Barcelona

Up bright and early at 4:00 AM and a short hour and a half plane ride to Barcelona, Spain.  What a beautiful and energetic city exposing itself as we stepped into a main square at one end of  the famed “Romblas”, the city tourist walkway.  Strolling the seemingly undulating centre path, gawking at everything from ground level through to treetops we were in constant amazement.  Magazine, postcard kiosks, tented outdoor restaurantes, balconies displaying various interests and of course the pigeons to greet us.  Public markets off to the side, sidewalk restaurants, an opera house and at the end Colombus atop a spired column pointing the way.

“Here comes the bus
Here comes the bus.”

Surprisingly it’s back on the buses, Hop on Hop off, the easiest, cheapest and most relaxing way to get around.  Barcelona is a big city, the memorable attractions are spread out… forget going by foot and it would cost a way more by taxi.

Our first stop was the Gaudi, Sagrada Familia Cathedral.  I only hope the day you visit the sun is bright and shining through the stained glass windows playing colorfully on the magnificent pillars that stand there abstractly doing the same function as a Gothic theme but their purpose hidden in beauty.  I was amazed and felt a special recognition of the artistic designer.  What a humanistic delight into a futuristic design.  The museum is also a must, for the general information.

Back on the bus and we pass a variety of elegant buildings created by noted Spanish architects and many of Gaudi’s designs.  Our destination is the Guell Park.  Gingerbread cannot alone describe the atmosphere, there is also a sense of troll identity as you stroll from level to level enjoying the ambience weaving between pillars and climbing grand staircases.  I have almost worn my camera out.

A long bus ride through moribund traffic picking up passengers at many stops and we are back at the ‘Ramblas’ walking street.  It is night but well lighted offering a surreal veil to the evening.  A momentary interlude at the public market, a treat of various sausage on a stick, a quick glance at the dazzling array of colorful fruit and then it is off to find supper.

After dining we repair back to the hotel to rest up for a four o’clock adventure to arrive at the air port and our seven o’clock flight back to Malaga.