We got off to a great start with food in Barcelona, but over the last 36 hours we experienced some underwhelming, if not disgusting, meals. I advise that you never go to a tapas restaurant where you serve yourself by choosing individual items lined along a bar and are charged by the toothpick (one is stuck in each gross piece of bread with an even more gross topping, see photo below). We also had some less than average paella last night, but today were told that it is much better to eat paella for lunch in more seafood-oriented neighborhoods than where we were.
Generally, we have been subsisting off of a pastry and a cortado (similar to a macchiato) for breakfast and a plain sandwich with cheese or cured meat for lunch to keep our costs down, and then having a nicer dinner. The coffee is good here and generally the food is not expensive. Today we went to La Boqueria, the market on La Rambla and near our hostal, to pick up some ingredients for a picnic. Below are some photos from the market.
Also, as you may know, the Spanish are obsessed with ham, particularly Iberian ham, which is fatty, cured, and delicious.
Tonight we are going to visit one of the few places we have not yet been, a neighborhood called Barcelonetta, which should have some decent seafood and a more local vibe.
365bitesaroundtheworld 
Great job, Lacey. We all miss you. I am loving your photos and descriptions of Spain. I’ve added 365bites to my “favorite blogs” list on my own two blogs – so I can share your adventure with friends who appreciate a witty writer & an amble ’round the globe. Keep on blogging & I’ll keep on reading!