Barcelona 2/21-3/4/2023

 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!

 3 adventures today! Walked through the Garcia district: more locals than tourists. Quaint shops. Next: Paella cooking lessons. Appetizers wine, seafood paella & meat paella, fruit & coffee. City bus to Mercat de la Boqueria- an awesome food market! Fresh fish, meats, sweets, fresh, fresh!  I bought saffron. Lastly (unofficial #4) ‘ran’ to store’s 9th floor to catch last 30 seconds of sunset!

 Morning: Metro subway to Flea Market! 3 levels, from appliances, fabrics, imports & antiques! Next a train 45 minutes north to a quaint town of Girona!  I walked 16,600 steps today! Special thanks to Leslie for navigating us. Living in Europe, over 14 months now, she has the transport system mastered!!

Park Guell:  Gaudi’s art is everywhere! So much mosaic! We rode hop on bus there; city bus back. We noticed at buildings corners, they are rounded, not a sharp corner!  Mopeds, scooters, bikes, cars, taxis, buses everywhere. Narrow streets; many cars have side scrapes. Went to Gothic District tonight; enjoyed cocktails in a little bar.  I walked 18,539 steps today!

 Met up with Leslie. Our Air B’n’B apartment is great & in a fun part of town. We spent the afternoon on the ‘hop on, hop off’ bus. Now to make an itinerary for the next 9 days. We drove past Gaudi’s creation, Sagrada Familia (pic). It’s been under construction for 135 years!  Lots more to explore! We’ve just begun!!

 10 days packed into my carry-on suitcase & tote! (I’m bringing some of Leslie’s summer clothes to her!) Spain is 6 hours ahead of us. I arrive Wednesday, 10am. Bon Voyage!

 Hi everyone! I'm starting to pack!  The BIG QUESTION IS..........will everything I need for 10 days, in Spain, fit in a carry on suitcase & tote????   THE ANSWER............Tuesday, when I leave!