Spain...Our Way
Our first stop! What a beautiful city and even more beautiful weather. All that was required, was that we find our hotel, on our own...
Barcelona
Las Ramblas
The first place we went in Barcelona. No napping for us. This boulevard is about 1.2 kilometers from Plaça de Catalunya to Port Vell. This is a perfect first stroll to soak in the sites and sounds of Barcelona.
Las Ramblas
We couldn't stop taking pics of the amazing architecture and balconies--can I just sit up there with my Cafe con Leche and read a book! La Boqueria Market will capture you with it's colors and smells and so many choices for treats. At the port, we found a statue of Christopher Columbus--as I'm from Columbus, Ohio, this was interesting.
La Sagrada Familia
Tickets purchased before we left home. Time to learn the Metro. A short walk from the station and the basilica stood towering above us. It took our breath away. Still under construction 140 years later, the work of the architect Antoni Gaudí. Just stop and take the time to look over each façade. Completion is scheduled for 2026.
La Sagrada Familia
We could not be prepared for the beauty of the inside. Again, we just needed to pause at different areas to appreciate what we were seeing. The ticket and audio guide worked well and let us go at our own pace.
La Sagrada Familia
The sheer size, geometry, light, and color capture you. Thanks to the app we learned about the symbolism, the columns and stained glass. There's not time limit to how long you can stay. The crowds can be a bit overwhelming, but persevere.
La Sagrada Familia
Towers--there are a total of 12. Purchase the extra ticket for the Tower, we chose Nativity. Elevator up and these crazy spiral stairs down. There are places to stop and see wonderful views of Barcelona and the heights of the church's spires!
Park Guell
Here's where our planning fell apart, a bit. Leaving Sagrada Familia, per Google, it's only 1.5 miles to Park Guell--10 minutes to walk. Easy. Google fails to mention it's quite the uphill. We also read in our book that the park was open to the public. Turns out timed tickets are required. So, our view was limited to only looking through the gates.
Barcelona Beach
On to the beach we went! Quote of the day, from a random Australian lady who wanted us to leave our clothes (any or all of them) with her husband and go swimming with her: 'Never travel without your swimmies!'
What did we learn?
1. Follow Steve's directions from the airport to the hotel. It is a hidden gem.
2. Master the Metro. It is challenging, but you feel so good! Barcelona's Metro was easier to use than Madrid. Worse case scenario, catch a taxi, which we did a few times!
3. **Make sure you are reading the most updated tour book**
4. Pack your swimmies.
