Barcelona Spain and Gaudi sights

Barcelona Summary

Thursday evening we walked to the Rambla Marketplace and found some fresh fruit and turnover type meat pie.  Then we found some crème stuffed desserts.  Mmm good. 

Friday the hotel served a delicious, big breakfast with choices of fruit, cereal, eggs, bacon, sausage, juices, nuts, dates, rolls, croissants, and more.  It was a great way to start Friday and Saturday for our touring of Barcelona.  We bought the T-10 metro ticket for 9.6 euros on Friday which Kurt and I shared.  We took bus #24 to Parc Guille.  It was a pleasant day, with delightful places to walk and look.  A string group was playing in an area that had amazing acoustics.  We saw the houses and the salamander from a distance but saw the famous ergonomic bench and the view of the city from the best places.  We had to watch the time to get to the Sagrada Familia for our 1:00 entrance and English tour.  We left earlier than we wanted to because of the timing.  The bus driver and passengers helped us know where to get off the bus.  We saw a little market and bought bagettes, fruit, and drinks.  I tried mango orange in a 16 oz bottle.  It was delicious and I drank almost all, sharing a bit with Kurt.  Fortunately we had purchased Sagrada Familia tickets in advance online.  That saved us a huge line.  We had a fascinating and informative English tour.  The guide was knowledgeable and very thoughtful.  He made sure we could see and hear with our earphones and sound control. 

In the evening we took the metro and then a tram car to Montjuic and saw a beautiful water/fountain display.  We could have taken an escalator down to the bottom but didn’t see it until later.  We were feeling rather tired from all the walking.

Kurt was feeling leg pain by the end of the day so he decided to stay at the hotel Saturday morning and rest.  That was wise.  It was all the rest he needed so he could walk the many miles in Florence, Rome, Pompeii, Athens and Ephesus. 

Saturday, Dave, Ilene, and I boarded bus #24 and traveled to the Gaudi house Casa Mila (La Pedrera).  We decided to wait in line for tickets and purchase the most comprehensive audio tour.  Great decision.  They allowed photos and it was fascinating.  It was full but the crowd was not pressing.  I particularly enjoyed the whimsy of the rooftop.  The light in all the rooms was appealing to me.

I was fascinated by vespas everywhere.  The T-10 metro pass is a great way to travel and was easy to figure out.  The Gaudi designed park was unique and relaxing. The Gaudi home was an outstanding tour.  It was a great thing to do and see.

We were glad for all we saw and did in Barcelona