March 7, 2019 -Figueres

March 7, 2019 – Figueres, Spain
After breakfast we got on buses for the 90 mile ride to Fiqueres. We had a local guide, Fernando, who told us about Salvador Dali and the Dali museum in Fiqueres during the drive.
Fiqueres is only 30 miles from the French border. As we drove I go town, we could see the Pyrenees. There is still some snow on the peaks.
The town had asked Dali for a painting since he was their most famous resident. He said no but instead would give them a museum. He designed the layout and donated many paintings. He did not want the paintings displayed in chronological order. Our guide said the idea is to show the art in a way that makes you think. I have always liked Dali’s work and am even more impressed after this visit.
After the museum we were given 2 hours to get lunch and discover the town. I had paella for lunch at an outdoor cafe. It was very good. The town is small and I wandered until time to get back on the bus.
The tour leaders invited us to join them for dinner to try calcite. This is a cross between spring onions and leeks that is only available in March. 24 of us took a subway to a former bullring which is now a shopping center with the top floor dedicated to restaurants . The subway was packed but we made it. Christina and Juan had the calcot delivered to each table of 4 to the share. They are grilled. You put on latex gloves, peel off the black layer, dip the onion into romesco sauce, and eat it. It was very good. We each got 3 or 4 of them. We then each ordered whatever we wanted for dinner. I had ham croquettes.
We were supposed to watch the fountain light show outside but were too busy eating.
I walked back to the hotel with a couple from Buffalo.
Tomorrow we will go to the Music Palace and do a walking tour of the El Born neighborhood. At noon we will be joining our ship. This will be our home for 10 days.