So Paris was out and Barcelona in! Last minute change in husband’s schedule not only changed our travel plans but delayed our departure to Barcelona too since husband couldn’t leave for another two days.  Hmmm…but that didn’t mean I couldn’t and without even blinking told him, ”No problem. I’ll just meet you there.”  Two days alone to visit famed markets and restaurants - I’ll take it!  Husband, however, wasn’t quite so convinced, envisioning me stalking the dance floor till 4 am instead of a restaurant.  But I soothed his worries. “Don’t worry, babe.  You’re the only dance partner for me.”  So he melted and I packed everything but my desk — Lacroix dresses, light capris, sexy Chloe sandals & chiffon scarves. Okay, so I did toss in one little frock for flamenco dancing, just in case.  And off I went with a straw tote filled with Barcelona tips and a book of phrases I nabbed at the airport. Arriving in a strange new land tends to have something of a tidal wave effect, change & disorientation crashing over you. I love it!  I was hoping a night of tapas hunting would offer me a window into Barcelona life.  These scrumptious appetizers – a national ritual, like futbol, are meant to assuage the appetite and counterbalance the effects of alcohol while socializing, which trust me, does not work. But after a quick siesta I strolled into a lively cafe where I met two lovely French women and soon we were sharing Spanish olives, prawns & warm spider crab with saffron pistils & wild flowers. Sipping Sangria with fresh fruits was the perfect way to end the day (and made the waiter much cuter too).  The girls said au revior, then suddenly returned and invited me dancing.  How could I refuse?  The recession may have put an end to big lunches on expense accounts, but I was ready for a night of frolic and fun. Who would have guessed it would take two French women to teach me the Flamenco? What I needed was someone to teach me the intricate footwork of hiking those cobblestone streets in heels! Where’s a Vespa when you need one?  Let’s just say it was an adventure, but thankfully didn’t break anything.  We ended the evening with anis (a licorice tasting liqueur) and boquerones ( white anchovies in vinegar) in a bar whose name escapes me since I was enjoying it all too much to care.  Although, getting back to the hotel…..well,  there’s a reason they say there’s a surprise on every corner in Barcelona, and I was about to get another one!