Late spring of 2012 we traveled to Europe, first time in many, many years. After exploring Lisbon, Portugal for a few days we headed to Barcelona. In general we like to keep our travel agenda open, to insure we have time and energy to take in unexpected adventures. I knew that I wanted to visit some of the Gaudi buildings, the fabulous La Boqueria Market, stroll down Las Ramblas and check out some of the museums. Every morning we had coffee at an outdoors cafe directly across the street from Gaudi’s Casa Battlo. I hate to admit this, but it was a McDonalds ( we never go there!!), but the Spanish coffee and croissants were tasty, and you sure couldn’t beat the view.

Casa Batllo, our breakfast view every morning in Barcelona

The interior is every bit as amazing as the exterior. Few straight lines and corners anywhere, incredible stained glass designs, wooden carvings and the roof terraces were a sight to behold!

La Pedrera

Stained glass, Casa Battlo

Hallway arches, Casa Battlo

On the roof top

This guy was truly amazing! Way ahead of his time!

One day, we stumbled across a Salvatore Dali gallery. All I can say is that it was quite a trip. Especially the melting clocks! Though I especially loved this couch in the Dali Gallery.

Sofa in the Dali Gallery

For lunch we stopped by ‘La Boqueria’. All kinds of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meats and seafood on display. There is wine for sale, an unbelievable number of mushrooms (both fresh and dried) and lots of Spanish spices. I procured a huge bag of smoked paprika and some paella seasoning. My clothes and suitcase emitted a delicious fragrance for the remainder of our trip.

Market entrance

La Boqueria

Tomatoes at La Boqueria

I loved how foods were displayed. So much nicer than a cardboard box!

On one of our many excursions, we heard of a concert at the Palau de la Musica Catalana the following evening.

Chance encounter

Palau de la Musica Catalana

We got tickets and enjoyed one of the best concerts ever! Manuel Gonzales, one of Spain’s master classical guitarists was fantastic. The music hall alone was worth the price of admission. Huge, with balconies along the sides and a glorious stained glass dome in the ceiling. Great acoustics and atmosphere as well.

Stained glass dome

Inside the concert hall

One evening we strolled along Las Ramblas and had some totally overpriced, but tasty sangria at one of the many restaurants lining the pedestrian zone. Relaxing and watching the world go by made for great entertainment, as there are a variety of street performers.

Las Ramblas

Sunday morning, the locals congregated outside the Barcelona Cathedral.

Barcelona Cathedral

Some of the folks were dancing in the plaza. We then walked to the Port of Barcelona, where we meandered through a flea market.

Port of Barcelona

The only slight disappointment for me was, the fact, that the Picasso Museum mostly had his early works on display. Still great to see, but I do like the later work better. Next time I’m in Barcelona, we’ll visit Guell Park. We did not make it there, yet saw so many amazing things, met some interesting people, ate great food and drank some interesting Spanish wines. Our days were filled to the brim, our feet tired every night, and our adventurous souls recharged. Hasta luego Barcelona!