On to Barcelona - July 6

Again, stay tuned for pictures added later!

Jill: our first day in Barcelona was well paced. I think our apprehension served us well and we are revitalized for more over the next two days. Our hotel is well located just a half a block from the Placa de Catalunya and feels bigger than our hotel in Madrid. At least there is a window that allows some light in! We arrived midmorning and the kids begged to go swimming, so down to the pool we went. We had pizza and soda for 8 euros down by the pool, everyone was happy. We came in to change and ended up taking a three-hour nap, maybe four.










We awoke a hopped in a taxi for the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's unfinished cathedral that has been in the works since late the late 1880's. I've never seen anything quite like it. The unique lines and architecture are very amazing, but what struck me most was the importance Gaudi placed upon creating a certain harmony with nature and incorporating the geometry he witnessed in nature into the design of the cathedral. It's also equidistant from the sea the mountains. Every measurement, window, arch has a distinct and well conceived purpose in supporting his vision. To imagine how he must have contemplated and articulated his vision over a hundred years ago is mind boggling. In the museum at the cathedral, there is a model he designed upside down for another structure.




























We then ventured down Las Ramblas to find a spot for dinner.




We've read a lot about pick pockets and swindlers who prey upon Las Ramblas so we didn't go too far before veering off the main drag. We discovered a great little place that had nachos, hummus and asparagus, which suited us just fine.








On the docket for tomorrow, the Picasso museum and of course, more swimming!




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Location:Barcelona