Barcelona - Day 2

This morning we slept in after crashing last night like a rock.  I couldn't even keep my eyes open to take off my shoes.  Janie was in bed before me, which is very unusual.  After 9 hours of course my bones decided time to get up.  Janie slept in most of the morning!!  Of course that is just fine since it is her 60th BD!!!!  Happy Birthday Janie!!!

The breakfast was pretty similar to what we have in the US at a major hotel chain with the European twist.  I grabbed some Chocolate Puffs and Muffins for Janie and served them in bed.  I think that made her morning!!.

While the forecast was 40% chance of rain today, we woke up to bright blue skies and no real signs of rain.  Of course the day did trun cloudy and a few really lite drizzles came down late in the afternoon, but no complaints with Mother Nature.  Tomorrow is supposed to be Sunny!!

After a slow morning we ventured out to see the la Sagrada Familia a building that has been under construction for centuries starting in 1866.  The structure is still under construction with Antonio Gaudi as the most famous influence.  We walked the route to the structure...oops went west instead of east, so had to grab a cab.  One thing you'll note is most of the main streets are lined with Sycamore trees, which provides a less harsh cityscape.  When you mix in the Spanish architecture and the blend of old and new makes an interesting landscape.

We arrived with time to spare before our tour time and grabbed our audio gear and started right in.  Any pictures or stories do not do the structure justice.  While a lot of the construction has been done in the late 1900's the things done in the 1800's to early 1900's is just amazing.  The structure is to be done by 2026 based on the current architects aspirations.  Non-denomination Basilica is the best way to describe that is just filled with the influence of Nature in design.

Front facade called the Nativity Scene that depicts the life of Jesus

Massive Granite, Sandstone and other types of rock columns

Example of the Stain Glass Windows

View from the Pansion Tower - one of the several towers that are at the entrance of each side of the structure.

New construction adding the balance of the sixteen smaller towers and domes.

View down a tower

Very nature like sculptures all over the inside and out.

We watched a guy climbing this tower by hand.  The scaffolding to the right also had someone climbing ladders inside.

This shows tth tower we went up in a very small elevator and down 350+ steps to get down.  The steps down were not very larg and in some cases a tight spiral wiht very little light.

Janie wonering where the bottom of the spiral stairs may be?

Janie got an ornament for the Xmas Tree and we keep trying our shelfie takes!

You can see the old behind the newer below and the newest in the middle.  There is a museum that talks about the sculptures development and how technology has changed from rops and rock miniture designs to modern day CAD and Plaster designs.

After the tour we walked several blocks and stopped in for a late lunch.  Janie tried another Seafood Paiella and I an assortment of Tapas.  The Paella was about 300% better than the night before, so all Paella is not created equal.  The olives were a little tangy almost like a vinegar after taste.  The Estrella beer was cold and similar to a Coors Light.  the Coca Iperico open face sandwich was great as well as the light salad.  We tried some Flor de Guia cheese that look like flow pedals or cheese ribbons.  All good stuff!

Then we hiked back to our hotel by several other historic buildings and with the help of Google found a Gelato shop to grab a snack.  Just ate lunch of course.  Jeff ordered a cone of Cappacino and Janie Coca.  Then a short hike back to the hotel to rest and prepare for our night out to celebrate Janie's BD with a Dinner by the old Olympic Grounds.  We found a bottle of Champagne in the hotel room upon our return, which help start the eveing off on a good note.

Xalet de Montjuic is a restaurant on the western side of Barcelona overlooking the Olympic grounds and to the east the main part of Barcelona.  We had a great table looking out the windows where we could see the various locations we've been lit up for night.  Janie had a great piece of lamb and I a veal steak.  A good bottle of Spanish Cabernet from 2013 was a good compliment to the dinner.  One thing we've noticed and is simialr to our experience in Italy is the lack of rush to get out.  If you don't ask for the check they will let you sit forever and never approach to ask.

A great day in Barcelona for a brand new 60 year old and her side kick!

Tomorrow we are off to Park Guell and whatever else we decide to do to fill out our last day in the city.