A few weeks after our weekend jaunt to Munich the kids had an entire week off at the end of October. You know, it had been about 8 weeks into school- apparently that is when it's time for a break Barcelona was our destination. We stayed in a nice flat in the El Borne district which is more or less the "old town".
On our first night a parade of giant puppet people danced down the alley next to the flat followed by hundreds of people. It felt like the North End festivals but with freakishly big puppets. It was also the first sign that we wouldn't be getting much sleep that week.
Without the commotion...
We took a cable car up Mount Montjuic
The fortress at the top of the hill.
Fire!
A bit hazy!
And then a much needed play in the park...
We decided to walk down the hill instead of taking the cable car down. It was a good journey as there were several different parks on the way down so the kids could let out some steam.
This kid was in a much better mood than a few days before we left. Poor babe had a good case of the croop, which he kindly passed on to Oliver, with love of course.
Here is the beginning of The Rambla. La Rambla is a little over 1/2 mile long and nearly everyone who visits Barcelona walks along it. La Rambla was laid out in 1766, following the contours of the medieval city walls that had bounded this part of Barcelona since the 13th century. (wiki)
There are many restaurants, cafe's, souvenir shops and many, many tourists.
Warning: Graphic content.
Meaning- some of these street performers were a bit much.
I had to turn away for this one.
Taking in some music.
A shout out to Nana!
Gelato break!
Very cool little streets leading to through the Gothic quarter.
On our walk to the aquarium.
This kid was the star of the week. He had a fever almost every day we were out and he was up coughing at least 4 of the 5 nights. He rarely complained and managed to have a good time despite all of it.
The promenade along the port.
The Museo De Cera
(Wax museum)
Before you look at the pictures, the four of us collectively decided that it was the worst wax museum ever. Take a look for yourself.
Very creepy Prince Charles and Camilla.
Worst Star Wars wax people ever. And apparently they had nowhere else to put E.T.
Cathedral of Barcelona
Time for the Hop On/Hop Off bus tour!
Before we continue I'll give you a little background on the famous architect that Barcelona is known for. Antoni Gaudí was born in Reus in 1852 and received his Architectural degree in 1878. Gaudí's work is admired by architects around the world as being one of the most unique and distinctive architectural styles.His work has greatly influenced the face of Barcelona architecture and you will see stunning examples of Gaudí's work all around the city centre.
From the early beginnings his designs were radically different from those of his contemporaries. Gaudí was not so much influenced by other architect's ideas but more by forms of nature.
La Sagrada Familia
One of Gaudi's most famous works. He started it in 1882- and it has been under construction ever since. He died in 1926 and since then a lot of the work has been left to interpretation. Construction passed the mid point in 2010 and will continue through 2026, the centenary of Gaudi's death. When we got of the bus the side walks were packed. It was a mob scene. We never did make it inside but it was an amazing site to see.
Park Guell, also the work of Gaudi.
Photo taken by Henry!
And one taken by Oliver.
More works from Gaudi
Nap on a lap.
Our night for tapas and sangria!
Basilica Santa Maria del Mar
On our next to last day, we visited the Parc de la Ciutadella. Within this park is a zoo, a pond with boat rentals and vast chilling areas.
This croc did not want to be behind the glass. He kept slamming his head into it. Maybe he was just having a bad day...
Next and last stop was of course the beach. I brought the boys suits in case. They took full advantage!!
Our last night we decided to try the mohawks! Lots of product was used.
I even tried to get a little height.
Monkeys with gelato.
On our last day before heading to the airport we went to the Picasso Museum. There are no pictures because we weren't allowed but it was pretty cool. The boys favorite Picasso installation was Las Meninas. It is Picasso's interpretation of Diego Velázquezs', Las Meninas, done 58 times.
Barcelona was surely one of our top trips- plenty to do for the kids, great food and wine, friendly people, good sites and the weather was fantastic for the time of year.
Adios Barcelona...we will be back someday!
Woah! You packed a lot in that trip! I'm exhausted. A few favorites: the mohawks (including Mark's), both pictures taken by O&H, the nap lap (because Henry looks positively tiny and adorable), the beer selfie, and all the scarves (seriously, you guys rock it). Not so favorites include the street performers (I'm with you, Beth) and the headless body in the middle of the woods who is embracing your children. Overall, awesome post!
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