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Borrego Springs, CA

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Barcelona - day 2 (Nov. 5)

On our second day in Barcelona, we took an organized bus tour with the other Escapee members that had come to Barcelona three days early before the cruise began.  Our first stop was the La Sagrada Familia.

54 trans- Atlantic cruise 201010“Gaudi’s most famous building is a work of unbridled ambition.  He dedicated 4 decades of his life to it, and though the architect left behind no detailed plans, he expected that the cathedral – the world’s largest if completed – would take several generations to finish.  Gaudi envisioned 12 spires (one for each of the Apostles), a massive dome over the apse, and four additional, higher spires, as well as one central bell tower, representing the Virgin Mary.  Portals in the dramatic Nativity facade represent Faith, Hope, and Charity.”  We were unable to go inside as the Pope was arriving the next day to consecrate the cathedral.  We were lucky to get as close as we did because most of the surrounding streets were closed off in preparation shortly after we had walked around.  The size and detail of this cathedral is hard to comprehend without actually seeing it.

54 trans- Atlantic cruise 20109We then headed out of the city and up a 4000’ mountain to the Basilica of Montserrat.  Many people make a pilgrimage to this monastery to view the Black Virgin. 

 

We returned to the hotel around 3:00, freshened up, and headed out for a walk with the mission of finding El Palau de la Musica Catalana.  As happened the day before, we got lost!  According to the map, the music hall was only a few blocks away from the hotel.  Did I mention before that it is almost impossible to find a street sign in Barcelona?  Ack!!

_MG_6579After wandering for two hours, we accidentally found the building, but by then it was closed.  We headed back to the hotel, but that took another two hours.  It was only thanks to a young woman in a red cross outfit that we eventually found our way home.  She did not speak English, but thankfully we followed her hand signals and after another four blocks finally came upon La Rambla, the street the hotel was located on.  We certainly did a lot of walking in Barcelona, and much of it was while we were lost.  :(

 

Today was day number 2 of 6 on our route to Nassau, and I spent much of the day just relaxing.  Staff on the ship have said we are nearing the middle of nowhere, so television and internet may go out for a couple of days.  We’ll see what happens.  On a side note, there hasn’t been a day yet that I haven’t tried stepping on the non-existent foot pedal to flush the toilet!  :)  After spending 4 1/2 years living in a motorhome, it’s a hard habit to give up.

 

Thanks for stopping by….talk to you later,  Judy

9 comments:

  1. La Ramblas had a gazillion Bar & Restaurant hole in the walls, when I was there in the 60's compliments of Uncle. If any of the 6th Fleet ships are in that is the place to visit to here good old English again.The cathedral was also a stop and I have a lot of pictures taken when I visited. all in all Barcelona is a good tourist stop,Back in the 60's it was also a cheap stop, Don't know about now. Hope you are enjoying your stay. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna.

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  2. After watching the mini series "Pillars of the Earth" I have a newfound respect and appreciation for those beautiful old cathedrals. Thanks for sharing.

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  3. Beautiful pictures of the cathedrals!!!

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  4. I hope you are finding good things to look at while you are lost.

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  5. just think when you get back home..the motorhome will be moving with the water just like the cruise ship!

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  6. Great pictures! They bring back lots of memories for me.

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  7. Amazing architecture!! Would love to travel these areas one day myself!!

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  8. It sounds like you need some days at sea to relax after all that walking. I enjoyed seeing your pictures, including the photo of the six of you at dinner. Safe travels!

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  9. Looks like you are having an AWESOME ADVENTURE!!!!
    We're envious. Have a wonderful time.
    B.W. & Carol
    http://bwcarolhappy-trails.blogspot.com

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