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Background: Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic and political power. Spain remained neutral in World Wars I and II, but suffered through a devastating civil war (1936-39). In the second half of the 20th century, Spain has played a catch-up role in the western international community; it joined the EU in 1986. Continuing challenges include Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA) terrorism and further reductions in unemployment.

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By Deb Brad
November 13th 2009

You take photo of me, I take photo of you? Europe » Spain » Catalonia » Barcelona

Gaudi's La Pedrera/Casa Mila

I guess I didn´t really explain why I came to Barcelona of all places. Most of you probably know, but just in case some don´t, here it is. In the fall of 2002 I came here with my classmates (about 25 of us) from the University of Calgary to study planning and architecture for a semester. We all lived here for 4 months and I had an apartment with 3 girl friends. We got to know the city quite well - after 4 months it felt quite like home. It was an amazing time and an experience I´ll always cherish. So [View Full Entry]

Me under the main platform of Park Guell

By Deb Brad
November 13th 2009

You take photo of me, I take photo of you? Part 2 Europe » Spain » Catalonia » Barcelona

Not sure why this site isn´t accepting my additions to the last blog - so here is the new stuff again just in case: Last thing I did was go watch the Magic Fountain (the fountain does a pretty awesome music and light show) and do a last wander around the Plaça Espanya area. What a great way to end my stay here! I feel like I´m forgetting a lot but you really have to see the city for yourselves if I´ve piqued your interest at all. Got to make sure I´m up early for my flight to Warsaw tomorrow. I´ve [View Full Entry]

By Deb Brad
November 11th 2009

It was dead before lunch Europe » Spain » Catalonia » Barcelona

The street I lived on 7 years ago

Well, I slept like a baby who hadn´t slept in 30 hours....I was hoping to be up fairly early but I only woke up at 9 am because I heard someone else´s alarm go off down the hall - thanks! Maybe they do wake up calls here - rather be up at 7. What a busy day! I can honestly say I haven´t walked as much in the last 2 weeks as I did today. After a delicous breakfast consisting of an omelette bocadillo (quite tasty), I headed off to my old stomping grounds. First stop - my old apartment just [View Full Entry]

By Deb Brad
November 10th 2009

...and they spoke to me in Dutch! Europe » Spain » Catalonia » Barcelona

7 hours is a lot of time to kill in an airport...

Hello folks, Another blog... yup, I´m doing it again. Mostly for selfish reasons as it makes remembering things when I scrapbook a trip MUCH easier afterwards. But, I also hope you enjoy reading it too! I´ll apologize in advance if the blog is a little less amusing than usual as I don´t have Brad by my side interjecting his witty little comments as I write. I hope you´re not too disappointed and still find some enjoyment in the adventures of Debra solo. So, yes, I am traveling on my own this time! Here´s the basic itinerary: Leave November 9th, back on [View Full Entry]

By Whiskers
November 7th 2009

We know we have gone up in hotel class when we have a bidet Europe » Spain » Catalonia » Barcelona

The funicular

As we mentioned yesterday this hotel on the University campus is stylish.And we have a bidet!! We are now starting to rank our hotel stays in Europe by whether our bathroom has a bidet or not and we are seriously thinking of getting one installed when we get home!!Without getting into too much detail for those who haven’t experienced a bidet in their bathroom,they are a delight and so hygienic!!They are one thing that Europeans have over us Kiwis!! Anyway onto things more serious and our day in Barcelona. The weather forecast is for rain later in the day but we [View Full Entry]

View over Barcelona from the top of the funicular

By Mado
November 1st 2009

Barcelone_Parc Guell Europe » Spain » Catalonia » Barcelona

C'est bien moi
Devinez qui a pris cette photo...

Ce soir je vais essayer de commenter un peu plus mes photos. Ce n'est pas un récit de voyage comme tel car je ne peux avoir cette prétention. Ce blog est surtout un moyen que j'ai de pouvoir partager avec vous quelques moments de ce voyage et aussi de recevoir de vos nouvelles selon vos humeurs. Barcelone est une ville culturelle, multiethnique et dynamique à tous les points de vue. Ici on se sent chez soi parce qu'on y retrouve des gens de partout et on entend parler plusieurs langues. Ily a encore beaucoup de touristes à ce moment de l'année [View Full Entry]

By KHALEH NAZ
October 28th 2009

SPAIN-BARCELONA-1026 THRU 1101 Europe » Spain » Catalonia » Barcelona

Photo 10
THE RAMBLAS

Barcelona, Barcelona!!! Thank you for all your recommendations...The city has exceeded my expectations... From the Ramblas to the "La Boqueria" Mercat San Josep, to the Gaudi apartments, to the Sagrada Familia, to the Park Guell, to the Cathedral, to the old Roman walls...This is a spectacular city...Easy to navigate, great to do shopping at, wonderful to walk in the parks or along its docks...This city does not sleep, the food is spectacular, the people are friendly and courteous, and I am thoroughly enjoying every moment of it...I am staying until Sunday...Tomorrow checking out the Barcel [View Full Entry]

By Snap Shot Stacey
October 27th 2009

Barcelona (aka where Stacey learnt to love Expressionist architecture) Europe » Spain » Catalonia » Barcelona

Me on my 'throne'
And thoroughly enjoying a blues busker nearby

Barcelona is known for its night life but also for its fabulous Gaudi architecture (and still incomplete cathedral designed by him). Now Im someone whos always loved more traditional styles but Im officially a convert. Whilst La Segrada Familia (the aforementioned work in progress) was a total waste of money to enter, it was awesome from the outside. Its nice to finally see a cathedral which doesnt mirror all the others. Park Guell is also famous because of this brilliant man (and its free!). Originally intended as a private garden for the rich, things didnt quite go according to plan with [View Full Entry]

By Coopers
October 23rd 2009

Northern Spain...ola... Europe » Spain » Catalonia » Figueres

Ingrid and Nadine
High school friends in Sherbrooke...have not seen each oither in over 20 years.

It is great to escape the City and get into the country to see the more natural side of Spain. I do find it very unique and wonderful and throw in the Mediterranean and it is very special indeed. Language…a mile a minute I would like to retract any complaint I have ever made about the French speaking too fast…the Spanish put them to shame! It is almost comical to listen to news casts or conversations and trhe spead with whcih they seem to converse. It truly is amazing! However, it is discouraging when trying to understand a new language to [View Full Entry]

By SlavicNerd
October 23rd 2009

La Fira de San Ermengol Europe » Spain » Catalonia » La Seu d'Urgell

Catedral
The infamous 13th Century Romanesque Cathedral

Last weekend marked the annual celebration of the Feast of Saint Ermengol in the Catalonian town of La Seu d'Urgell. It is supposedly documented as the oldest festival in all of Spain! La Seu d'Urgell, despite only having some 13,000 inhabitants, holds many festivals throughout the year and attracts people from throughout Catalonia as well as Andorra. It is also important in that the Bishop of La Seu is one of the Andorran co-princes. Said bishop actually died a few weeks ago, so now there's a new one, but that really isn't relevant. La Seu also was the site of the [View Full Entry]

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