Barcelona 2007

Due to the volume of photos, I've chosen to move the Barcelona photos from this trip to a separate page to make it easier and faster to load each page.

Barcelona:
We had planned on returning to visit our friend Sylvia for a while, and this seemed a very good opportunity to do so.  Unfortunately, personal circumstances almost caused this trip to not happen.  We're glad to say Sylvia is healthier and on the mend.  We once again stayed at her home, and when she was at work downtown, we went and did the tourist thing.

While this trip was longer, by one day, than the last trip to Barcelona, we definitely want to come back and spend a lot more time here and in Spain.  The people are warm and inviting, the climate a bit warm for me, but tolerable, and the history and architecture are awesome.  Next time we also hope to get a bit outside the city and see the near countryside.

In Spain, at least in Barcelona, most champagne is called 'cava'.  Because the term 'champagne' is trademarked by the region in France, it cannot be called such, so the Spanish use the term 'cava' for any non-Champagne region produced sparkling wine.

 
When Sylvia picked us up from the airport, about 6 hours delayed, we stopped for a 'quick bite' at La Tasca.
We had several sorts of Tapas, and of course, we also had to taste the local brew.  The spicy potato dish was awesome!  Estrella Dame, very nice.  Before we went home, we stopped here a few more times for a quick drink, and when we left for home, the owner, who Sylvia knows quite well, gave us a box of 6 of new Estrella Dame crystal beer glasses!  Amazingly, all 6 survived the trip from Barcelona to Paris and back home to O'Hare in checked baggage!
Now, they're on display, use and enjoyed by anyone who comes over, along with the rest of the fine beer glass collection.

   
Basically, the major landmark in this area is the statue of Christopher Columbus.  It's at the port end
of La Rambla, the big shopping, street performers, and general night life of the city.  In the middle is
the entrance to the principal market for the city.

   
La Cava Universal,                   Waiting for patrons...                Sitting there, I liked this portal.
Local watering hole...

 
The lovely Sylvia.                      Chocolate, Cindy and Sylvia
                                                were delighted!

Saint Paul del Camp (Sant Pau del Camp)

This is apparently the oldest church in the entire city.  Not only a proper church, but also houses a small cloister.
The original was built in the 9th Century, but the current was built in the 10th.

   
Different views of the outside that I liked.

Cloister:

   
Before entering the church, we passed through the cloister, quite small and absolutely ancient!

   
I liked the white stone open air area in the cloister.  The stonework was amazing.

 
I suspect a grave stone of           Examples of the architecture.
someone important.

 
Prior to entering the church proper, there this small alcove area.

   
While not great shots, they give a good idea of how small this church is.

   
Coat of arms on the portal.                An amazing fresco on the ceiling.

   
This is a tiny prayer area at the back of the church.

   
Cat art by the artist Botero, the kids absolutely LOVE it.  The area is called Raval, and is currently being rejuvenated.
Lots of small shops, tiny food spots, and beautiful trees.

Barcelona Library and medical school.

   
These are photos of the plaza where the Library of Barcelona is located.  On the lower left photo, you can see a little bistro, which we're told is quite popular and affordable.  We were on a mission to get to the Market.

 
At the other end of the Library plaza, a tiny tangerine grove.

"Mercat de la Boquería"  The Market and 'La Rambla'

   
Above and below, examples of how MASSIVE this market is.
   
Lunch was wonderful as well.     Funny candy too.                       The entrance..

   
I liked these examples of the architecture here.

   
Christopher Columbus oversees one end of La Rambla.                The lions at the fountain underneath.

   
La Rambla in high season is absolutely full of people, which is      I will find this building purpose.
why I prefer to travel off season.

The hop-on hop-off bus:

   
Another fountain for Cindy.         This building is 'affectionately' called the pickle.

     
Just some photos of the view from the bus.  We did see a wedding party, which every woman on the bus
loved.

   
Columbus at La Rambla.             I liked the lion shot.                  The happy lobster.

   
Modern outdoor art.                   I wanted to test drive this!        More modern art outdoors.

   
Nice gardens                             The train station or Barcelona.    Another church to research...

   
Three more photos, all of which need more research.  I'll try to get more info on them later.

 
Two more fountains for Cindy to admire...

   
A cool facade monument.            A building by Gaudi.                Haven't figured this one out either,
I forgot to photo the plaque.       Next time we hope to see       too many photos, not enough notes...
                                                more of his works.

The Barri Gòtic Cathedral, properly named as Cathedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia:

   
Four outside photos, and then the crypt as well as an oddly macabre symbol for a church, I though.

   
This is the outdoor cloister area.  In the center is a fountain, pond and geese, yes live geese.

   
Entrance to the Choir area.
Sort of a wooden church in a
church.  We've seen this before
in southern France.

   
I suspect the side chairs are for the important people of the community.
Amazing wood carving and artistry throughout.

This is a lower altar area, I'm guessing
also the crypt area.

   
Just a few shots of the inside of the church, it really is quite ornate!
       

The Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar
Built in the 14th Century, other than some damage from fire in the 1930s, it's in remarkably good condition!

   
Um, can you say slightly gothic?

 
Probably my three classic shots for most churches; the rose, the organ and the pulpit.

   
This is a tiny alcove and prayer area, very beautiful, and perfect for quiet reflection.

   
Wow is the term for the artistry here.

   
The stained glass was absolutely glowing!  Great light outside for this...
 

   
Just a few more shots of statues and artwork in this amazing place of worship.
 

                             
Basilica de la Mare de Deu de la Mercé.                I can't remember this church, but
It's by far the smallest Basilica I've ever                   I'm sure we'll find something on it.
encountered.  When we first walked by,
it was closed, but on our return path, it
was open!!  (My memory card was full, though)

On the other end of Plaça de la Mercé
Cindy found another fountain.
This one is the statue of Neptune.

I really liked the entrance to this building.

Our last dinner dessert.
Cindy didn't have chocolate for a change!
Crème renversé & vanilla ice cream with fresh whipped cream!!!

   
Above and below is CDG and the static display of the Concorde...