#10 🧺 From Laundry Mission to Lovin’ Tarragona Revisited ✨

☀️ Morning Greets Me in Tarragona Just like clockwork, I couldn’t sleep in a new place — but still woke up bright and early! Peeking through the curtains, I saw glorious sunshine… and just that made my mood lift. First mission? Find breakfast. But hold on — last night’s drama (you know, from #9?) got me smiling thinking of my host, Doloras (the warm mom I met). I turned to her and said, “Last night was wild!” — and we shared a knowing laugh. It’s moments like that morning chats that warm the heart.

🧺 Laundry: The #1 Task of the Day

Then it hit me: laundry! I’m traveling light(8.4kg), clothes were running low… so this was a top survival move. Guided by Google Maps, I wandered the unfamiliar streets of Tarragona. I’d been here six years ago with Peter and pals, and all I remembered was bar-hopping for cheese, jamón, and wine (classic me). Then I spotted a historic building: a “Mercado” (that’s “market” in Spanish!), a clue I was on track — although map-reading turned into my new morning adventure.

And then… LaWash appeared! That name alone sold it — I’d walk right by something called “Lavar,” but LaWash? So straightforward.

Inside were friendly locals: one guy and two women chatting away in Spanish. I greeted them: “Hola! Do you speak English?” The fellow smiled and shook his head — but then spent the next few minutes teaching me how to use the machines. The women joined in too: “I speak a little English!” I swear, it was heartwarming. Moments like these remind me why I travel.

The machines have an English menu anyway, so easy to use. It cost €5 for wash, €5 for 30 minutes dry (€10 total). My trusty Uniqlo quick-dry T-shirts (thanks, Shige-tabi on YouTube!), and CabinZero backpack? All MVPs. Thirty minutes later, everything was bone-dry — maybe even too dry!

🛒 Quick Run to Mercado — Essentials Secured While drying, I headed back to that big, airy “Mercado” supermarket. It was surprisingly affordable and easy to shop — checked with Doloras later, and yep, it’s a local favorite. I grabbed water, bananas, yogurt, and a salad bowl to stash in the fridge. Breakfast tomorrow? Covered! (Well… something is.)

🍴 Lunchtime: Menu del Día… with a Twist Hungry now! Strolling around, the heat arrived and so did my search for lunch. I spotted a tucked-away place with a calm vibe. No customers yet, but a middle aged water, “bald-in-front” look small smiled and said “OK!” (English? Nada.) Using gestures, I ordered the “menu del día” — starter, main, dessert, drink. I said “Blanco, por favor” — and got poured a glass full to the brim.

But… the wine I got tasted like it had been opened a while ago. When I saw the locals opening a fresh bottle, I couldn’t help but feel like, ‘Oh, since I’m a solo tourist, maybe they gave me the leftover wine.’ Kind of a bummer.

As for the food:

• Starter: Tuna and tomato salad with fresh cheese, topped with a sweet green sauce. At first, I had no idea what it was — later, I found out it was apple sauce. Weird flavor combo — why apple? Well, just drizzled with some olive oil….better？

• Main: Grilled squid in olive oil and garlic — chef’s kiss, delicious.

• Dessert: Cheesecake with sweet strawberry sauce. Also kinda unnecessary.

• Coffee: Café con leche — solid, thanks to modern machine!

Final bill: €19. Expensive? Cheap? Judge for yourself 😉

🚆 Next Up: That 28-Year-Old Magic Town! Next post: a return to the unforgettable neighboring town — even more charming than before. But will I catch the train this time?! Stay tuned!