Unfortunately, my camera died during this field trip so I do not have any pictures. However, this was a really interesting field trip for me because the area we walked through near El Born is one of my favorite areas in Barcelona.
During the first part of our trip, we walked by where the shoemaking guilds were. We learned that at 15 years old, men began interning for shoemakers. They were not paid for 3 years and their only form of stipend were a pair of shoes each year. The warehouse would be on the bottom of the building and the owner of the guild lived on the first floor. The lower people lived higher up which is strange to think about in todays day and age with penthouses and the yearning to live on the top of the building. However, in those days, there were no elevators so it was a reward to live closest to the warehouse, entrance, and bathroom. The buidings were covered in plaster and because the cement and stone did not have room the breathe, the plaster is very worn. It was interesting to actually learn why these buildings are the way they are.
After learning about the shoemakers, we went to the center of the old city. It is nearby the port and where people used to meet to exchange and compare goods, especially wool. Looking at it now, I would never realize that it was the center of the city; it certainly looks much different than plaza catalunya. However, it was interesting to see where everyone used to meet to exchange goods, make announcements, etc.
It was also interesting to see the old financial district and the old stock market near Barceloneta. I had walked by that building many times and never knew what it was. It always looked as if it was very important and I figured that it was a government building, but it was nice to finally get an answer of what it was.
Although the weather was less than perfect, I found this trip very informative and interesting.
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