What a wonderful city! Who could ask for more!
Trip Start
May 03, 2009
1
11
62
Trip End
Dec 22, 2009
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Friday, May 22, 2009
I got up, packed, and caught the 130 local bus to the metro. Then, rode the metro to the long distance
bus at the Plaza de Americas. Think this was my 4th bus station? I arrived in Barcelona about 5PM at the
Nord Bus station, picked up a map right there at the info booth at the bus station. Somehow, I mistakenly took the train (?), but I changed to the metro, and finally did find the hostel. After I settled in the dorm room, discovered it was packed: 8 females in this dorm.
So, after a beer and turning in early, I had a good night's sleep, and was refreshed when I awoke. This
hostel serves breakfast AND COFFEE! (oh, that's what was wrong back there in Madrid!). I had picked up
a tour bus map, and decided to walk that tour, instead of busing it.
The first thing that caught my eye was a motorcycle that has two front wheels! They look pretty spiffy,
and safer than the regular motorcycle. But, I imagine they are a little pricey.
I soon ran across Gaudi's house; or, actually, the one he designed and built. It is really something fantastic,
but it was too expensive for me to tour, so I just admired it from the outside. Then, I was assaulted by
these little sausage sandwiches. It seems like sausage is a big thing in Europe; well, maybe so in the
U.S., but we like hamburgers better, I think.
I ran across a big gigantic building: I believe it's the Coliseum, but I'm not sure. I guess I doubled back,
because I caught a far-away view of the house again, so I can show more of it. It's just astounding, his
work.
Then I ran across more food: an olive store! That's all they sell, is every size shape and form of olive. I
love olives, and I didn't buy any this time.
Shortly after looking at all the food, I made my way down to the Palace; first, there is the statuary,
then the giant towers, then the promenade, then finally the palace itself. WoW! Gardens abound the
palace, they are everywhere, and it was the perfect time of year for them, too. After climbing to the top,
I photographed the view that the King would have had. Very spectacular.
Next I made my way to the Olympic Village; there are all kinds of buildings still here-they use some of
them for their local sports.
After touring the Olympic Village, I headed up a steep hill that overlooks the Med. There is a beautiful
garden on this curving road; it's filled with cactus, and all other kinds of plants.
Eventually I made my way down to the beaches, and where all the action is on the Med. Thousands
of boats are anchored here: sail boats, motor boats, and every other kind. You can see the ferry
terminal in the background, and later on, I visit it. I wish I could go to one of these places, any one of
them. Actually, in retrospect, I guess I could have, if I had wanted. Well, maybe next time. Put that
on my wish list, with about a million other places.
At the end of the main street is the statue of Christie Colombo, or Colom, as the Spanish call him. Nearby
is the aduana, or custom house for the clearing of the ships, etc.
Walking back to the hostel on the Las Ramblas, I ran across a street mime. I think they call it exhibition
art? I passed the wonderful outdoor market on the Ramblas, and strolled in. Oh gosh! Wow! You could
stay in here forever! So many good things to look at and eat.
I passed by Gaudi's cathedral, an absolute MUST see in Barcelona. And they are right. It is huge outside
and inside. Now, where does this put the cathedral in Toledo and Albi? Oh, that's a tough one. But, they
are all in Spain. Of course, I haven't been to France yet....or London. The inside is really gaudy; filled
with gold. Where did all of that come from? Peru?
Back to the beach and more boats. In one of these photos you can see far offshore the regattas that
are taking place. Oh what fun! And some of the sand sculptures! It looks like an architect designed them,
and an engineer built them. The hand sculpture has money in it!
I wandered around more, and ran across the Barcelona Arch. It's located near the zoo. Last on this
viewing is the interior of the railway station that is for the French departures. It's called the French
Station.
I walked this city for days, and saw many more things, but quit taking photos, it's just all overwhelming.
On my last day here, I packed my duffel and backpacks up, headed out on the metro to the North Bus station to head for France!
