April 8 – April 9, 2017

I was anxious to see the “Magic Fountain” which, from all I can tell is similar to the fountains at Il Bellagio in Las Vegas – water fountains that shoot and blast in rhythm to music.  So – off to the Placa d’Espanya.  Supposedly, according to Ric Steves, the display only occurs on Fridays and Saturdays in April, beginning at 7PM on every half hour til 8:30.  We arrived in plenty of time so decided to go to the top of the stadium, Las Arenas, (Bullring Mall) for a birdseye view of the city. 

 

 

 

 

 

This Placa was  the center for the World Expo in 1929, as I mentioned before.  It is essentially the base of Montjuic.  The expo’s theme was to demonstrate how electricity was about more than lightbulbs.  Needless to say the sponsor back then was the electric company!  Anyhow, we waited around til almost 8:30 and NOTHING!!  Later, friends of Alyssa said, this is Spain after all, and you can’t depend on anything you read in a book or get on the internet!!   Needless to say, the walk did us good and the view was spectacular. We may try next week – maybe a little later in the evening!

Saturday, MaryAnn, Vin and Jillian were to arrive.  Our plan was to discover a different section of the city, making our way to the Ard de Triomf , and ending at the market in Las Ramblas.  How I’ve come to love Barcelona lazy mornings!!  We don’t even get ready to roll til noon!!  The pace here can be very addicitive!  We had decided to do a laundry wash – the machine was taking forever – so we went for a shorter stroll to the additional homes of Gaudi, on the Gracias.  After a cappuccino (also addictive) we made it back to the apartment, hung the clothes and went in search of the Arc. 

We walked down Rambla de Catalunya.  It is a wide pedestrian walkway in the middle of two narrow lanes of traffic.  It is dotted with cafes and eateries that are along the sidewalks across the way.  One entire section was set up as what I would call a “Flea Market” – individual stalls.  However, ALL the vendors were selling PALM – in bunches, in woven designs, decorated with ribbons and bows.  Since Palm Sunday was tomorrow, we thought this was their tradition.   I jokingly said maybe you have to buy your palm, then bring it to church for a blessing.  I digress…

 

We made it to the Arc – built in 1888 as the main access gate to the Barcelona World Fair.  It is made of reddish brickwork and has multiple friezes.  It is amazing to me that it has withstood the test of time.  It stands across a wide central promenade, and on this Saturday afternoon, tents were erected, stages set up and tuning up of musicians – obviously getting ready for something grander this evening.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We headed to the market to buy refreshments for when the Palmas arrived.  We knew they’d be starved, since they’ve been on a plane since Friday afternoon.  Alyssa came over by 7 with her friends, and family arrived by 8.  We had a noisy reunion, ate, drank, then everyone left for a stroll, drink and more food!  (all but me)

Sunday – Palm Sunday – YUP – bring your own palm!!!!  Outside of church, a stage and microphones were set up- the priest I assume, blessed the palm, singing of hymn and waving of the palm – making a thrumming noise – it was pretty interesting.  The children processed in, waving their palm and stood around the altar.  After church – in search of a cappuccino!

Now we’re off to meet the gang at the beach!