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Barcelona, the capital city of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia, is the second largest city in Spain. With 2 official languages (i.e. Catalan, Spanish), the city had always been regarded by many as unspanish. A city along the shores of Spain facing the Mediterranean Sea, the temperature would usually be more moderate as compared to European cities further up north. Founded as a Roman city, Barcelona became the capital of the Counts of Barcelona. After merging with the Kingdom of Aragon, it became one of the most important cities of the Crown of Aragon. Besieged several times during its history, Barcelona is an important cultural centre with a rich cultural heritage (i.e. Architectural works of Antoni Gaudí had been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites). The city also hosted the 1992 Summer Olympics. The one important reason of visiting this Mediterranean city was simple; I was to fulfill my dream of visiting Camp Nou (Catalan for "New Field"), the home of the world's greatest football club that I have supported since turning 21 (before that I used to be a Newcastle fan under the Kevin Kegan's era). I suppose there are no points for guessing what the club is. FC Barcelona (FCB or full name: Futbol Club Barcelona), founded in 1899 by Joan Gamper (who was also its first president), has been the club representing this magnificent city. With a hall full of trophies and almost 160,000 registered members, it is a formidable force in European football and always attracting loads of talent. Neutrals would reckon Real Madrid to be the most successful football club in Spain. Yes, they might be, if one simply go by the number of championships they had won. But no one beats FCB with their attacking style and flair. And this was what exactly earned my loyalty when I watched them destroyed Chelsea in the quarter-final of the UEFA Champions League during the 99/00 season (FCB won 6-4). So here I was, filled with excitement, when I finally stood on the "holy" land. I ran up to the counter for tickets (€17/S$34) to the stadium tour, all ready to let the magic of football embrace me...

		A bronze sculpture of Joan Gamper (Swiss, 1877-1930), the first president of the football club. He was known to be a pro-Catalan, a democrat and a protestant. - impression of the muesum in Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
		Thought this photograph was not too badly taken. The football was used in the inaugural game played in Camp Nou.
		This was the closest that I got to a stadium filled with screaming fans. - impressions of a gigantic board in the muesum of Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain
		I just loved the pitch so much that I found it very difficult to leave. The club would always have my loyalty. - confessions of a self-declared FC Barcelona football fan
		Autographed jersey of Histro Stoichkov, who played for the club from 1990 to 1998. He was more commonly remembered as the Bulgarian mid-fielder who brought Bulgaria to last four of the 1994 World Cup held in USA.
		Another nice photograph taken. This time infront of the Champions League trophy (the winner get to keep host the trophy for a year before keeping the replica forever). I was getting starry-eyed from all that shine radiated by the trophies!
		As of all tours, it ended with a visit into the FC Barcelona Botiga (or boutique).
		The jerseys (made in Thailand?!) certainly look great, but the high price tag (€60/S$120) put me off. Anyway, I am already the proud owner of 3 (different) FCB jerseys
		My first experience of Tapas in El Tastet (pub along Travessera De Les Corts). Total damage was Estrella Damm (€1.70/S$3.40 per glass or Copa), patatas all-i-oli (potatoes with mayo and garlic, €3.50/S$7) and Xistorra (or salty sausage , €3.85/S$7.70). I supposed it was not very cheap to enjoy Tapas in Barcelona.
		The night view of Port Vell leading out to the Mediterranean Sea (with Montjuic in the background). It was great to enjoy the air here, though the breeze and the rain could really make it nasty as well.
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