Barcelona

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We arrived in sunny Barcelona

on the Mediterranean coast

for 3 weeks in Spain.

Cool days and evenings

beautiful, festive Christmas lights

hanging above all the streets

and sidewalks packed with people

just enjoying a walk and shopping

especially along the Ramblas

the main walking street.



Beautiful 9-room Hosteria Grau

in the heart of old town.

Tapas everywhere, little sandwiches and snacks

delicious with red Rioja wine in the evening,

and morning tapas with delicious coffee.

We had a difficult time adjusting

to the Spanish eating schedule -

late lunches (2-4) and even later dinners (9-12)

most restaurants closed in between.

We were always hungry at the wrong time

even after 3 weeks!



Some great art at the Catalan Art Museum

and Picasso Museum – mainly before cubism.



The highlight of Barcelona (and Spain) is the

Sagrada Familia or Sacred Family Cathedral

a brilliant work of art by Gaudi

started over 100 years ago

and still a work in progress.

Intricate nativity carving with Tree of Life

soothing sun dappled interior

from Gaudi planned stained glass

soaring ceiling seemingly weightless

held aloft by tree-inspired pillars and arches.

Simply the most amazing



architectural structure in the world!

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Photos

Sagrada Familia
Still under construction - after 100 years

Soothing stained glass light on columns
Looking up in Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia Interior
It feels like walking under a fantasy rain forest canopy.

Barcelona city tour
Sunshine!!

Hams everywhere
Delicious spanish hams. Good ones are $400-500.

Crowds on the Ramblas
Enjoying the atmosphere on our first night in Barcelona.

Comments

[Gran'ma Martin]

Barcelona
Thanks for the pix and info - their eating times suit me fine, that is about my schedule. Love you, Gran'ma