Homeward Bound via Barcelona July 24-30, 2009

Pat and I left Kuantan and Kuala Lumpur on July 23rd, arriving in Barcelona via Amsterdam the following morning. It was a sunny and dry 26C or so, which was the highlight of our week-long visit. NO humidity and NO rain! We stayed at the modern and centrally-located AC Diplomatic Hotel on Pau Claris. As breakfast was not included in our room rate, we checked out the best neighbourhood cafes for our "cafe amb liet y pasta" (cafe au lait and pastry), and determined that the best place around was across from the hotel! The waiters there got to know us! We spent most days wandering around, checking out the city's beautiful landmarks and incredible architecture, exploring the Metro and enjoying tapas for dinner! One day we rented a car and drove along the coastal area up into the mountains, wondering where we will hang our hat next?

Downtown Barcelona-typical wide boulevard with impressive buildings

































Placa de Catalunya, main square in the city















Pat at entrance to the Placa de Catalunya




















A typical summer street scene















The colourful and lively downtown market, La Boqueria















Olives, anyone?















How about seafood?















Anton Gaudi's La Pedrera (Casa Mila) on Passeig de Gracia, restored in 1996 with one apartment refurbished to its early 20th Century style.




















The spectacular rooftop where summer jazz and flamenco concerts are held















A sign in the official language of the area, Catalan, more like ancient French than modern Spanish!















La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's incomplete masterpiece, begun in 1882 and still under construction today. Four towers reach 100 m. Estimated date of completion is 2026, funded entirely by visitors and private donations.




















The Passion Facade, the work of Josep M. Subirachs, a Catalan sculptor, begun in 1952.















Inside the basic design of a Gothic Church with transepts, aisles and a central nave, a work in progress.















A view of the Nativity Facade on the Carrer Marina





















A Catalan coffee menu-as extensive as Starbuck's!




















The port of Barcelona as seen from the hill at Montjuic















View over the city from Montjuic with La Sagrada Familia rising in the background















Gardens at the castle at Montjuic




















Olympic Stadium used in the 1992 Games