Our bus drove around the city and the guide pointed out some of the buildings that Antoni Gaudi designed.
Next we drove to Park Guell. When we visited Barcelona two years ago, this park was free for amy one to enjoy. Now they have decided to charge you an entrance fee. Some of the local people do not think this is fair so if you live close, you do not have to pay but the rest of the city residents have to pay to enjoy the park. The park is typical Gaudi built. Since we had been here before, I decided not to walk down to the bottom of the park and Bruce, another from our group, and I walked back toward the bus area. We sat on a bench and talked until the group rejoined us. Bruce and his wife Susan live in Bakersfield, CA. This is their first Vantage cruise but have done a river cruise once before with Uniworld.
Our next stop was at La Sagrada Familia. We have visited this Church many times and it is fun to see the progress being made. It is said that it will be complete by 2026. It was started in the late 1800's. It is an amazing building.
This side of the building is the only side that Gaudi drew. This is the Nativity Facade. This facade is a triumph of life expressed through the birth of Jesus. The building began in 1892 and is the one Gaudi left at the most advanced stage. In 1926, before he died, he saw the St. Barnabas bell tower crowned. The other three, dedicated to Jude, Simon and Matthew, were finished in 1930.
There are several sculptures on the facade that show the life of Jesus starting with the marriage of Mary and Joseph. And continue throughout Jesus's life.
Once you enter the Church, you are greeted by this statue at the front of the Church.
The stain glass windows are very different from what they think Gaudi would have designed. They are very colorful and represent the seasons of the year by color. Blue being winter and red and yellow is summer. Or so they say. The people are not sure that Gaudi would appreciate the changes.
Next we returned to the bus for the ride back to the hotel. We grabbed a bite to eat in the lounge and then back to the room for a nap.
When we got up, we decided to take the Metro to La Ramblas. On the way I stopped at the desk and asked about sending my stuff home. Seems it would cost 285 Euros. I said no thanks. Will go to plan B.
Walked the Ramblas and went into the market. When Bob edits his pictures, I will post some of the items you can buy. Sheep head eye included, pig feet, all parts of the cow, etc.
Took the Metro back to the hotel and now catching up with the blog. The plan is the have a drink in the lounge and then head out to dinner here near the hotel. We will meet Frank and Judy in the lounge. So I had better get ready.
We had drinks in the lounge with several of the other people who are traveling on Vantage. Sharon and Herman from Washington State, Kay from Houston, Tx, Bruce and Susan from Bakersfield, CA, Maureen and Matt from Buffalo, NY, one other couple and Frank and Judy. Lots of good stories and laughs. I often think the local people must think Americans are strange.
We left the lounge around 7:30pm and walked to one of the local restaurants. I had found it on the internet and so it looked good so we thought we would try it. Casa de Tapas Canota. We started to sit outside but Judy felt she was having a breathing problem so we went inside. Bob and I ordered five different dishes which were all really good. And the prices were also good. Eating this way we do not over eat. Which is something new to us. We walked back to the hotel and headed back to our room. We read a bit and then lights out.
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