Wow, things sure do happen fast when you get to Europe. There is a lot to see and do and not much time to do it. No sooner are you in one country seeing what you can see in a day, then you sail away and the next morning you are in a whole new country with much to see and do there. Because of that I am going to have to combine some stops as I try to tell you about all the great sights we have come across.
For now, I will tell you about Barcelona, Spain. Vialula and I got to spend two and a half days there because we met up with our daughter, Melba Jean. We disembarked the ship for a few days and got to share some time there with her. Melba Jean came over for the week and got to explore the city before we got there so it was helpful as she could guide us to the things she enjoyed. Barcelona is a city renowned for its fantastic art nouveau buildings, tapas, and Catalan culture! We walked up and down Las Ramblas, the most famous street in central Barcelona, where Melba Jean's hotel was located. We were in the heart of Barcelona with our own heart, Melba Jean!
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| Welcome to Barcelona, Melba Jean! |
The one big event was to go see and enter the Sagrada Familia (Sacred Family) on Good Friday. This is a special place and it was a special day to see it. This cathedral's construction was started back in 1882. Designed by Antoni Gaudi, it is still being constructed today in the same art nouveau style consistent with Gaudi's work. There are hopes of completing the project by 2026 which is the 100th anniversary of Antoni Gaudi's death. Not one piece of the Cathedral was or is being constructed without a purpose. His attention to detail was so very minute. Gaudi's purpose was to let the outside be the overstatement and to allow the inside to a quiet solitude in which to worship. It is just that, but still, once inside you stand and look in awe and wonder of the design and beauty of the entire place. It is a working place of worship and not just an old empty Cathedral so we were very fortunate to be able to get to see it inside on this day. Enjoy the pictures. Each one is worth much more than I can say about it.
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| The front depicts the birth of Christ |
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| Melba Jean in front of the Sagrada Familia |
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| Inside columns reflect Gaudi's love of nature and trees. |
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The back of the cathedral is very sharp angled and modern.
Here is a depiction of Judas kissing Christ and a puzzle that adds
to 33 counting horizontal, vertical or diagonal - the age of Jesus. |
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| Close up of spirals |
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| Back of cathedral shows crucifixion in a sharp, austere style |
We also enjoyed going to the original Barcelona Hospital called, The Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau. What a name. It dates back to the 14th century and was the only hospital in use up into the 20th century when the construction of the second hospital started in 1902 thru 1930, when the art nouveau style came into style. When you look at the architecture of this masterpiece you wonder if the emphasis was on the spectacular construction or of the health and welfare of it's inhabitants. But the hospital has always been on the forefront of medical as well as scientific advancement. It is obviously no longer a hospital and the refurbishing of the hospital back in 2009 now enables everyone to enjoy the 27 beautiful buildings for what they are. The beautiful tiled walls and floors. The ornate facades adorned with beautiful statues are still stunning as you stroll around the grounds. The underground tunnels that connected each building are as sterile today as they were when the patients were being treated long ago. It is yet another UNESCO World Heritage site which we have been fortunate enough to see. I have lost count of how many we have seen but it is a large number and it continues to grow.
Another site we enjoyed was the Barcelona Cathedral. Yet another site which speaks for itself in it's own right. It is unbelievable. Construction of the Gothic cathedral took place from the 13th to the 15th century and it is still the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona. We have buildings in the U.S. that are 250 years old but not too many of them are still functioning in their initial intent. This one opened in 1298 and is still being used as it was intended. It is beautiful! I get tired of using the same adjectives but when you see it you will know what I mean. These places just cannot be replicated today and with the recent tragedy in France with Notre Dame Cathedral you get the sense of just how important it is to take care of them.
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Barcelona Cathedral
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We got to do several other great things and it was wonderful to share some time with Melba Jean. We ate very well. We enjoyed traditional tapas of tomato bread, cheese, various kinds of croquettes and lots of seafood paella. Delicious! Vi's highlight (other than seeing Melba Jean and the 1992 Olympic stadium) was the CHOCOLATE! She and Melba Jean ooh'd and ahh'd over the wonderful Valor hot chocolate served with fresh fried churros sprinkled with sugar! They were in heaven! The markets in Barcelona are incredible, too. Because it was Easter weekend, they were even more abundant. There are delicious meats, fresh eggs, cheeses, breads, fruits and vegetables. We enjoyed several samples along with fresh fruit juices!
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| So happy together with our chocolate! |
All of this made getting back on the boat a little harder, but we look forward to seeing the rest of the sights we have coming up. Two stops in Portugal are next and then Cherbourg, France and Normandy. The adventure never ends ... at least not until mid-May!
We caught up with the boat in Cadiz, Spain. We did not get a chance to see much of it but we did get down to the city center and enjoyed walking up and down the streets. It is near the pier so the shops cater to the cruise tourist and do a good job of showing us the local flair of what is important to them. Flamenco dancers and musicians strut their stuff on the streets in what I can only call an angry stomping. I know that is not their intent but that is what it looks like to my untrained eye. Cafes serve their tapas right out on the street so the sights and smells call out to you as you pass by. We did our share of souvenir buying and then found our way back to the ship. As we got ready to sail away we could see a Catholic procession, one of their many parades held during Holy Week. It reminds us that no matter where we are it is still the Easter season. Happy Easter to all.
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| Cadiz Cathedral circa 1722 |
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| Easter Parade - Santo Entierro |
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