Barcelona, Spain

One can get from Collioure (France) to Barcelona (Spain) very easily by vehicle. The drive can be done in a little over two hours and begins by climbing up the majestic Pyrenees Mountains. Barcelona is a crowded, bustling city buttressed on one side by a harbor that hosts hundreds of beautiful boats and that has a sky tram going from one end of the harbor to the other; and on the other side of the city the Collserola Mountain Range. Much of the architecture in Barcelona is very exquisite, especially in the older section known as Gothic Quarter. The narrow cobblestone streets are wedged in between tall buildings on both sides, many that have elaborate etchings on the outer walls. The Cathedral and older buildings along the waterfront boast some of the largest gargoyles I have ever seen. My visit began on “Las Rambles”, the famous street series of markets that begin at Catalunya street and go all the way to the pier. This street is so packed full of shops and people that it is actually much faster to walk than to drive. Parking is also at a premium in this area. Once parked, the area is packed full of fun places to visit including the Gothic Quarter (aka Barri Gotic), the waterfront, and the amazing Mercat St. Joseph/Mercado de la Boqueria. The latter, a food market that boasted fresh juices, local meats, fresh/raw nuts, and fruits & vegetables. I have never before taken so many pictures of food; the displays were so beautiful. I bought two bags of raw cashews and almonds: by far the best tasting I have ever had before. I also bought a cup of fresh melon and mint juice. I am close to making the decision to drive back to Barcelona just to get more of both of these! There were also a lot of amazing candies in the market, but for those who know me well you will be surprised to learn that I didn’t buy any candy. (If I go back for the juice and nuts I will definitely opt for the candy too.)

 

From the market it is just a short walk to Gothic Quarter and the Cathedral. We sat in the square in front of the Cathedral and enjoyed the music of a Flamenco guitarist; my favorite guitar music.

The last thing we did before heading back to France was to go to Park Guell. We got there at just the perfect time: right before dusk; when colors are vibrant, shadows long, and lighting perfect. For those who are unfamiliar with Barcelona it may be difficult to find, but Park Guell is a definite must-see when in Barcelona. Seated high up the hills above the city the views from the park (also spelled “parc”) are absolutely phenomenal. But even these great views do not outshine the architecture of this great park, mostly inspired by Antoni Gaudi. Until I began researching places to visit in Barcelona I was not familiar with Gaudi, but every internet posting I read about Barcelona referenced him, his vast Catalonian inspired work, and the respect accorded to him by many, especially Spaniards. The pictures I saw of his work online do not come close to doing justice to the work that he did. When you see his buildings in person you will be nearly unable to stop staring at and enjoying the playful beauty of this designs. Park Guell is a great way to see a great sampling of his work in one beautiful setting. You will also be taken by the parakeets boldly flying throughout the park.

The park (on Muntanya Pelada, "Bare Mountain") originally was started by an Englishman named Eusebi Guell and was an  unsuccessful commercial project as a garden city movement.

 

Antoni Gaudi's home (pictured below) sits in the middle of the park

 

A beautiful mosaic serpentine bench outlines the large outlook with two Gaudi designed buildings in the foreground of a terrific view of the City of Barcelona.

 

Sagrada Familia Church (above) was designed by Gaudi and is still incomplete after 87 years. (Makes me feel a lot better about Lopez still being incomplete after 15!) The family plans to finish in time for the centennial.

Parakeets (one pictured below) are prevalent throughout the park.