April 11-13, 2016. Up before dawn on April 11 to drive into Malaga and return my rental car (surprisingly, no fines from my Granada adventure). Grabbed a coffee and caught the 8 a.m. train north. Changed trains in Madrid. By the time I arrived at the Barcelona Sants train station I was tired and my only concern was negotiating through the Metro system – turned out to be pretty straightforward. After checking in at my hotel (on the Ramblas), I met up with new friends Diane and Norah at Placa Catalunya and we wandered a bit before grabbing a tapas dinner outside the Cathedral. Back in my tiny room, I fell asleep listening to the active Barcelona nightlife unfolding outside my window.
On the 12th I met up with Diane and Norah at 9 a.m. for the hop-on/off bus in order to get our bearings. Later we walked down the Ramblas, wandered through La Boqueria market, explored a few old churches, visited the Picasso museum and took another bus tour along a different route to see the other half of the city.
So many beautiful buildings, and so much greenery along the pedestrian malls and in the many neighborhood “placas” (plazas) we came across. We found street entertainers, markets, and flowers everywhere we looked. A new visual treat was waiting for us around every corner!
On April 12, Diane and I explored the Montjuic district, including the Juan Miro museum, the 1992 Olympic Stadium and Plaza (from the 1992 games), the National Museum of Catalan Art and the Montjuic Castle, where I mis-stepped and fell. A scraped and bruised arm, but no serious injury except to my ego (managed to save the camera too, of course).
Enjoyed some spectacular views of the city from the rooftop terrace at the National Museum, and also at the Castle. At the end of the day we treated ourselves to ride down the hill in the “teleferic” (gondola) before catching the metro back to the Ramblas for dinner.
On the 13th I had a ticket to get inside and wander through La Familia Sagrada, the cathedral in Barcelona designed by Antoni Gaudi that is still under construction. A phenomenal building that, although a very spritual space, does not feel like a church. His life was devoted to both art and his faith, and this architectural masterpiece is a testment to that combination.
The Guadi museum (his former residence) in Park Guell was interesting – the park itself is beautiful, but I don’t recommend paying the extra fee to enter the “monumental zone” – I was very disappointed that there was very little to see there.
Since it was my last day in Barcelona I cut the day short to get packed up before one last dinner with Diane and Norah – right next to an antique market/street fair in the Cathedral plaza. Such a fun city!
Bottom line is that Barcelona is a jewel of a city. Go (and explore!) if you get the chance!
From Here to There 
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