BARCELONA
After a 2 hour flight we arrived in Barcelona at 11.15pm. Friday. Our shuttle bus guide met us and we sat, then moved to another area and sat! At 12.20am he told us our driver will be here in 10 mins, he was and it was just us in the van. We picked up another couple at terminal 2 and drove into the city. The driver dropped us off 400metres from our hotel, pointing us in the right direction and left. We were not impressed but made it to the hotel who were waiting for us, but were great. We finally got to bed at 1.30am. We did not give the shuttle company a good report on the feedback form.
After a bad start we had a fabulous time in Barcelona. Our hotel was close to La Ramblas the touristy area but we were able to walk to other parts of the city.
Saturday – decided to visit Palau Guell, a home designed by Gaudi, which was very close to the hotel. It was much more than we expected. We spent 2 hours touring the building which has been renovated in Gaudi style if necessary. We had English translation recordings which were very detailed with the history and architecture of the building. The architecture was amazing. Even ceramics around the chimneys! Photo included.
After lunch we walked to Barcelona Cathedral. Like all Catholic Cathedrals it was very opulent, plenty of art works, stained glass windows. We took lift to roof which gave a view over the city.
Dinner in a great little restaurant near the hotel – 3 courses for 19 euros, good value. We actually ate there every night but not always choosing the 3 courses.
Sunday – Late start again – we are on holidays! Walk to the harbour to take a cruise around the area. Lots of stalls and human “statues” along La Rambla. While waiting for the cruise watched a swim race in harbour. Quite interesting, lots of people and swimmers. The cruise OK was actually going to another port through the heads to the sea – 45 mins there, 45 back. We saw Barcelona from the sea.
After lunch went to Picasso Museum. We had a half hour wait to get tickets and then couldn’t get in until 4. All well organised our tickets were for 4 and that is when we went in. Again had an English program and spent about 2 hours there. Traces his painting career from the beginning. Didn’t know he painted landscapes initially.
Caught up with Janet and her friend Hiliary at 7pm for dinner.
Monday – Walked to Museum of Contemporary Art. Spent about 2 hours there. The art works were interesting, a little way out, but impressive.
We rested after lunch before taking the metro to Sagrada Familia. We had organised a tour prior to leaving home with a trip up the tower. Gaudi took over the construction of the Basillica from another architect and he died before it was completed. All his plans were destroyed in the Spanish Civil War but most of his ideas were in his head. He died in 1926. The building is not yet completed and they hope to do so by 2026 – a hundred years after Gaudi’s death. Enough of the fascade was done for other sides to be completed. The inside is magnificent. Unlike the usual catholic basillicas in that there are no religious alcoves for saints. The inside is an open space, very high ceiling and columns, all natural light. Absolutely stunning. Will include photo of the tree like columns that hold up the roof.
Tuesday – This morning we went to Parc Guell – a park designed by Gaudi. Again amazing works , sculptures on buildings. We have certainly seen a lot of Gaudi while in Barcelona.
About 2pm we took a taxi to the cruise terminal and boarded Azamara Quest for our cruise to Nice.
Cabin very comfortable.