Front seat, top deck, two thumbs up!
Riding around Barcelona on a tour bus let us marvel at what an architectural scrapbook the city is: old, new, renovated, palm trees, parks, churches, museums, stadiums, palaces etc.
Stress free riding with other tourists, taking way too many photos, was a bonding experience.
We hopped off to see the popular Sagradia Familia church designed by Gaudi. Construction began on the cathedral in 1883 by the artist himself.
Project completion date is estimated to be in about 50 years. Awesome, but yet why, were two reoccuring thoughts in our minds. Detailed work dominated every inch of building. No public funding has ever gone into the project. A devout Catholic, Gaudi apparently was planning on a really nice present to a Pope someday.
Since we had a 2 for 1 coupon(from our bus ticket) we had to hop off at McDonald's for a Big Mac. This franchise had style, located in chic "new" Barcelona. Creative burger artwork graced building walls, very tidy, and a 1E menu was available! Gelatto/espresso floats were a 10! (European McCafe's are not to be laughed at!)
Picasso's Museum was educational, he had many styles of works not often exhibited. His famous style of art created in the early 60's , like "LeBouquet" (two hands exchanging a handful of bright flowers) were not included in displays. A docent explained that random museums and individuals held these pieces. (minor disappointment)
Sunday night we were well entertained by flamenco opera performed by dramatic Spainards. Monday evening's concert held at a beautiful, beautiful concert hall was a bit too classical for us. We left at halftime to look for a late night snack.
Next door to our hotel, in an almost dive cafe, a sign was proudly posted. New York Times food critic Mark Bittman had proclaimed that he had eaten the best sandwich of his life here . An Iberia sandwich (specialty ham(29 E a pound) and tomato smeared on a toasty bun) in his words should be enjoyed with a beer and nothing more. Great taste, and he was right , no more, the fries we ordered never came!
Riding around Barcelona on a tour bus let us marvel at what an architectural scrapbook the city is: old, new, renovated, palm trees, parks, churches, museums, stadiums, palaces etc.
Stress free riding with other tourists, taking way too many photos, was a bonding experience.
We hopped off to see the popular Sagradia Familia church designed by Gaudi. Construction began on the cathedral in 1883 by the artist himself.
Project completion date is estimated to be in about 50 years. Awesome, but yet why, were two reoccuring thoughts in our minds. Detailed work dominated every inch of building. No public funding has ever gone into the project. A devout Catholic, Gaudi apparently was planning on a really nice present to a Pope someday.
Since we had a 2 for 1 coupon(from our bus ticket) we had to hop off at McDonald's for a Big Mac. This franchise had style, located in chic "new" Barcelona. Creative burger artwork graced building walls, very tidy, and a 1E menu was available! Gelatto/espresso floats were a 10! (European McCafe's are not to be laughed at!)
Picasso's Museum was educational, he had many styles of works not often exhibited. His famous style of art created in the early 60's , like "LeBouquet" (two hands exchanging a handful of bright flowers) were not included in displays. A docent explained that random museums and individuals held these pieces. (minor disappointment)
Sunday night we were well entertained by flamenco opera performed by dramatic Spainards. Monday evening's concert held at a beautiful, beautiful concert hall was a bit too classical for us. We left at halftime to look for a late night snack.
Next door to our hotel, in an almost dive cafe, a sign was proudly posted. New York Times food critic Mark Bittman had proclaimed that he had eaten the best sandwich of his life here . An Iberia sandwich (specialty ham(29 E a pound) and tomato smeared on a toasty bun) in his words should be enjoyed with a beer and nothing more. Great taste, and he was right , no more, the fries we ordered never came!
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