Barcelona Day 2

 “We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharial Nehru

As most of you know, Emily studied in Alicante for a summer a few years back when she was in college.  That is when she would say her love affair with Spain began. It has once again been rekindled by the culture, food, red wine and delightful weather.

Arrival into the heart of Barcelona brought us to a new world of sun, bright colors, festive atmospheres, and narrow streets with fast cars, buses, taxis, and hundreds of mopeds and motorcycles. We too could purchase or rent mopeds at an AutoMoto shop. You will be glad to know we passed on that opportunity. The setting seems incomplete without Spanish music playing loudly in the streets. Surprisingly, we heard more 80's and 90's American music, even in taxis where the drivers only spoke Spanish. 

Huge shoutout to Emily who has been an excellent translator. Her Spanish is really flowing. Robert is trying to gain some vocabulary and always engages with people using Spanish. Lynn and Rhonda haven't been as bold. We do say gracias, hola, and adios. 

Our first adventure this morning was riding a skylift to Castell de Montjuic, a military fortress on top of Montjuic Mountain, built in 1640. We walked to the top and took many photographs. 

We had lunch midday at a Tapas bar. For those not familiar with tapas, it is essentially making a meal out of many small appetizers. In this case, the tapas were displayed in front of us behind glass and we just selected what we wanted as we ate. 

Later, we enjoyed strolling the Barri Gotic to see several inner courtyards between very old buildings. One is still in use as a play area for a school. One was originally used as the residence for the king and queen and the place where Christopher Columbus introduced the American Indians to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.

This is the current government headquarters:

In London and Barcelona we have stumbled on several brides and grooms having their pictures taken at several cool locations. This is one occasion in one of

the small courtyards. 

Robert was on a quest to find the four remaining Roman columns in the Temple d'Augustus. This Temple was dedicated to Emperor Caesar Augustus. Found them:

Next, we went to the Picasso museum to see some of his works on display. We especially liked his blue period, and it was neat to see his earliest work created when he was a child and a young adult. 

In the same area, we visited the Catedral de Barcelona. So beautiful, the craftsmanship just blows us away. 

Image via Wikipedia 

We discussed at dinner that we need to create a poem for the blog, here is Robert's contribution as he purchased a toro/bull today when Emily found a pottery store with the pitchers she had been hoping to find. They were similar to pieces she purchased in Alicante. 

Toro, toro, toro

How long I have been looking for you

Toro, toro, toro

Our poem writing mojo went downhill from there. A 9 pm dinner of more tapas and flowing red wine might have had an impact on said poem writing motivation.

We want to give a public thank you to Bob (Lynn's brother, Emily's uncle) for commenting on all of our posts. We miss everyone so much that is fun to hear from our family and friends. Thanks also to Will, Jenay and "LifeinUK" (Sonnenbergs??) for also commenting. Come on everyone, give us some "comment" love!!

Con Amor (with love),

Emily, Robert, Lynn, and Rhonda