After landing in Barcelona, we really needed a full day, like we had in Malaga, for us to catch up with everything. So, that was Thursday. We just stayed in our room, read, worked on the computer, etc. We got some groceries and ate in our room and looked forward to checking out the next morning.
Friday, we checked out of the hotel, and taxiid to the new one which was in a much better location. The last two days (I am writing this late Saturday night) we have been on foot all day long exploring the city. Yesterday, Friday, we visited the northern part of the city, and most importantly the Sagrada Familia designed by Goudi, and still not finished. What a fantastic place! Architecture like we have never seen before. It was awe-inspiring and despite the cost, we were very happy to have visited. We also saw the Casa Vicens, just behind our hotel, and then walked the streets, including much of the "Diagonal" the rest of the night, finally returning around 7pm.
Saturday, today, in the morning, we made some big decisions and confirmed arrangements for the coming week. The first big decision is that we are NOT going to Greece on this trip. We are going to have to come back at some point in the future (not on this trip), and just do Greece, because to get there, get around, and then return back to Italy, or elsewhere will just take too much travel time, cost alot of money, and waste our Eurail pass usage. So instead, we decided to fly directly from Barcelona to Rome, and will continue on from there, mostly as planned, minus Greece. We bought our RyanAir tickets to Rome, where we will fly on Monday night, and confirmed our accomodations in a Bed & Breakfast outside the city for Th/Fr/Sat. Tuesday morning, we'll take the train to Naples, and return to Rome on Thursday.
After all the planning stuff in the morning, we headed out for the day, had a delicious lunch and energizing conversation at Cafe di Roma, and then conquered the south part of the city, including the waterfront, more of the Diagonal, the Gothic part of the city, the Ramblas, including such landmarks as Santa Maria Del Mar, the Catedral, and the Rambla Del Mar.
(Veruschka reporting) After 2 full days of sightseeing we must say that a definite highlight is the architectural works of Antoni Gaudi, which have influenced the city's unique style. The Sagrada Familia is obviously his masterpiece, but by seeing some of the homes that he designed, we got a close-up of his ideas and inspirations. He loved nature, forests, the ocean, and he let their unique shapes become his muses.
Unfortunately we've had only claudy days, so our pictures and video may not capture the beauty of these places.
Another main highlight is the people. This is hands down the most friendly place we have visited so far. It all started at the airport, but it happened with every single encounter we've had since then with Barcelonians. The waiters at the coffee shops, the staff at both of our hotels. The people on the streets, etc, etc. They always have a big smile, and will try to have a brief conversation.
Barcelona the city is definitely metropolitan. However, different from Madrid. It is characterized by its large and broad main avenues, that are like a gallery to show the beautiful buildings all with georgous balconies and flowers. It seems that one of the main businesses is fashion. For anybody who loves clothes, shoes and shopping in general, this is a shopping paradise!! There is one store after another; each with unique decors and ways to get peoples' attention. For instance we saw today a big clothing store where they had a semi-stripper/dancer, showing some sexy moves at the rythym of techno-music.
The importance of fashion is also shown in its people and the type of tourist we have seen over the last 2 days. Everybody looks so trendy, men and women alike. Colorful shoes, tight jeans (men and women) and the funky haircuts!!! It is time to talk about the hairstyles in this country.
Of course I pay more attention to these things than Cliff, but when looking at the magazine stands, I've noticed that no hollywood or european movie stars are on them for the most part. Instead it is mostly female and male models. The influence of models I believe is very strong. The extreme and crazy haircuts are not just for photoshots and pictures. You see them on the streets!!! For instance the "bangs"....the style that is "IN" is the ultra-short bangs on girls (with chopped-up short or long hair); and for guys? The mullet is back, fullblown, AND with gel!!!
Cliff and I must look so conservative that we have noticed people staring at us. Looking at our shoes, clothes and with a strange look in their eyes, as if trying to figure out why we look different or where we come from.
Anyway, it's all part of the experience.
That's it for tonight!
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