Barcelona 2/21-3/4/2023

 We toured Gaudi’s magnificent architecture at Battlo! His curvy, ecological design is amazing! Next, lunch (again!) at El Nacional. This time the fish restaurant….scallops, sea bass & white wine. Then a quick subway back to Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia, crazy architecture! Hotel rest. Figured out how I get to airport & Les to bus station, heading to France,  Lastly, Farewell celebration on hotel’s roof top.  Alarm set for 5:15am  (11:15pm EST)  Good night!

 Found a great breakfast cafe. Then took train to Sitges, a small beach town 30 miles south of Barcelona. Loved the narrow streets, bright colors, flowers on balconies & the Balearic Sea waves!  Had a beer & Tapas (pic shows the long display of appetizers!). Siesta back at hotel & took subway to Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter for craft beer, Tapas & chips. An old church was open, beautiful carvings. All this & in bed by 9! 

Went to Casino Barcelona-denied entry because I didn’t have my passport on me. Enjoyed the marina instead & saved Euros from gambling!  Back at apartment-packed, checked out; walked to hotel for remaining 3 nights. Super fun tonight! ‘Tapas Experience’ Three neighborhood bars, locally owned, variety of Spanish cuisines and wines. Met nice, fun participants. Took night pic of Gaudi’s Casa Mila on our way back.  Observation:  WC on a door: means Water Closet; behind this door are the restrooms.

 Finally toured inside Spain’s most popular site, Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia. On my bucket list ‘forever,’ Quite stunning, didn’t disappoint. Walked down narrow streets, found some thrift shops, and amazed at the architecture.  Took bus to the beach; cocktails at Hotel W, watched the waves of the Balearic Sea. Really nice day. (Glad I chose a 10 day trip.) Observations: Cars stop at red lights (seriously different than Charleston.).   Servers don’t expect tips as generous as we give in U.S.

 Walked through narrow streets of the El Born neighborhood. Went inside a cathedral. Metro to our lunch stop: El Nacional.  Awesome place with dining sections specializing with meat; fish; Tapas, etc! We chose meat! Walked to a craft beer pub: double IPA!  Weather chilly. After siesta, we decided to stay in for remainder of night. Observations: Locals speak a version of Spanish: Catalonian. Those we’ve encountered speak minimum to some English. We use hand signals.  Music on stores speakers are 60’s sung by American artists. 

 Les & I went separate directions this morning: she-Museum of Modern Art & I went to the historic Maritime Museum. We met back up & walked the visitor port area, lunch. Metro back to apartment…. Siesta time!   Found a healthy food restaurant  & enjoyed a Flamenco performance at City Hall,  Observations: no pick up trucks, dinners are usually 8pm and much later. Many local stores/restaurants open at 5:30pm!