After a long flight from
Seattle to London and then on to Barcelona, we checked into our hotel, dropped
the bags off in our room and headed out. Groggy, but inspired, we rushed from
the Eurohotel to the soccer stadium to
watch the incredible Barca (Barcelona) team. It was rainy, windy, and cold but
we were wearing 4 layers of clothing as we climbed many levels of stairs to our
seats. Two kind Barcelonians from the Blood Center had shared their season passes.
We saved them some misery, as the opposing team, Malaga, astounded everyone by
scoring early on and winning the game by playing a compact defense while rarely
having the ball! I enjoyed watching Messi, hearing thousands of fans singing
and chanting in unison intermittently whistling their displeasure instead of
booing.
After the game, in our
jetlagged stupor, surrounded by 100,000 fans, we failed to find an unoccupied
taxi, so we walked in the direction of our hotel. After about 3 miles, we
finally found an unoccupied taxi to get us back to the hotel and crashed for
the night.
Barcelona’s cemetery occupies
several hills. The white ornamental stones and crypts can be viewed from the
highway. It seems peaceful and respectful, keeping watch so to speak.
On my birthday, we took the
metro to the Basilica Famiia Sagrada, Gaudi’s famous unfinished astounding
church. In the ten years since we toured it, the interior has been almost
finished. The light, the colors, the audacity of design! We’re fans. Check it
out online (http://www.sagradafamilia.cat/sf-eng/
) Gaudi’s belief in God is palpable. There is hope, there is whimsy, and there
is delight in this cavernous building. We took the elevator up the tower and
walked down, admiring the outside sculptures and ornamentation while determined
not to trip on the steep narrow stone steps.
My birthday lunch at
Tram-Tram was perfect. It is a small, pretty restaurant with three chefs for
eight tables. Fresh food artfully presented. We took photos in between admiring
the stylish couples arriving for their Sunday lunches. http://tram-tram.com/en/home.php
During the week my breakfasts
were brioches dipped in warm thick chocolate. Our dinners were delicious tapas.
This is an easy way to sample many dishes and get fat. My favorite was shredded
crab and shredded cheese atop a light but crunchy roll. MMmmmmm. Of course the Catalan
ham is outstanding as well-even more flavorful than prosciutto, but similar.
My tour of Montserrat about
an hour from Barcelona, began with a fascinating look at the result of one
man’s philanthropy. Guell built a textile mill, then provided the workers with
a church, Village Square, fine boys' and girls' schools, and a hospital. The
community is called Colonia Guell. The small museum includes video interviews
of mill workers describing the conditions and challenges. Today families who
work in Barcelona commute to this charming quiet village and enjoy the fresh
air and sunshine. There is an unfinished little church designed by Gaudi. I
really find his work so inspiring. Sections of the stained glass windows open
up like butterflies! The Monastery at Montserrat was a bit disappointing,
probably because we had seen Meteora near Athens where the monks and their work
were evident. At Montserrat, I enjoyed the boys' choir and view of the
mountains, but didn’t sense a religious vibe. Did have a fine meal at the hotel
and breather some fine mountain air. http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/tour/montserrat-spain.html
A real highlight of Mike’s
meeting in Barcelona was our tour of Sant Pau Hospital. It is a must see
compound! Tons of stone in Art Nouveau design elaborately festooned with brightly
colored ceramic flourishes. High ceilings, winding staircases….oh my! Built
between 1902 and 1930, one of the meeting attendees went to medical school
there in the seventies.. The grounds are extensive and overlook the city.
It
was cold walking around. On a winter weekend, the usually vibrant La Rambla,
isn’t. So I toured the old Cathedral, and then found a sunny table outside a
restaurant. The only table in the sun was for four people. So many passersby
eyed the table, and then went on. However, one man sat down, offered me a fresh
fig from his plastic bag, and stayed a short while. Later on a very romantic
couple asked if they could sit with me. In an effort to break the ice, I said
“You would have to pay for this table if you were in Paris.” They responded in
French! Faut-pas was invented pour moi! Best to remember that Barcelona is in
Catalonia! Locals are Catalans. They speak Catalan. Barcelona ‘s Gothic
section, its waterfront, and festive, holiday vibe make it a fun place to
visit. Spring weather is best, but winter visits mean shorter lines at tourist
spots.
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