Barcelona

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.

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.  

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.

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. 

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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.  

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!

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. 

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!'