Barcelona

In the middle of a rather soggy spring Scott and I had the chance to escape to the sun for a long weekend. It was not necessarily well-coordinated with our already busy travel and hosting schedule, but when you have the opportunity to go away for a few days alone you don't question, you go! It had been 10 years since my last visit to Barcelona, and Scott has always wanted to go. It's an easy weekend from London and had the requisite sun we were seeking. We had a really wonderful three days soaking up the sun, enjoying good food, interesting cultural experiences, lots of Modernista art and mostly just being together. I love this time away with Scott. He is my favourite person, and I'm pretty lucky he's mine.


View of the Rambla from our hotel room




Gaudi's La Padrera






Rooftop on La Padrera


Chimneys


I love all the whimsical curves and funky shapes




La Sagrada Familia as seen from the roof of La Padrera




















Gaudi's masterpiece, begun in 1883, it has remained incomplete and in a constant state of construction since his death in 1926. It is a massive structure, with an ambitious design. There is no other cathedral in the world that really compares.


10 years has passed since I saw it first, and I have to say that immense progress has taken place over this decade. So much work has been done, and it is so much more complete. There is still much left to do, but there is talk of completing it before the 100th anniversary of Gaudi's death in 2026. If it is ever completed, I will definitely come back to see it!




Inside La Sagrada Familia feels like an ice-sculpted fairyland


















Gaudi's outdoor masterpiece in northern Barcelona, Park Guell, is a colourful mosaic-lover's dream.




























Font Majica, up at the Olympic Park this giant fountain comes alive with a spectacular choreographed music water show.










A rather non-noteworthy moment in a shop browsing for souvenirs to bring home to the kids turned hilarious when we suddenly realised the music blaring in the shop was Chinese and the shopkeepers and most everything around in writing were also Chinese. Just one of those surreal moments traveling where it's all you can do to contain your laughter. Are we in Spain or China? It seems every city has a "Chinatown."


I remember Barcelona being a pretty theft conscious place on my last visit. Anytime I've been asked for travel recommendations by people planning a trip here, it's one of the first things I mention: watch out for thieves! Well, returning a decade later so much has changed. It's really so much worse! Of the over 25 countries I've been to in Europe I'd put Barcelona straight to the top of list as the place with the highest concern for personal theft. You can really feel crime in the air here. I wouldn't say I felt particularly unsafe, but it was all over. You're constantly being approached by shady pedlars, street fights seemed to be happening all over, and I also witnesses a couple of street theft arrests. So the moral of the story is, go to Barcelona (it's fabulous!), but be more careful than ever about your belongings!










Palau Musica, the grand modernista concert hall




Stunning inside and out




Surrounded by gorgeous Modernista architecture we went to a fabulous flamenco and spanish opera performance. It was truly amazing. Heart-pounding, soulful dancing that truly penetrated the senses. We were both just mesmerised. The dancers were some of the most incredible we have ever seen.


Midnight strolls


La Boqueria Market on the Rambla is a wonderful market full of food stalls of every kind. It kind of reminds me of Borough Market in London. Amazing food and amazing displays!












Boezem :)








Barcelonetta, charming coastal area with beaches, restaurants and off the in the distance cruise ship docks.






Can you see us?