November 15-18, 2014
We arrived, checked into our hotel, Hotel Market, and then headed downtown. The main downtown area is a lot like the Paris, Champs-Élysées. Not quite as big, but just as beautiful. Check out the rooftop art created by Gaudi. Beautiful and whimsical.
Stopped at McCafe and had coffee to warm up. The sun is warm, but the wind is very chilly. Lee tried macaroons for the first time and he liked them. They were not as expensive at McCafe as the other bakeries.
Barcelona Cathedral
Another beautiful masterpiece. When we arrived they were actually having their Sunday mass. The alter area was blocked off to visitors, but we were allowed to walk around and view the other monuments and art throughout the cathedral. Not as massive as St. Peter's, but, oh so beautiful. They started building in 1298 and finished in 1420? The steeple peaks are also amazing and decorated with gargoyles. That seems to be tradition with most of the cathedrals we have visited.
As we were leaving, an orchestra was playing Spanish music on the cathedral steps. The crowd was clapping, singing and dancing while holding hands and dancing in circles. There must have been at least ten or more circles. This went on for a few songs, then everyone joined hands and made one huge circle. In the middle a man was waving the regional flag within the circle. Everyone in the crowd was cheering and clapping including Lee and me.
Then we left to check out the rest of the city. It was Sunday, so the larger shops in the main area of town were closed. We did some window shopping and then grabbed a late lunch. Found a cute mom and daughter restaurant with homemade and healthy organic food. Decorated very artsy and electric, with a cozy and tranquil atmosphere. They also served many oriental teas and infusions, but we chose wine and beer.
Then walked back to the hotel, because we were going out later in the evening to see the lighted, dancing fountains in the square. Since it did not start until 9:30, we were in need if a nap before our next shift.
Later we woke up and I was still battling a cold. Just wanted some meds, chicken soup and then go back to bed. We went to the market and bought a box of chicken noodle soup and some bread. No Campbell's or Progresso to be found. Also, picked up some meds at the pharmacy. Our hotel heated the soup and let us borrow some dishes. Soup was not that good, but it worked so did meds. Slept like a baby.
Barcelona and the Mediterranean
The next day we headed for a different part of town. Wanted to check out the beach area. It was a hike, but the sun was shinning and it was warmer. People everywhere, roller blading, skate boarding, roller skating, and people just having a good time. We reached the marina and there were so many beautiful sailboats and huge yachts. There was a lot of art displayed leftover from the 92 Olympics. Street vendors were everywhere. We tried fresh squeezed orange juice, pralines, homemade potato chips and cheese. Lee also had a beer. Then we checked out the "W Hotel". Pretty amazing. Lee did not believe the the "W" stood for whatever, until we walked in and there was a sign on the concierge's desk that said "whatever"! It works if you have money to pay for the "whatever"! Time for the sunset, but the yachts were so big, they blocked the sunset. Got only one good pic.
The next day we headed and were determined to find the fountains. Our desk manager gave us directions. So we walked and walked, but did not find the fountains. We did find an outside, multi level flea market. Very cool. The rooftop was like mirror image and when looking upward to the roof you could only see a mass of people upside down. Walked in and oh my. So many people and so much "stuff". You name it and they had it. From used to new, antiques to junk. People were buying things right and left and a rolling cart was mandatory. Watch your toes. Some of those people were serious shoppers.
Later we were walking and found a huge arena. It looked like a bull fighting arena from the outside. It was built for an arena, but bullfighting fell out of popularity after it was built. Pampelona is where to go for bullfighting. The city made a good decision to leave the 1900 appearance of the facade and then gutted the inside. Then they built departments stores, restaurants, cinema, cultural exhibits, concert hall, jogging track, a rock museum and a rooftop restaurant providing a 360 panoramic view of the city.
It also included a scary overhang that you walked out onto a narrow, see through plank to an elevator. Pretty cool. Check out the pic.
Afterwards, head home for some much needed sleep. Tomorrow we have an early train ride as we will be heading to Zaragoza. Three more days!
