Barcelona is
Spain’s second largest city (Madrid being the largest) and is the capital of
their region Catalunya. I discovered that both Spanish and Catalan are spoken
here when I attempted to understand the words on street signs and maps. I was
out of my league for sure. But the tour guide pointed out that they are
Catalonians first, Spaniard’s second.
Barcelona
had a lot more history than I thought. Columbus was from here, the Roman’s were
here and the gothic medieval period played a significant role here. Antonio
Gaudi and Pablo Picasso walked the streets here and left their mark all over
the city.
We started
the day, again, super early. Next time I
cruise I’m going to check all the start times for the excursions. I’m tired of
getting up at 6:30 on vacation. Our tour today was called the Best of
Barcelona, and it was exactly that. We had a fantastic tour guide, Carmen, who
not only knew a lot of history, but had a sense of humor and kept track of all
us chickens.
Our first
stop was the Antonio Gaudi’s masterpiece La Sagrada Familia church. Oh…My…God.
I’ve never in all my life seen anything like it. At first glance, you’re kinda
taken back. Not sure what to think. I likened it to looking upon the face of
the elephant man. At first you’re a little repulsed, then you’re curious, then
you realize it’s a face of someone who needs a little love. The façade of this church is a little like
that to me. There is so much going on on the outside of the church that you
find yourself a bit overwhelmed.
We entered
the church on what’s called the nativity side – the walls show the birth of
Jesus…in a way only Gaudi could. There were lizards as gargoyles, turtles
holding up enormous columns, and birds everywhere. Without a photo it’s hard to
even explain what this church is like. It was stunning on the outside, but once
we entered … I had no words.
The inside
was designed by Gaudi to depict a forest.
The stain glass windows throughout the church cast a beautiful,
multi-colored glow onto the columns that are the “trees” – its magical inside.
I had to sit for a moment and take it all in. I found myself wanting to snap
every possible photo I could, but there was just too much to witness. I sat and
just felt the church (I’m turning into my middle brother apparently). Then I slowly walked around and found some magnificent
corners of this church to shoot.
From the
church, I was sure there wasn’t anything that could top that, but then we found
ourselves in the Gothic Quarter. This
maze of alley ways and very small streets was a throwback to mid-evil times.
Our tour guide stopped us first at the Cathedral in the Gothic Quarter – I’m
ashamed to say I didn’t even get the name of it. All our group (Mom, Suzi, Jack,
Mike & Bev) were hungry and wanted lunch instead of finishing the walking
tour of the Gothic Quarter. The Gothic Quarter was one of the MANY reasons I
wanted to see Barcelona! I left them and trudged on (BTW I had over 14,000
steps today…my feet are tired).
Carmen gave
us so much history of the quarter that I couldn’t retain any of it. We saw old
Roman columns that were preserved in a building, we walked through alley ways
that, no lie, were maybe 3 feet across (if I eat any more I won’t fit down
these alley ways). She showed us an old church that was bombed ruing the
Spanish civil war in which they left the shell marks on the church so they’ll
never forget what they fought for. She showed us where the old roman chariots
used to come down the alleys and turn the corner too wide and take bits out of
buildings. All of it was just amazing. But my favorite were the bridges in the
quarter. I didn’t get 100% why, but they ultimately built bridges that would go
from building to building. Gothic walk ways if you will. It had something to do with all the muck and
unpleasant things in the street but I don’t remember what exactly.
I eventually
caught up with the rest of the group who were just finishing their lunch. I had
a couple of bites of Mom’s paella, and a Fanta (BTW I’m addicted to FANTA here
for some reason. That cold orange drink when it’s been so hot has hit the spot.
I know I’ll want Fanta back in the states and it won’t taste nearly as good…it
never does). Then I left them again, and went about my way trying to do some real
photography.
I stopped in
a gift shop and bought myself a gift, a pin for Blueberry, and some post cards.
Then on the way out I noticed this little sandwich shop that had ham and cheese
on a baguette. Yes! I finally got my ham and cheese sandwich. I was proud of
myself for ordering in Spanish only to find out when he responded I had no idea
what he was talking about…and he realized I had no idea and switched back to
English.
Stepping out
of the shop I looked up and spied a Starbucks. Yes, I admit it, I went in. I
knew Mike and Bev would be in there, so I had to go check it out. Sure enough,
they were there. We spent a few minutes there and then walked back to where we
were meeting our bus.
The second
half of the tour was to visit this re-created Spanish village. Essentially a
tourist trap, but an interesting one. Inside this village they had all the
areas of Spain represented. For example, Catalan – which is where we are now –
has a different style of houses, different foods, etc than they do in Aragon.
So each “section” was a representation of the living environment, and shops of
what they are known for. Mom and I bought some balsamic vinegar that is like
syrup and some olive oil. Then I broke down and bought some saffron. I couldn’t
resist.
Then it was
back on the boat. We’re exhausted and if I didn’t have the excursion ticket I
wouldn’t be able to tell you exactly what country we’re in. It’s all worth it
though, I can sleep when I’m home.
Tomorrow we’re
in Valencia. I see more paella in my future.
Oh, and I am still on target with my gelato a day goal. The Spanish village had some gelato – it wasn’t
nearly as good as Italy’s but it was still gelato.
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