Barcelona

Monday May 23rd 2016 We arrived in Barcelona (pronounced Barthelona) after a noneventul plane ride. After a long wait at immigration, we collected our bags and made for the taxi stand. A short ride brought us to our hotel, The Catalonia, right off the square. Antoinette and Bob had arrived earlier. In an attempt to ward off the effects of the time change, we stayed up and immediately set out on a little discovery tour. We walked down Las Ramblas (a pedestrian promenade thru the heart of town) and found an area of outdoor cafes where we had our first sampling of tapas. Barcelona has the feel of any large city, reminding me of Paris. We later found out that it has a population of 4 million - half of NYC. We went to the huge outdoor market La Boqueira. It is an explosion of color and beauty Stalls filled with vegetables, fruit, herbs, fresh meats and cheese – all spectacularly inviting – I wanted to sample it all… except for the lamb’s head and tripe! Karen, Conrad, Jane and Daryl arrived around nine and we walked again trying to stave off jet lag. Drinking a liter of San Gria would help to sleep thru the night!! Tuesday May 24 Karen arranged for a private guide and driver to give us a broad overview of the city. Our first stop was Montjuic – the hill overlooking the south side of the city. It is quite lush and was home to the ’92 Olympics. In addition to the various exhibition halls, stadium and gardens, there are picnic grounds and even a Greek style amphitheater. We enjoyed a brief stop at the overlook - with a view of the port (cruise ships in attendance), the Mediterranean, the city below.

We then drove down to the beaches – this area being recently improved. The beaches stretch over a 2 ½ miles and are spectacular! The area was reminiscent of Nice with beachfront restaurants and bars. It was this area that was developed for the Olympic housing and now enjoys “great neighborhood” status. Next stop – the Barri Gotic. This is the old town – medieval section. Here lies the Cathedral of Barcelona, Santa Creu – or Holy Cross. After seeing the modernity of the beachfront, this was stepping back in time. Traces of former Roman occupation are apparent still. We walked the many alleys and Jose pointed out enjoyed tales of yore. He brought us to an area where during an excavation, Roman walls and columns were unearthed. Sections of the aqueduct are visible. He took us to the site of the first Roman temple – and here the four columns have been preserved for 2000 years!!

We then crossed over into the newer section of the city where shops abound galore – like Fifth Avenue and Rodeo Drive rolled into one. It was on this strip, the name eludes me now- that homes were built by Barcelona’s 3 major architects – each unique and quite amazing. Gaudi’s style, probably most notable, is instantly recognizable. These homes were built for wealthy patrons and are open to public viewing. The lines were incredible for tickets, and some of us may go back. Lunch was at a great Jose recommendation. The VinEsTu - tapas galore - angry eggs – this was a dish of French fries, tossed with a poached egg and some sort of dressing – it was pretty good. The plates kept coming and we were quite sated. Next stop – Park Guell – pronounced “well”. This is one of Barcelona’s most visited attraction. It was commissioned by Gaudi’s patron, Count Guell and was originally intended to be a gated community based on an English garden, centered on a public square. Only two of the houses were ever built. It seems it was too far from town for the average “joe”. The Guell family turned the area over to the city as a public park which it is. It was fun to see the unique style of Gaudi throughout. He incorporated nature into all his structures. Walkways, overlooks, gatehouses – all carry Gaudi’s signature. From the overlook on this north side, we could see across the city to Montjuic, where we began our day.

Last and final stop – the piece de resistance – the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia (Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family). Architects agree it is one of the world’s most enigmatic structures. Building began in the 1800’s and continues to this day. Jose told us it is hoped to be completed by 2016, on the 100 anniversary of Gaudi’s death. When first looked at, if seems quite a jumble of different styles, however, the main idea is unscathed. When dissected, and explained, you can make sense of it. The side facades are independent of each other with varying themes. The present entrance is called the Nativity, the opposite side is Christ’s Death, and the third side will be Glorification. Each side exhibits various sculptures depicting scenes from the bible of each of those themes eg: the Annunciation, the birth, the flight into Egypt, etc. When taken apart, piece by piece, the whole becomes clearer. The interior is so beautifully unexpected – light and color are everywhere – spiral staircases lead up to choir tiers that can house 1,000 choristers! Truly magnificent. It would be a hoot to see it completed… God willing!!

We relaxed poolside and attempted to make a dinner plan – we found yet another tapas place – la Viniteria – in the old town – not too far from where we had been earlier and topped the evening off with a bit of gelato – GREAT DAY!!