Barcelona

We took a 5 hour train ride from Alicante to Barcelona along the Mediterranean…it was absolutely beautiful. I sat by the window and enjoyed the entire trip but unfortunately Billy was suffering from a cold (he is much better now, thank goodness). We arrived in Barcelona around 7:00 and because Billy was feeling ill, we ate dinner at a café close to the hotel and then went to bed.
On Thursday, we went down to Las Ramblas which is a long tree-lined street in south Barcelona full of shops, side streets, vendors, artists, street performers, and tons of outdoor cafes. We took a recommended side street called Carrer de Ferran (thanks Mindy!) and stumbled upon the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. It was similar to Venice in the fact that there were no cars, the streets were narrow, and it was full of wonderful cathedrals. Next, we went to Port Vell and tried to take the gondola to the top of the mountain where the Olympic village is but unfortunately due to high winds it was closed. Later in the evening, we went back to Las Ramblas for an authentic Spanish meal of Paella and Sangria. The restaurants throughout Barcelona are different in that they have both an outdoor and indoor serving area. Most of the outdoor seating areas are in the middle of two roads with a large strip in between. The waiters have to dodge cars as they bring the food and drinks, so it costs a little more to sit outside. We guess it is because they have to risk their lives to bring the food. We ended the evening with a café con leche and puff pastries with chocolate as we sat outside admiring the scenery. If we haven’t said it before, Barcelona is spectactular! It is very similar to Paris in that the streets are tree lined and the architecture is amazing. Billy and I both agree it is one of the most beautiful cities we have ever been too!
On Friday (our 5 year anniversary), we woke up early and when to eat an “American Breakfast” of eggs, bacon, ham, toast, orange juice, and coffee. From there, we took the Metro to Park Guell which is a park designed by Antoni Gaudi. Gaudi’s influence is felt throughout the city as can be seen in the pictures. You can’t walk too far without passing a building that he designed (see pictures of Casa Mila and Casa Batllo). A look at our pictures will show that. The park is like walking into a real life Dr. Suess book. There are no straight lines anywhere and nothing is ordinary. The park also overlooks the entire city of Barcelona and provides some amazing views (see the pictures). After a short Metro ride, we were at the La Sagrada Familia, perhaps Barcelona’s most notable landmark. It is hard to describe in words, but it is the most wonderful architectural structure we have ever seen. It was started in 1882, and it is still not completed. We can’t do it justice by writing about it so please view the pictures. It tells the story of the life of Jesus…from the birth, to the gospels with the 12 apostles, to the crucifixion. In the evening, we went to a café called Tapelia and had tapas (appetizers) and a pitcher of Sangria. Then we walked along Passeig de Gracia and now we are at our hotel having a nightcap on the outdoor patio. We leave for 2 days in Madrid tomorrow morning. It is hard to believe it has already been a week! We will update the blog from Madrid.
Continue to check the online photo album. Adios for now!