Made. It. To. Barcelona. Yay!

Made. It. To. Barcelona. Yay!

The backside of the Pyrenees: on the way to Barcelona:

(I had three hours of driving time---what else did you expect but pictures--all drive-bys)

Here we go...

Today is the first day of the Rick Steves Tour. We will meet at 5pm for orientation. It is now around noon at the bus station. It only took the bus about three hours. I just need to figure out if I am going to take city transportation-metro, bus, or train--to get close to the hotel NH Collection. So, I sit, eat lunch looking out the window. The weather was supposed to hold rain but earlier in the morning. It looks like it is sprinkling. People are walking with umbrellas. Hmm, made my decision--TAXI. I saw them when I came in, so I know where to go.

Settled into room. It will do. There is an elevator, and I am on the third floor, which translates into the first floor in hotel speak.

View from entryway

Bathroom as you enter room

Through another door to bed

View from window.

This Rick Steves tour is the smallest group the tour guide, Rich, has ever had. Rich lives in Edmonds, Washington and works with Rick Steves at the office. He has helped write the guidebooks, book hotel rooms, and coordinated all sorts of tours and even has guided some of them. He is fluent in Spanish and has lived in many Spanish-speaking countries. One good thing is he is very tall and blond. It is good for our group of fourteen, so we won’t lose him.

There are three of us who are traveling solo. Rich told me the solos no longer share a room-Rick changed the policy this year. Okay, good for me. (sidenote: I have been sitting in my own room in Madrid all day trying to catch up on this blog--lucky for me not to have a roommate).

On the “My Way” tours, the guides always start each stop with an orientation walk. Only Alisa and I chose to go on the walk. I guess since people had come in earlier than us. Alisa is from Maryland and excited to use her Spanish. We were lucky to be with Rich because we stopped for an early dinner, and he was able to explain the Tapas bar. We also had a great modified sangria (forgot the name). Red wine, lemon soda, and a splash of vermouth. This Tapas Bar was like a sushi boat place. You self-served your own plates and placed the used toothpick in a container at the table. The waiter will charge by toothpick, size and shape determines the cost.

The next day I visited Park Güell and the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia. Both are from the imagination of Gaudi. I didn’t realize he was so religious. It was unique work. The pictures speak for themselves. I included other Barcelona street pictures. Enjoy.

Tour guide David. It is amazing I found him.

Gaudi worked with all natural stone to meet his vision.

He liked to keep it natural and reflect nature.

Many of his designs include religious signs and numbers of items relating to the Bible, such as the number of disciples.

The Park Güell, did not start as a park but was bought for the land to make exclusive housing for the rich. The problem is no one wanted to hike up the hill and there was no other way apparently. Only three houses were sold. One to Mr. Güell--the seller, Gaudi--the architect, and an attorney. One one house still stands and continues as a residence for one women, descendent of the attorney. BTW, she is not selling.

Above scenes from the top of the hill and around the plaza.

Gaudi perfected the mosaic. He recycled and used pieces from other projects to make these beautiful benches.

Interesting walkways. Mimics waves.

And off to another of Antoni Gaudi work of art. The unfinished Basilica de la Sagrada Familia. It was interesting that Gaudi died sometime in 1926 and they are still working on his vision. Gaudi died in his 70's broke. I think he gave his money away. He was ran over by tram not far from my hotel and died three days later. He remained single all his life not leaving any heirs.

Can you imagine how long it takes to carve these reliefs?

Inside the church is an alter but remains open, with the columns holding up the ceiling to look like trees. Everything had a purpose. You will have to visit to learn the rest.

And scenes around Barcelona in no particular order.