印があるので、ドライバーにはその目印を伝えると良いかも知れない。

今回滞在する部屋はエアビー（公式）で予約したのだが、とても機能的で設備も新しく、快適に過ごすことができた。スペイン旅行の期間中はホテル住まいで自分たちで洗濯ができなかったので、部屋に入って先ず大量の洗濯をした。

パリに住む知人に預けていたスーツケースを取りに行き、徒歩圏内のメルシー（地図）に寄ってみたが、『欲しいかも』と思っていた帽子は売り切れていて残念だった。

エアビーの近所のLes Gourmandises ,Glaces maison（地図） というアイス屋さんに行った。おれはミルクチョコチップとシトロン、恋人は洋梨とパッションフルーツのフレーバーを選んだのだが、めちゃくちゃに美味しかった。二人で9€（1,490円）だった。ひときわおいしいと感じたのはパリの暑さのせいだったかもしれないが、たぶん寒い日に食べても美味しいだろう。そう思えるほどに美味しいジェラートだった。店先のテラスで食べていたら、オーナーと思しき男性がやってきて「Where are you from ？」と聞いてきたので「japan」と答えると「こんにちは。ありがとう。」と日本語で声をかけてくれた。店内でジェラートをオーダーしているときは『ぶっきらぼうな人だな』と思っていたけど、実際は親しみやすい人だった。

部屋に帰る道すがらカルフールCarrefour City Sedaine Paris（地図）でグラタンなど夕食を買って帰った。

<p>The post スペイン バルセロナ旅行記03／パリ旅行記2025-05 バルセロナ国際空港内のALE-HOPに入ったらお手頃価格の商品ばかりで嬉しくなった話。あと、パリのLes Gourmandisesというアイス屋さんがとても気に入った話。 first appeared on ふたり暮らし。.</p>

ホテルのすぐ近所のカフェCaspでパニーニとクロワッサンとラテを注文（6.70€：1,161円）して、テラス席で食べた。不味いということはないが、とくに褒める部分も見あたらず、我々が検索した当時Googleマップでの評価は星2.8で、『評価通りの店だな』と思った。

朝食後サグラダ・ファミリア（地図）に行くためにB24番のバスに乗ったのだが、クレジットカードのタッチ決裁で乗車できないバスだった。運転手さんが「黄色いバスはキャッシュオンリーだよ」と教えてくれた。

サグラダ・ファミリアに到着。想像していたよりもずっと大きな建物だった。生誕のファサードから入ると、ステンドグラスを透った朝の光が床に差し込んでいて、とてもとても綺麗だった。塔は先ずエレベーターで登り、そこから階段で降りていく。公式アプリ（appストア）からオーディオガイドをダウンロードして臨んだのだが、聴きながら歩くには量が多すぎるし、立ち止まって聞き入るには通路が狭すぎるので、結局ほとんど聞かなかった。オーディオガイドはあまり活用しなかったので詳しいことは分からなかったが、塔の装飾を間近で見ることができて、大満足した。果物なのだろうか、綺麗だし、かわいらしいし、格好良かった。そして、独特な装飾だなと思った。エレベーターで昇った塔は螺旋階段をぐるぐると回って降りていくので、結構な高さから下を覗くことができる場所もあって、怖いような楽しいような感じを楽しめた。

塔を見終わって、聖堂内のベンチに座って一息ついたのだが、ステンドグラスから入ってくる朝の光の勢いが少し和らいでいて、朝の光の方がきりっとしていて綺麗だったなと思った。ただ、たまに強い光が差し込むことがあって、そうするとプリズムのような光が建物内に満ちていて本当に綺麗だった。天井もすごく高くて、格好良かった。帰りに受難のファサードを見て、地下の展示室を見て、ミュージアムショップに寄ってサグラダ・ファミリアを後にした。

池のある公園（地図）を歩いたら、鳩の死骸をカモメが食べているのを目撃してしまい、ショッキングだった。

バルセロナはとても暑くて外を歩くにはしんどくて、この公園もものすごい人だかりだったので、チュロス屋さんLa Selecta de xurros（地図）に入って休憩した。チュロス5本にホットチョコレートが付いて6€（1,040円）だった。チュロスはアツアツの揚げたてで、チョコレートも甘過ぎずでとても美味しかった。ただ、ロンダ、グラナダで食べたチュロスの方が圧倒的に好みだった。おれはロンダのチュロスが好きなのだが、恋人はグラナダのチュロスが好みだと言っていた。ここのチュロスは日本でも食べたことのあるタイプのチュロスで、あまり新鮮味がないものの味は美味しかった。

チュロス屋を出た後、サグラダ・ファミリアの近くのタコベル（地図）で昼食を食べた。ちょうど昼時で行列ができていたが辛抱強く並んだ。おれはタコベルが好きなので。

昼食後にバスに乗ってグエル公園（地図）へ。今回乗ったバスはクレジットカードのタッチ決済で乗車することができた。

グエル公園に到着。かなり暑い。直射日光が厳しい。洞窟みたいな壁が面白い。ただ、岩が剥がれ落ちてきそうな気がして少し不安になった。大きな広場もあったが日差しを遮るものが一切なくて、暑さにやられてばて気味になった。この日差しを遮る場所のない大きな広場の下は陰になっており、風が通り抜けて涼しかった。今思えば連日の酷暑と観光疲れが出たのだろう、この涼しいスペースで恋人と喧嘩をした。涼しい空間に座って気持ちを落ち着けて、なんとか仲直りをして、お菓子の家っぽい建物（地図）の前まで行ったみたのだが、大行列だったので入るのを諦めた。ちなみにこの建物は、追加チケットの購入が必要なく無料で入場可能な施設だった。

最後にミュージアムショップに寄り、恋人がトカゲのしおりを買ったのだが、レジの女性店員二人がおしゃべりに熱中していて、恋人のことをチラリとも見なくてめちゃくちゃ失礼な態度だった。恋人のカード決済が通らなくても全然おしゃべりをやめず、話がひと段落してから「doen’t work」と言ってカードの読取り機を指差すだけで恋人には一瞥もくれず、恋人がカードを差し直すと決済は通ったのだが、店員達が自分の言いたいことをしゃべり切るまで品物を自分の胸元に抱きしめたまま恋人に渡さず、おしゃべりがクライマックスに達して店員同士がため息をついた後、恋人には見向きもせずに片手で商品を渡してきたので、恋人はとてもとてもとても不機嫌になってしまった。

恋人は公園を後にしてバスの停留所に向かう途中「ガウディのサグラダ・ファミリアは素晴らしかったけど、この公園もこの街もぜんぜん面白くない！」と吐き捨てながらバスに乗り、ホテルに戻った。

夕飯は精肉店が経営しているレストランPirineu En Boca Barcelona（地図）へ行った。恋人はラムチョップを。おれは牛の偽サーロインを注文した。そして、アンダルシアの郷土料理である茄子のフリットのハチミツがけを食べた。このレストランはボリュームも雰囲気もとても良くて、大満足だった。おれの偽サーロインは焼き上がりと給仕のタイミングがズレていたのか、少し冷めていたのが残念だったが、それでも全然いいと思えるほど満足度の高いレストランだった。デザートは羊のヨーグルトとマトを注文した。マトがどんなデザートなのかネットを検索をしても出て来ず、ええいままよと注文したのだが、チーズだった。マトはチーズ。羊のヨーグルトは酸味がかなり強く、はちみつを垂らしながら食べると美味しかった。恋人も酸っぱいヨーグルトが美味しかったと言っていた。全部で69.95€（12,130円）だった。

<p>The post スペイン バルセロナ旅行記02 サグラダ・ファミリアに感激し、チュロスを食べ、タコベルで食べ、グエル公園で恋人と喧嘩をし、レストランPirineu En Boca Barcelonaで最高の晩御飯を食べた話。 first appeared on ふたり暮らし。.</p>

7時30分の開場とともに朝食会場に入る。昨日と全く同じメニューなのでテンションは上がらなかったが、このホテル（Hotel Guadalupe）（地図）の朝食の味や質に全く文句はない。

今日はグラナダ空港（地図）からバルセロナ・エル・プラット国際空港（地図）まで飛ぶ。

9時30分にホテルをチェックアウトして35番のバスに乗って町の中心部へ向かうと、カテドラル（地図）周辺に警察車両が停められており、道路の中央には草が敷き詰められていた。ネットで調べてみたら、今日はグラナダの休日らしく、カテドラルの周辺は車両通行止めなのだそうだ。せっかく昨日のうちに空港バスの乗場（地図）もチェックしておいたのに、ここまで空港バスは入ってこられない。ただ、少し歩いて車両通行止めゾーンを抜ければ空港バスに乗れるのではないかと思って、搭乗時刻まで十分に余裕があるし『少し歩いてみよう』と恋人に提案したのだが、恋人は予想外の事態に焦っていて、昨日の内に決めておいた次点の手段である『Uberに乗る』で頭はいっぱいのようだった。ちなみにGoogleマップで空港までの経路を検索したところ、通行止めエリアにもバスが来るという結果を表示していたので、Googleマップとグラナダの交通機関の情報連携がうまくいっていないのだと思う。

Uberに乗車してすぐの広場（地図）で空港バスに乗り込む旅行客たちを見かけたので、「少し歩けば空港バスに乗れるとおれは思っていたよ」と恋人に話すと、「aqinasuは後出しで意見を言ってくるのが良くない！」と怒っていた。恋人が想定外の事態で『今日はもうUberに乗るしかない！！』と焦っていたから、さっきは黙っていたんだけどな、と思ったのだが。

Uberはすこぶる快適で、グラナダ空港にはあっという間に到着した。33.99€（5，798円）だった。グラナダ空港はこじんまりとした地方空港といった風情で、セキュリティチェックも空いていてスムーズに通過できた。免税店エリアも非常に小さい。プライオリティ・パスの公式サイトに「グラナダ空港ではレストランで22€分使って良い」との記載があったので楽しみにしていたのだが、我々の持っている楽天プレミアムカード付帯のプライオリティ・パスデジタル会員証ではレストランサービスは対象外らしく、利用できずがっかりした。一昨日、市内で行ったカフェCasa Yslaが空港内にあった。

バルセロナ・エル・プラット国際空港に到着。とても大きな空港で、出口からバスの表示を頼りに歩き、InterCityバスの表示を発見したので、そこからエスカレーターで降ったグランドフロアにA1バスが停まっていた（地図）。このA1バスに乗って、市内のカタルーニャ広場（地図）まで移動した。乗車の際、係員の持っている端末にクレジットカードをタッチして決済は終了。一人7.45€（1,290円）だった。これに乗ってカタルーニャ広場まで移動した。

広場から徒歩7分くらいでホテル ビオレッタ ブティック（地図）に到着。オフィスを改装したのかな？と思わせるホテルで、エレベーターはなく、Wi-Fiが遅く、壁が相当薄くて廊下の声が筒抜けではあるが、広さは十分で清潔なところが気に入った。部屋でコーヒーを飲み、ビスケットを齧ってからミロ美術館（地図）に出発した。

カタルーニャ広場近くの停留所から55番のバスに乗車したのだが、バルセロナのバスは初乗（かつ定額）運賃が2.65€（459円）で、グラナダの1.6€（277円）と比べて高いと思った。ただ、パリのメトロ運賃も2.5€だし、ヨーロッパの大都市はこの程度の価格帯が一般的なのかも知れない。

ミロ美術館の最寄りの停留所Av Miramar – Fundació Joan Miró（地図）までバスに乗ったのだが、手前の停留所Av de l’Estadi – Vivers（地図）で降りて歩いたほうが美術館には早く着くと思う。ミロ美術館の展示物は面白いものが多くて楽しめた。可愛らしいものが多いし、HUNTER×HUNTERに出てくるハンター文字みたいなのも面白かった。ちなみに、美術館内のカフェテリアは誰も利用していなかった。ミュージアムショップではグッとくるものが見当たらなかったので何も買わなかったが、展示作品に「かわいらしさ」を感じるものが多かったので、商品もへんてこでかわいいものがあれば買ったのにな、と思った。

美術館を出たらちょうど55番のバスが来たので、それに乗って街の中心部に戻った。テレビ朝日『サンドウィッチマン&芦田愛菜の博士ちゃん』という番組でも紹介されていたブケリア市場（地図）へ行ったみたのだが、一目で観光客ターゲットの観光地市場だと分かる。お腹が空いていたので揚げブリトー（5€：866円）を買って食べたのだが、『悪くはない、が、美味しいわけでもない。』という印象だった。市場に到着したのが18時くらいだったので既に閉まっている店が多く、楽しむには遅すぎるという印象だった。

グーグルマップで検索して、近くのMiño（地図）というレストランに入り、パエリア一人前を注文して恋人とシェアして食べて、他にはブリトーを頼んだ。恋人はグラスワイン、おれはノンアルコールのジンジャービールを飲んだ。パエリアは本当に本当に美味しかった。イカ墨の濃厚な旨味とエビの味噌がご飯に滲みていて、恋人と競い合って食べた。

帰りにCondis（地図）というコンビニに寄って、水とヨーグルト（1.95€：337円）を買ってホテルに戻った。

<p>The post スペイン バルセロナ旅行記01 グラナダ空港からバルセロナ国際空港に飛び、ミロ美術館へ行き、ブケリア市場の近くで最高に美味しいパエリアを食べた話。 first appeared on ふたり暮らし。.</p>