Barcelona, Spain

After our departure from Malta we flew 2 1/2 hours to Barcelona. We arrived early afternoon, got a taxi to our hotel, checked in went for a walk around local area to orientate ourselves, and sort ourselves out for our exploration of Barcelona tomorrow.
We had dinner, settled in for an early night.
In the morning we walked the 40 mins to Sagrada Família, from our hotel.

 Sagrad Família, is still being restored and expected to be
finished in 10years time,  this was to me a very impressive Cathedral.
We purchased our tickets and went at sunset, this was the most spectacular sight that I have  had the pleasure of witnessing.
With the sun setting on the stained glass windows and the colourful display of lights  on the canopy was amazing and such an ingenious design and wonderful display of colour and light.
 This design of the cathedral is from the famous architect Gaudi. Commenced late  1800’s and still a work in progress

Sunset

The light is awesome on the cathedral ceilings

Cranes in place with ongoing work.

The alter and organ

We did not have tickets, when asked at gate they were $30euro, cheaper to buy online, so we were content to look at outside and buy tickets later.
As it was Saturday, we knew there was a flea market on, so with our paper map we set off to find the market with lots of things to see on the way.
I had a few enjoyable hours here, not sure about DH though.
 I was restrained, could have done so much more damage, but ended up buying a few items that I felt was too good to pass up on.

After this visit we had a coffee, then walked down to the centre of town
to explore, found the people’s market, had tapas for lunch on the famous La Rumbla strip, walked
through the park and narrow streets, then I had to do some shopping at Diesugual, 50% off, I
managed to but a jacket and a shirt, then onto Zara for more purchases, two pairs of trousers.

After this we visited Casa Batlo, La Pedrera and Sagrada Família, our tickets purchased online

Gaudi fountain in a park..

Lemon tart.

Some bargains at the flea market 

The flea market.

Torre Agbar

Flea market..

This is the interior of Casa Batlo, another Gaudi design.

The dragon staircase 

The exterior 

Formal area, looking outside in the street.

 Casa Batlo is another Gaudi design, such an amazing building very decorative and beautifully restored, arched hallways and curved ceilings

La Pedrera, another Gaudi design.

Snails for sale.

Jamon anyone, just the best tasting prosciutto 

Not sure where the emu eggs come from.

The people’s market.

Rabbit or pheasant anyone.

 Our second day was spent visiting Oark Guell, Guell actually hired Gaudi to design this park for him, a wonderful display of mosaics..

The steps to Park Guell

Yes we had paella, a couple of times..

Lounging in the park.

We had a fun time in Barcelona, a very busy three days, so much to do and see, Barcelona has the most amazing buildings and I feel that you actually need a week .to do the  sites justice, we will fly to Manchester tomorrow to visit our friends in Wales.

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