Barcelona - Made it!!!

Hello from Barcelona!! The flight was uneventful and close to being on time - I flew United and I'm going to have to stop bad rapping them. Both planes were new and it couldn't have gone smoother. I arrived this morning after not sleeping all night so hopefully this post will be semi coherent. If not sorry but I'm functioning on fumes! I made it to the hotel and couldn't check into my room yet so just left my suitcase and headed out to explore. It has been an absolutely perfect weather day and Barcelona is spectacularly beautiful. My driver from the airport shared with me that there are very few parks or green spaces - but lots and lots of trees so it appears quite green. He also said that almost everyone lives in apartments - there are really no single family homes in the entire city - but some in the outlying area. I also noticed that there are lots of places to sit throughout the city - benches under the trees so it has a park-like feel. 

My hotel is in a great location - just about 2 blocks from La Rambla - which is the main tourist street - but easy to walk to the places I wanted to see. So the first thing I did was ramble on La Rambla! I have been told numerous times before I arrived and even since I got here today that the most pick pocketing occurs in Barcelona so beware!!! And La Rambla is the key spot!! They even have signs posted frequently that warn you so I was glad to have my tried and tested money belt with me. I don't know why I bothered packing - I should have just brought a carry on and bought everything here!! So many great stores!! So after a bit of walking I headed to my first stop -  La Catedral. The building was started in 1298 and worked on till 1460. They take their time around here! The facade was added in 1870 and is considered to be European Gothic. Quite impressive!

My iPhone Pictures don't do it justice - lots of beautiful stained glass!

This picture is dark - sorry!! It was very sunny but the sun was on the wrong side for a good picture of the front.  Notice the big crowd of people in front of the church. There was actually an old-school orchestra playing traditional Spanish music and lots of people dancing! It was so cool! I had a picture but I can't get it to pull over from my photos. They were older people - ha! Kind of like me! And they were in a couple of big circles doing some kind of traditional dance in unison. It was awesome!!! One of my favorite parts of the day!

You can see the orchestra - all wearing blue shirts and ties! 

Around behind the church are the cloisters where 13 ducks live - it's always 13 because of some 13 year old girl they crucified!!!! The ducks honk to warn of approaching people so they are like guard dogs. And the other picture is what they get to look up at - so pretty!!!

Someone threw treats to the ducks and they made a huge commotion!! 

My next stop was the Parc de la Ciutadella. As I said there are very few actual parks in Barcelona and this is one they have! Their version of Central Park. It was beautiful! Today it was a combo Farmer's Market/Craft Show/Human Circus!! I saw amazing produce, organic breads, cheeses, herbs, handmade beautiful purses, clothing, candles, fencing, children's yoga, 200 people doing tai chi, bands, dancing and a human gyroscope!!! For free!!! The park has a zoo, their parliament and this amazing waterfall designed by Josep Fontsere with the help of a young Gaudi.

Two shots of the waterfall, me doing the best selfie I can from the top and a beautiful fountain in the park. And check out the gorgeous building behind the fountain - an elaborate greenhouse. 

I did poorly on food today so no pictures of what I ate. I was distracted by all the beautiful buildings so ended up at a cafe getting a cheese sandwich on facaccia bread. Lame!!! With all the amazing food in Barcelona I promise to do better tomorrow. I did stop in the afternoon for gelato - dulce de leche - but ate it too fast to photograph. There are so many gelato shops here I feel like I am in Italy!! But I have been eyeing the pastry shops and pretty sure that's in my near future!! Also must have some paella!!! Not leaving without it!  

I also went to the Picasso Museum but the line was long (today is a free day) and I just didn't have the strength. I will get back there probably Tuesday and be happy to pay to get in. It looks incredible!!  

So today I accomplished the 3 things I set out to do:

 * See a couple of sites on my list

* Find my way back to the hotel

* Not get pick pocketed!!!! 

Can't wait for tomorrow - but first hopefully a good nights sleep!! Thanks for coming along with me!!!