Lovely place the City of Barcelona and I would recommend it as a great weekend break. Loads to see and do. Amazing architecture, history, art exhibitions and museums galore plus shops and water-front bars and restuarants. Will definately go back there again as a civilian for a cultural break and take the time needed to do the sights justice.

Myself and fellow Maldavians Paul Smith and John Spurgeon took the trip over and stayed in the older part of the town, 5th floor and definately no lifts here!! So legs had a good work out even without the training.

We had two very enjoyable training sessions and for those who wanted to burn it up, the local temperature made for ideal conditions and a good sweat was had by all.

It was good to see our old friend and club member Richard 'Lord' Bartley in a karate-gi and train and meet up with him again.

Since his move over to Spain perhaps he should now be addressed as 'Count' Bartley? Perhaps the 'Marquis' would be safer though!! We also got the chance to visit the Bartley castle nestling up in the hills in a very nice village just outside Barcelona and also spend some time with Sonia and baby 'Barts'.

Over the whole the weekend the weather was hot and the beer cold so that kept faces smiling and a few heads aching. There was also some very nice sights down by the beach although this was offset by Dean ( I've shed a few pounds you know, yeah right!!) Mann in swimming shorts!!

Overall a good weekend with a fun group of characters. Thanks to Barts for his assistance and local connections and looking after us.

Steve Gibbs.