Barcelona

Our students are on spring break, so we're free to get away a bit. Always ready to branch out and explore new places, we went back to where we've already been twice before -- Spain!

Mark enjoys the skyline from Parc Guell

But we went to a very different part of that country, with its own unique language and culture: Catalan, and its major city, Barcelona.

We did have one sunny afternoon on the beach.

We had received many positive comments about Barcelona from our students who visited there over Christmas break, and decided we had to see it for ourselves. It did not disappoint us. Like our other trips to Spain, we found it very easy to communicate, and the people very welcoming.

We were lost half the time in the narrow streets.

Our hotel was in the midst of the winding, narrow streets of the Old City (what the Romans called Barcino or Barcilonum), near the Cathedral and City Hall. We were lost half the time in these warrens, even up to the last day!

Cathedral interior

Rain hampered our visit, so we had to rearrange the itinerary several times. Fortunately, there are many fine museums, churches, and other indoor sites where we could spend the time dry.

On the rooftop of Casa Mila

Among our favorites were the structures by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, including his apartment complex, Casa Milà, planned community, Parc Güell, and most famously, the grand church, Sagrada Família.

Sagrada Familia is strange on the outside

Although Gaudí died in 1926, Sagrada Família is still under construction, and is about 60% complete. Like the grand cathedrals of the Middle Ages, the architect knew he would never live to see its completion.

But Sagrada Familia is spectacular inside!

Pope Benedict only formally dedicated the church in 2010. On the outside, it's very odd, but on the inside it's absolutely spectacular! It's among our favorites.

1929 Exhibition Hall in the rain.

We took the Funicular up the high hill overlooking the city, Montjuïc, to see the village of the 1992 Olympics and the hall of the 1929 International Exhibition. But the rains came, so we were denied the spectacular view.

Mary examines the furnishings of Gaudi's home in Parc Guell.

Once nice afternoon we did get a little sun on the beach, but it was not terribly warm. We had good food and excellent sangria, so despite the rain, we had a great time.

This historical museum is over wonderful Roman ruins.

Now we are back in Nottingham, preparing for a visit from our daughter, Sarah!