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Rambling Around La Rambla

Most climbing trips take you to the outskirts of an area dumping you in the thick of country life in whatever province you find yourself. There’s always bound to be one rest day to throw away and make a move to the closest big-city you can find. Opting out of your usual relaxing rest day to dive head first into crowded streets, non-existent parking and an overload of people is actually one of the best parts about being a climber and traveling the world. So when we heard a couple of good friends where going to be in Barcelona for a Friday night extraordinaire that included traditional flamenco (which we totally missed but got a instant replay on a friend’s Iphone, looked incredible!) and some La Rambla meandering (which we manage and landed at the best curry we’ve had in ages) it seemed like the perfect excuse to get out of the sticks and hit the city streets.

Our exciting city night left us in nothing short of a pathetic state the next day, but we all decided that wouldn’t stop us from partaking in the weekend market found in the center of Barcelona’s bustling La Rambla. Markets are one of the best places for everything from great people watching to outrageous street performers. Of course scouring the booths and aisles for the country’s best seasonal fruits, vegetables and produce are what make markets such a treat. Olives, dried and fresh fruits, lush veggies, as well as gourmet chocolates, candies and spices line labyrinth walls of scrumptious goodies. Of course it’s often the produce and fish sections that offer the most interesting visuals. You can find everything from traditional Catalan hams and sausages, to perfectly skinned rabbits and freshly plucked chickens lying ready to be beheaded and sliced to order on each corner. The seafood area overflows with the usual tuna steaks and salmon, and keeps your interest as you pass giant sword fish or piles of crustaceans which at second glance you’ll notice are still moving.  Below are some shots showcasing why the market is a “foodie’s” and photographer’s dream. But no matter where you fit in with the tourist, climber, traveling, vagabond-theme remember to look outside your project because you might just find something tasty and totally unique.

Joe Kinder

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Joe Kinder is an Eastern Mountain Sports sponsored athlete. An original East-Coaster, Joe moved to Boulder, CO, after graduating from the Maine College of Art to chase his dream of becoming a professional climber. Thanks to his hard work, constant networking, and continual crushing of hard lines, Joe has become a highly respected member of the climbing community. In addition to Eastern Mountain Sports, Joe is also sponsored by Gregory® Packs, Sterling Rope®, Petzl®, La Sportiva®,  Nutriex®, and SmithOptics® in order to continue traveling the world and sharing his passion with others. A great ambassador for the sport, Joe’s amp for rock climbing never ends. In fact, the only time you’ll ever see him down is if he hasn’t been to a cliff in a few days. The key to keeping this climber happy is simple–the rock. See for yourself at his blog, www.joekindkid.com.