Barcelona {2/2}

Even though the locals wear scarves and boots in 70 degree weather, we contentedly wore t-shirts for optimal vitamin D absorption. (Garrick tans, I freckle.) We walked most places, but when our feet couldn't take another step, a metro stop was always nearby. Parks and plazas are around every corner, and so we took many impromptu breaks during the day. Often we'd find ourselves in line for gelato or a pastry. By the end of our time in Barcelona, we concluded it was a smaller, more casual version of Paris. Here is the rest of our time spent in the city:

Montjuic:

This hill is home to the Olympic Village, the National Museum of Catalan Art, the Magic Fountain, and also many beautiful parks and gardens. We spent time taking in the views of the city, enjoyed the art museum, and also joined the crowds for the weekly Magic Fountain show.  

Park Guell:

This park, designed by Gaudi in the early 1900's, is situated on El Carmel. It was actually home to Gaudi and his family for a short period of time. We arrived early in the day and waited in the long line for our tickets. When it's sunny and warm, lines don't matter. We hiked, watched pigeons fight over a baguette, and managed to find a spot to sit on the famous curved bench overlooking the city. Again, we were in awe of Gaudi's imagination. 

Gothic Quarter:

This is the old city of Barcelona. The streets are made for wanderers. Some highlights are the Cathedral and Placa Reial. The buildings are very close together and filled with black iron balconies, plants, and laundry. We also stumbled upon a few markets. 

La Pedrera:

This modernist building was Gaudi's last work and built for a wealthy married couple. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage sight in 1984. Unfortunately, the outside was under construction during our visit, so we were only able to see the inside and the rooftop. Still amazing!

La Barceloneta:

This is the area near the beach. Christopher Columbus point to the New World and palm trees line the streets. We walked along the beach were surprised to find sea glass!

That's all from Barcelona - next stops, Montserrat and Girona! 

Barcelona {1/2}

We just returned from a 10 day holiday to Spain Catalonia. Just a few words to describe this part of the world are colourful, loud, casual, rugged, and delicious. I'd go back in a heartbeat, as long as I could take my handsome travel companion.

Barcelona was first on our itinerary. We stayed on the Gran Via hosted by Joaquin at Casa de Billy. On our must-see list? Anything Gaudi, La Rambla, the Barri Gotic area, and the Picasso Museum. And of course, we wanted to eat well. We also added an afternoon siesta to our itinerary each day, per Garrick's request.

So, I'll let our photos do most of the talking.

Accommodation:

La Rambla:
This walk goes through the middle of the city and is lined with trees and shops. It's mostly expensive and touristy, but a cool environment nonetheless. It begins at Pl Catalunya and ends at the beach. We went several times and enjoying seeing it at night with our friend and local Oriol, who Garrick met in German class last semester.

La Boqueria:
This market is located just off La Rambla. We went again and again. You'll see why:

La Sagrada Familia:
We got our first glimpse of this basilica walking up the stairs from the Metro. It's without a doubt the most incredible architecture we've ever seen. Not an inch is left untouched by Gaudi's imagination. Still under construction, they estimate completion in 2026, the 100th anniversary of Gaudi's death.

That's all for now - lots more to come!