Barcelona is the Paris of Spain, and that’s where we spent a few days.
Vibrant, grand, bustling, and with sidewalk dining for as far as the eye can see, Barcelona is a creative blend of old and new, no more evident than in the city’s architecture. We’d be strolling along one of the narrow, ancient alleyways, step through a 2-inch thick hand-carved wooden door, and suddenly we were in a chic café or trendy boutique as modern as we’d ever seen.
Getting around this city on the Metro was a bit confusing at first. We had a tough time decoding the many colors, numbers, names and shapes they use to identify routes. But with a minimum of adventurous detours we were eventually where we wanted to be.
Our first day was everything Gaudi, Barcelona’s most famous artist and architect. His playful use of curves and arches permeate the houses, apartments, park and church that are the result of his public-spirited creativity and that draw long lines of visitors. He struck me as the Walt Disney of design, defying convention and playing to the crowds. Enjoy the photos we took.
After climbing hundreds of steps through Gaudi’s structures, and having put many sightseeing miles under our belts traveling from upscale uptown to urban chic downtown to the breezy boardwalk along the harbor’s edge, we finished days one and two dining on tapas, giving our feet a much-needed rest, and checking the map for our final half-day's journey. It too would take us through the tapestry of neighborhoods that makes Barcelona unforgettable -- and difficult to leave.
Ahead would be our final stop – the sun-drenched coastal paradise of Cadaques.
Venga!
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