Respite near Parc Guell:
Barcelona’s famous Gaudi-filled Parc Guell is a major tourist attraction in the city, but curiously not near any stops on the city’s extensive metro system. It is a 15 minute uphill trek from the nearest station to the park. Because of the topography of this area of the city many people walk the same route to get to the park. My cousin and I were hungry but figured with all these people following the same course there would be a variety of places to eat to choose from. However, considering the length of the route there are not that many choices on the way, and the ones that are around are very touristy. There is one place halfway up a hill that is a half block off the well beaten path: La Salut. My cousin and I were starving but we could not go to some awful tourist place again. We did eat at one near La Sagrada Familia earlier in the day and were very unhappy with the food. On the way to the park we saw a little unassuming sign for La Salut on some pole. We left the tourist caravan and walked maybe 50 meters and came across this very modest place. Inside looked like a school cafeteria. We even asked if they served food there just to make sure. Our eager waiter sat us down and made some lunch suggestions. The place was almost empty, surprising considering the tourist hordes very nearby. My cousin ordered fish and I ordered a traditional black rice dish. Both were local dishes, quite delicious and totally hit the spot. Our waiter could not have been more helpful, honest, and polite. He got tipped, not just a rounded up bill like is the custom. We were very appreciative of the apparent laziness of tourists not to walk a few feet from the main path to eat at this delightful and inexpensive little restaurant. Unlike many of the thirsty and hungry Gaudi pilgrims, we were rejuvenated and happy with the unexpected culinary contentment we just experienced.