Day 1 Arrival

The trek to Barcelona via Minneapolis and New York City (JFK) airports was for the most part uneventul.  We did have to use a bus to get to our terminal at JFK.  This left us with just enough time to go to the bathroom and get in line for boarding the plane.

The flight over was a typical overnight flight on Delta with a dinner, quiet time and light breakfast when we were 1 hour out from landing.  A Boeing 767 that was starting to show its wear and tear.  Compared to the newer Airbus on our flight to JFK with touch screen seat back TVs and USB plugs it felt like a step down.  Delta has free movies and entertainment on the Airbus, so for a domestic flight not bad.  We were able to watch a movie and charge our cell phones.

Two movies on the flight over to Spain and very little sleep.  Going to be a long day for sure since we arrived at the Hotel by 10:30 a.m.

Mountains off in the distance 

Spanish coastline as we start our turn to Barcelona

The cab driver to the hotel didn't speak much english, but did warn us about pick pocketing.  He threw out a bunch of foriegn countries whose migrants are to blame.  A little detour due to a marathon and 30 minutes later at the front of the hotel.

The room is a combination of Old, New, European and Spanish.  We are situated pretty much in the center of town with pretty easy access to the various activities we hope to get done.

After a few questions at the front desk, a little time our in the room to regroup the tired brain cells we headed across the street for lunch.  Like most places hard to fully understand what you are about to order, but all very good.

After a quick visit back to the Hotel we trekked out to explore Barcelona from our Hotel to the Marina.  Such a mix of old and new with Tapa restaurants ever few store fronts like you would see in a bar district.  Plazas and side streets all brought the spanich charm to light.

Donuts Anyone

Store that reminded us of John Fattig's love for Cutlery!!

Plaza Catalunya Fountain - Rest Stop

Gargoyles

Columbus Statue in the background

Westin - Many large Yahts in harbor

Walking back from the Port we came across an Irish Pub and stopped to rest the feet and cool our throats a bit.  Liverpool was on TV giving a thrashing to another EPL team.  No public bathrooms in Barcelona, so you duck in about any bar or Tapas to get the bathroom.  Of course we feel obligated to purchase somethig.  Not sure if that is just being American.  No Tipping in Europe!  Like any city folks from all over here walking the  streets.  Tomorrow the shops will all be open, so expecting a different expeience than today with no Stores and only restaurants open.  I truly believe we should go back to no stores open on Sunday!!!!

Bushmill and Coke

The cathedral we came across was very ornate and up close you could see the individual carvings that were made.  Just can't believe the years it took to make all the decorative aspect of the building let alone build it.  Anytime I see old buildings like this I think back to when there were no bulldozers or cranes to build such massive structures.  Of course they probably took generations to build.

The entire arch entrance is decorated with these individual and different statues

On our walk back we ended the day by stopping for dinner at a street Tappas resturant only a few blocks form our hotel.  They are setup with outdoor heaters and bring the food from across the street where the actual restaurant is located.  We tried Manchego Cheese, Sausage and Beens, Seafood Paella and Frid Artichoke slices.  Rain in the forcast for tomorrow, so we'll see how the next day goes for us.  Today we lucked out in the rain was all gone by the time we landed.