We caught the 8:20pm flight from Toronto to Barcelona, Spain - an overnight flight - which arrived at 10:05am Tuesday morning. It was a very long flight in the back of the airplane, but we had three seats between the two of us, so that was nice.
Tuesday, June 4th
When we arrived in Barcelona, we took the Aerobus from the airport to Placa de Catalunya - a large square in central Barcelona that is generally considered to be its city centre. As we couldn't get into our Airbnb until later in the afternoon, we stored our luggage at 'Locker Barcelona' and then headed to 'Burger King' for lunch. After lunch, we first stopped at the Barcelona Tourist Info to obtain a city map, metro map and Barcelona guidebook. After that, we went on Rick Steves’ ‘Barcelona City Walk’. After retrieving our luggage, we made our way to our Airbnb apartment where we met with Xavi, our host. He was very hospitable - he told us that we would have the apartment to ourselves for the most of our stay. The apartment was small - two small bedrooms, a small toilet, small shower/sink bathroom, a kitchen and a living/dining room - but, it was big enough for us and quite comfortable. Xavi shared with us places to buy food and restaurants we might like to eat at. We went to a nearby grocery store to buy cereal, milk and OJ for our breakfasts while we were in Barcelona and also bought some yummy pastries for dessert later that evening. After shopping, we picked up dinner: tacos and a quesadilla at ‘Taco Alto Born’ (okay food and expensive for the size you got) and a chicken and beef kebab at ‘Audurina Doner Kebab’ (it was tasty).
Steps for the day = 16,967
Mike in front of water feature at Placa de Catalunya
Placa de Catalunya
Sue at Placa de Catalunya
On Placa de Catalunya
Hotel Monegal (across the road from Placa de Catalunya ('Burger King' is on the bottom floor to the left in this photo)
Looking down Las Ramblas
Teatre Poliorama
Mike walking down Carrer de Santa Anna
Gelato shop
Balconies everywhere - on Carrer de Santa Anna
Esglesia de Santa Anna (hidden away Catholic church and courtyard)
Avinguda del Portal de L'angel
El Corte Ingles department store - beautiful architecture
Font de Santa Anna
C.O.A.C. - Col-Legi D'Arquitectes de Catalunya (Architects' Association of Catalonia) - the facade is decorated with ornamental engravings made by Picasso
Casa de I'Ardiaca
In Placa Nova looking up Carrer del Bisbe
Caritas Diocesana de Barcelona
Great architectural pieces
Mike standing behind the 'C' of Barcelona spelled out - this is part of a group of sculptures around the city (Public Art) - 'Poema visual Barcino' - created by Joan Brossa - Barcino is the Roman name for Barcelona, and the artist pays homage to the city's ancient history with this work
Cool letterbox
Capella de Santa llucia
Casa de l'Ardiaca Fountain
Cathedral of Barcelona
Monument to the Martyrs of Independence
Esglesia de Sant Felip Neri de Barcelona
Look at all the balconies - so popular in Barcelona
'Free All Political Prisoners' banner and ribbon - in October 1917, pro-independence political parties in the Catalan parliament unilaterally declared independence from Spain. In response, the Spanish government placed two activists and seven politicians into custody where they remain to this day. They have been charged by Spain's attorney general with rebellion and misuse of public funds. Others involved remain in exile in other countries. The trial is to be held this October to determine their fate.
Major Synagogue (Ancient Synagogue of Barcelona) is believed to be one of the oldest synagogues in Europe.
La Muralla Romana (old Roman wall / fortification)
Arc de Triomf
Mike standing under an arch - love these narrow streets
Mike walking towards archway of Bishop's Bridge - isn't the architecture amazing!!!
Palau du la Generalitat de Catalunya - medieval building and seat of government
Back at Placa de Catalunya
Placa de Catalunya with the giant El Corte Ingles department store in the background
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