Barcelona...... so so brief. As mentioned previously, slight change of plans for Barcelona. Due to Air Traffic Controller's strike, instead of 36 hours in Barcelona, down to about 12... not much time to see or do anything....
We stayed in a very convenient and well appointed hotel.... Hotel Regencia Colon
www.hotelregenciacolon.com (thanks for the recommendation Eugene, we really enjoyed our stay)... the hotel was very accommodating not charging for the two nights missed. We were within easy walking distance of the La Rambla, Barcelona's main boulevard. The Ramblas is very different between night and day.... we only walked it during the day. One of the first things you'll notice about Barcelona is it's avant grade architecture. If there's a way the Spanish can embellish a building they will.... Nearby we also visited Placa de Catalunya ringed by Art Deco buildings. The square's term straight lines are a reaction to the curves of Modernism (which predominates the Eixample district). Place de Catalunya is the hub of Barcelona.
Also, along Las Rambla you will see several "human statues".... these guys (and gals) are elaborately costumed. They initially appear like statues and then will expand they're huge arms and wings... quite impressive. According to Rick Steves only 15 are allowed on the street at a time and must be registered with the city....
We did eat and did try to find a "traditional" Tapas bar without much success.. Had some deep fried cauliflower, sausages and deep fried octopus.... we weren't really impressed but naturally ate it anyway.
As we wandered along the Passeig de Gracia (reminds one of Champs-Elysées) we came across grand pianos along both sides. Each was being played by a pianist playing Chopin, Mozart, and Jazz. It was really pleasant and if you were so inclined, and able to.... you could play too. Somehow I didn't think my rendition of Jingle Bells with two fingers would be appreciated...
Thankfully Henry and I have both been to Barcelona before. Barcelona is Spain's second city but is the first city of the proud and distinct region of Catalunya. Locals stubbornly insist on speaking Catalan first... Spanish second. We missed the funky bohemian quarter of El Born this trip. We've been to Gaudi's over-the-top Sagrada Familia, a church still under construction for a 100 years as well as Picasso's museum (Picasso was a native of Barcelona)...... Barcelona is worth a visit! Adios for now.... hoping this finds you all well.... back soon, Joanne and Henry...
We stayed in a very convenient and well appointed hotel.... Hotel Regencia Colon
www.hotelregenciacolon.com (thanks for the recommendation Eugene, we really enjoyed our stay)... the hotel was very accommodating not charging for the two nights missed. We were within easy walking distance of the La Rambla, Barcelona's main boulevard. The Ramblas is very different between night and day.... we only walked it during the day. One of the first things you'll notice about Barcelona is it's avant grade architecture. If there's a way the Spanish can embellish a building they will.... Nearby we also visited Placa de Catalunya ringed by Art Deco buildings. The square's term straight lines are a reaction to the curves of Modernism (which predominates the Eixample district). Place de Catalunya is the hub of Barcelona.
Also, along Las Rambla you will see several "human statues".... these guys (and gals) are elaborately costumed. They initially appear like statues and then will expand they're huge arms and wings... quite impressive. According to Rick Steves only 15 are allowed on the street at a time and must be registered with the city....
 |
| Tile work represents the stream that once flowed here.... Ramble means "stream" in Arabic and this used to be a drainage ditch along the medieval wall of the Barri Gotic. |
We did eat and did try to find a "traditional" Tapas bar without much success.. Had some deep fried cauliflower, sausages and deep fried octopus.... we weren't really impressed but naturally ate it anyway.
As we wandered along the Passeig de Gracia (reminds one of Champs-Elysées) we came across grand pianos along both sides. Each was being played by a pianist playing Chopin, Mozart, and Jazz. It was really pleasant and if you were so inclined, and able to.... you could play too. Somehow I didn't think my rendition of Jingle Bells with two fingers would be appreciated...
Thankfully Henry and I have both been to Barcelona before. Barcelona is Spain's second city but is the first city of the proud and distinct region of Catalunya. Locals stubbornly insist on speaking Catalan first... Spanish second. We missed the funky bohemian quarter of El Born this trip. We've been to Gaudi's over-the-top Sagrada Familia, a church still under construction for a 100 years as well as Picasso's museum (Picasso was a native of Barcelona)...... Barcelona is worth a visit! Adios for now.... hoping this finds you all well.... back soon, Joanne and Henry...
No comments:
Post a Comment