BARCELONA-April 17, 2017

Barcelona brims with history, stunning architecture and rich culture. It is Spain's Catalonian capital and offers long strolls on wide boulevards-such as Las Ramblas, the mile-long leafy pedestrian way, and the Passeig de Garcia, lined with some of Europe's most elegant buildings.  Native son and famed architect Antoni Gaudi adorned his city with whimsy, whether along fantastical city blocks or his colossal masterpiece, the towering La Sagrada Familia Cathedral.

Our excursion today took us on a tour of the highlights of Barcelona and then on a walking tour of the historic city centre with a visit to the stunning neo-Gothic Barcelona Cathedral. This 14th century marvel is adorned with a wide range of mythical gargoyles and its interior is a wonder of vaulted ceilings buttressed by soaring columns.  We enjoyed free time to wander around Old Barcelona.  It was Easter Monday and like Canada, it was a holiday.  Shops were closed but we found a wine shop that was open.  

 

The Cathedral surrounded by beautiful palm trees and orange trees.

 

Panorama of the harbour.

We are at sea today and tomorrow is Malaga.  This will be our third time in Malaga and we are looking forward to it.  Jet lag is gone and we are enjoying this day off.  The weather is wonderful ....  in the 20's and everything is lush ...... spring is here.  The ship has a brand new captain and he is from Bergen, Norway.  At the captain's reception last evening he told us that he left Bergen with snow!  Yikes, we are going to be there on May last.

Bye for now .....