A whole Nou world

We were all a bit excited. The day had come to visit one of the great football stadiums in the world, and the second largest (largest in Europe) the Nou Camp in Barcelona.

I have to admit that I had been a bit nervous about this part of the trip, as I had in all the major cities, Paris, Geneva etc. The thought of battling foreign traffic and regulations in a big old camper van, and then finding parking without height restrictions in order to do the tour was a bit daunting.

Fortunately we were able to get booked on a coach tour to the Nou Camp and Barcelona city so my worries were unfounded. It was an excited family group that boarded the coach at our campsite gates at 0800 hrs on Wednesday morning. Off we set with a very knowledgable tour guide giving us commentary in four languages.

By 1100 hrs we had our first glimpse of the iconic stadium and by half 11 we were wandering round the historic inside.

The tour was fantastic, and took in the changing rooms, pitch side and benches, press boxes, interview rooms, media suite and museum. It was a smashing experience and one none of us will forget for a very long time.

We visited the day before a big home match between Barcelona and Real Madrid. We could have tried to get tickets but because the matches in Spain are played late at night to avoid the heat, it would have meant 3 days of our tour dedicated to the Nou Camp and football ( plus tickets were ridiculously priced), so we made do with our little tour.

As part of our bus package, we then headed into central Barcelona for lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe, followed by a wander around Las Rambles a famous street filled with stalls and artists plying their wares.

We also got to visit the 1992 Olympic stadium and a spot high on the mountains great for pictures of lots of famous city landmarks.

The bus had us back at the campsite by 2000 hrs where we headed for the pool and a cold glass of wine or two.

What a smashing day all round, made better by someone else driving and taking the strain.

If you get a chance, make a visit. Or if you want a real treat, Elland Road is just off the M1.

Today we head off to a glass bottomed boat trip around the islands, snorkelling in the clear water and sea trampolining. I've never seen it before but looks great fun.

Of course I'll let you know how it goes.

Chris