Pretenders

Probably least authentic part of Barcelona.
Venetian towers seem to be ancient; the truth is, they were built in 1929 as a portal to international fairs. As well the Palau Nacional, that looks as royal palace is...from the same fairs as towers.
Font Magica fountains look amazing only from a distance; the closer you are, the poorest they seem. And don't expect great photos - sodium lighting in neighbourhood destroys the best scenes.
Next one: no one could expect, that 20 feet below pavement there is main junction station of BCN metro. In fact, it is. And the square or rather - roundabout - is not the center of the city.

Often we are not persons as it seems we are.

Twilight

This is the best time to visit all tourists places. La Rambla is almost empty, Barrio Gotico is breathing of upcoming day, some urine left by english drunkards and few people coming back to hostels after exhausting night in the city. Everything is closed until 8 p.m., but this is only time to see that place authentic and surprisingly calm.

Metro

It's working perfectly. Safe and punctual, all air-conditioned, with good coverage.
I've just read in one of evening paper, that catalan government plans to remove engine drivers from metro, in order to save some money or maybe because other stupid reason.
Over a hundred kilometers of railways, over a hundred years history and thousands safeguards working everyday, but where is the place for brave women with pale faces, keeping carriages moving from one station to another one, endlessly?