Italy Trip - 10, Barcelona, Spain

Hi, We arrived in Barcelona a day early about mid morning to begin the second part of our trip to Italy, a Mediterranean Cruise.  After transfering to our hotel we had some lunch at a Burger King (places to eat near our hotel were limited) and then set out to explore Barcelona.

It was a holiday, St. Jordi Day, honoring the patron saint of Catalonia, an autonomous region of Spain. On this day women give men gifts of books and men give women red roses.

This building, Casa Batllo, was decorated with "red roses." This building is one of Gaudi's designs. He is a famous architect who designed many buildings and produced many statues in Barcelona.

The streets were really crowded with celebrants enjoying the beautiful day (above and two below).

These are three more Gaudi buildings (above and two below).

This building is called Casa Mila, La Pedrera.

Ruthe and I decided to take a hop on/hop off bus tour. Since the bus was crowded once we got seats on top we decided to stay on for the entire circuit.

These statues (above and below) are part of the facade of Sagrada Familia, a Cathedral of epic proportions.  Construction began in 1882 and Gaudi became involved in 1883.  Construction is expected to continue at least until 2027.

The climate of Barcelona is very pleasant so balconies are common (above and below).

Many of the street lights had interesting designs (above and below).

Many sculptures adorn the city.  Here is a Jean Miro sculpture,

the Montjuic communications tower, and

a Ray Lichtenstein sculpture.

We passed the art museum with its magic fountain.

On the morning before we transferred to the ship friends Jim and Ila Beck (Jeremy's parents) and I walked up to the Sagrada Familia (above and below)

where we encountered a footrace.

Finally some wall decorations I spotted on our walk back to the hotel. Thanks for looking.