Barcelona

Barcelona did not grab us as some cities have, although to be fair, we prefer smaller ones (Ljubljana!!!). But we had a great time spending a few days with David, Pamela, Vala and Atli.

La Sagrada Familia (above) is worth a visit. Construction started in 1882 and, as you can see, it still isn’t finished. I have lost count of the number of churches we have visited this year. And although this was not the most impressive, Gaudí’s design is notably unique.

Inside La Sagrada Familia

Atli and Vala

We went on two walking tours of the city. The first was of The Gothic Quarter and the second, “Barcelona Uncensored”, wandered through the El Raval neighborhood, which is described as more artsy and edgy. Our guide told us that officials clean graffiti off the walls. This  has had the effect of encouraging artists to glue their art on, which appears to be allowed to stay (above).

Artists also paint the shop doors. Since most doors are closed in the afternoon for hours during siesta, there is plenty of opportunity to see the art.

Part of a Keith Haring mural on AIDS

Street in The Gothic Quarter

Las Ramblas

Barcelona Cathedral

Inside Barcelona Cathedral

Gothic Quarter Street

Ethan does this wherever we see this mannequin. Oddly, she has appeared in a number of cities across the world.

In many cafes in Barcelona, churros come with a thick cup of melted chocolate. This was our second time enjoying churros. What is not in the picture is David slurping down the cup of chocolate he ordered without churros. Not sure if he was the first to do it, but it appeared to make him happy.