Paella & Sangria in Barcelona

The train ride from Torino, Italy was an overnighter,

with lights on and sleep mask provided

Seat would only recline to 45 degrees, so

sleep was fitful and restless

Getting lost in Barcelona was hardly pleasant,

Even train station cops had no English to

communicate

Finally, through much angst & effort,

I found the hostel

Exhausted, I showered and freshened up

stepping out into the bright Spanish sun

Buildings tall, streets narrow, I never did

find the seashore!

After wandering for hours, blocked by

maze-like streets, I spied an outdoor café,

with a sign: Paella!

Sitting, hot and thirsty, I asked the waiter:

Do you have sangria?

He smiled and said: You would like sangria

with your paella?

Si! Si! What an offer, I thought

He smiled, nodded and rushed away

The paella wafted a fragrant, seductive smell

The taste sumptuous, result: orgiastic

The sangria, chock full of lemon, lime &

orange, so incredibly refreshing, I sighed

That horribly uncomfortable night on the train

melted away, salvaged by the sweet goodness

of paella & sangria, a Barcelona memory

I could embrace with joy!

Shakespeare’s words crept in: “All’s well that ends well”

Gustatory delight assuaged my soul.

a sweet memory from Summer 2012.

Raintreepoet, reporting.