Barcelona, Spain

​Barcelona   —   October 10, 2021

   Today we caught a fast train and moved on to Barcelona. The last time I visited Barcelona was 1969 when my friend, Joe Price, and I did a road trip from our military post in Darmstadt, Germany before we both left for places beyond. Joe finished his military hitch and was being discharged; on his way home. I had one year  remaining; on my way to Vietnam.

   For our first day, we scheduled another free walking tour in old town. We have always enjoyed walking tours as it gives you a very good glimpse into 

 what the city used to look like. If the tour guide is knowledgeable there is much history to be learned. The walking tours are free of charge. If you think the guide was worth it, you can tip as much as you like. The tour guides we have had recently have been guiding for 15 to 30 years.

   It was interesting seeing the old buildings, some from the 12th century and hearing the stories of kings who were often ruthless and harsh to their subjects, with public killings for the bad guys, etc.  It was interesting seeing the old town with its high buildings and narrow streets. The streets in old town are too narrow for today’s vehicle.   That could be tough to fight a fire. 

   We ended at a former  

presidential  palace and a great overlook view to see the city. 

   A very unusual event happened on this tour. But it was perhaps the most pleasant memory. One of the Taurus looked exactly like my granddaughter, Alyssa. With my limited vision, detail features of the face are missing. From what I could see she could have a been a twin to Alyssa! I introduced myself and told her what I was thinking and she seemed pleased. 

We talked for a little bit and she told me I could take pictures if I wanted to. I did. I also showed her a photo of my granddaughter and she agreed that they looked a lot alike. She was from Belgium. I told her I visited Brussels back in 1969.

   From here we caught a cab and headed for our next tour. This was another walking tour but only inside of one of Barcelona‘s most incredible cathedrals, Sagrada Familiae. This Gothic style structure is a masterpiece of design and building. It is still being worked on today.  The corner stone was laid 135 years ago. More than five generations have passed and it will still take another 100 years or so to finish the project. It was created by the architect, Antoni Gaudí. 

   Inside the cathedral, the structure is incredible! Huge marble columns support the tall spires.   There is an enormous ceiling.  It’s height stretches upwards of 200 feet. Large stained glass windows line the east and west walls. The evening sunset was shining through the orange-cast windows and was reflected in the polished granite floor. It was gorgeous!  

   Following this tour we found ourselves thinking about food. Across the street were several fast food shops with familiar names, like McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and I don’t know what all. Ron and I decided to have a traditional hamburger, fries and a Coke.  Five Guys Restaurant… It’s what’s for dinner!  Ron is not a very big fan of Coca Cola like he is Dr Pepper. The problem is most of Europe has no interest in Dr Pepper. Rarely did he find one in the store. The 7-Eleven stores in Europe often carry Dr Pepper, but very few other places. So he settles for Coke. 

   The next day we took a cab and visited one of Barcelona’s most unique city parks. The design structures of the park we’re also created by Antoni Gaudi. The hillside structures, staircased In marble and adorned in sculptures and water features made this appear to be drawn from a fantasy book.

   On the third level, a large gathering Place, about the size of a soccer field,  was lined with benches and seating areas to allow the visitor to look out over the city of Barcelona. This large soccer field, was supported on the second level by a myriad of large granite columns, around which were informational walls that helped the visitor learn about the area. It was an amazing setting!

   Ron, Nancy and I took a stroll along some of the walking paths and steep stairways, continuing an upward climb along this hillside. A beautiful home, belonging to the architect, adorned the hillside. We were not able to go inside but I suspect the surrounding views of the city were gorgeous.

   From here we grabbed a taxi and headed for the beach. But we thought it would be unfair if we went to Barcelona and did not take time to visit the Mediterranean.  

   Although the beach was not particularly crowded, there were a lot of people sunning themselves and relaxing on the sand. In light fashion, we relaxed on our beach towels with a cool drink and enjoyed the warm sunshine. There wasn’t much swimming going on. Most of us dipped our toes in the water and found a seashell or two. 

  Before leaving Barcelona for Paris, we took an evening stroll in the downtown area near our hotel and found a beautiful building that was also a creation of Antoni Gaudi. It was apparently well known because there were a lot of other people taking photos and selfies of this building. As I looked upon its features, I wondered how it would be to live in one of those apartments.

   Picking up our last minute souvenirs in a nearby shop, we headed back to the hotel to finish packing and take care of necessary paperwork.

   Tomorrow morning we will be up and heading for the train station on our way to Paris!

Mike Thomas