This is the fabulous Boqueria Mercado off La Rambla. The strings of dried chillies are a highlight, dangling down like old Christmas decorations. More horrifying to the English eye, is the butcher's window which contains tiny dead piglets, and sheep's heads, stripped of the skin, but with glassy eyes staring impassively out at you. Overheard a young American guy telling his companions that the best time to go to the 'Boquereeea' (extremely exaggerated prounciation to display marvellous command of Spanish, combined with flamboyant hand waving, he was one small step away from inhaling deeply) was in the early morning as this is when the chefs go to pick up the freshest produce. This induced a deep inward shudder. It is the best market that we've been to so far.
