France, Spain, and Portugal 2017

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November 24-27th Barcelona, Spain
Our final stop on our European trip is Barcelona. It has been much in the news lately with
Catalonia independence movements and terrorists but when we arrived all was calm and quiet and amazing. I'm sure the news makes it sound like all hell is breaking loose, but to the vast majority life goes on as usual. Like most big cities we've visited on this trip, there is a greater police presence than ever before due to the terrorist goings on. Armed police were in airports, important squares and landmarks and entrances were blocked by vehicles to prevent entry. It was quite impressive to see the French, Portuguese and Spanish police and, at the same time, it was thought-provoking.
After our short flight from Palma, our prebooked shuttle brought us to the Gaudi Hotel, right in the heart of town. To our delight our rooms featured nice big balconies and, being Dawn's choice, overlooked the Gaudi House unique rooftop and were just steps off La Rambla, the kilometer long pedestrian street. This is where the terrorist attack took place. Scotch and wine ensued in the sun on the Temple's balcony and as soon as we brought out the taco chips, Jonathan Livingston Seagull landed on the ledge. Lynda fed him immediately...she and Dawn are sisters of a feather...so he stayed for quite a while. I considered leaving him a trail of tums as the nachos were quite spicy.
Saturday morning we took a taxi to the Sagrada Familia. This incredible, unique church designed by the famous Castilian architect Antoni Gaudi, synonymous with Barcelona, was number one on our list of things to see. It has been under construction for more than one hundred years, being finished by other architects and the like over time. The goal is to complete it by 2026, the 100th anniversary of Gaudi's death. For example, eight of twelve spires are complete. Our prebooked tickets included an audio tour guide and entry to go up to the top of the Nativity Tower. It was an elevator up but 400 steps down a narrow spiral staircase looking out over the church exterior itself and the city. The audio guide gave good, succinct descriptions of the various parts of the church, its massive columns, and history. It made us appreciate the feat even more.
Next we headed for the Parque Guell. It's high up the hill above downtown Barcelona and, thanks to plentiful and relatively inexpensive taxis, we didn't wear ourselves out getting there. The 42 acre park was designed and built by Gaudi and the house that he lived in is now a museum there. We really enjoyed the walk through the park and the views of the city it gave us. Up near the top we listened to a talented five piece musical group that we really enjoyed. We love the many musicians you happen upon when traveling in Europe.
Back downtown we finished the day with a walk along the high end shopping street Passeig de Gracia...every name brand represented in amazing Spanish buildings...which turns into La Rambla and our hotel area. We found a delicious Chinese food restaurant on our corner and then Barry and Lynda turned in and Dawn and I went walking among the crowds to see the Xmas lights. The night also included finding a huge Xmas market, narrowly avoiding bring swept up in the wave of a "No Means No" rally through the narrow streets (with police helping control the route) and a sudden downpour that made us and the throngs of people scurry for cover. Spending time in Barcelona and relishing moments like a visit to our favourite Irish bar in the Gothic Quarter near the perfect Placa Reial was a great way to end our month in Europe. Tomorrow we make the long trip home.

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