Barcelona in a day!

Today we are on our own to explore. Guide book in hand there are must sees.  Our guided tour yesterday was a great start we got an overview but still had some specifics. Important to get some of the 3 starred items checked off our list.

Today we can have breakfast at the hotel.  The usual fair and the wait staff is very efficient, clean table cloths after every group eating. We did not get a really early start since we were still tired from the day before. I did promise Dan we would not do another 17600 steps

Off we go. First stop is the Ramblas. This is a major promenade from the center of the old city all the way to the coast. There are tents. Shops and eateries  since it is Saturday AM everything is in full swing.  Everyone walks Las Ramblas.  Probably more tourists at this time but it is a great look at how the locals shop  and visit.   We walk all the way to the coast and then have to double back to. Go to the Picasso museum. We are not big on museums but this is a 3 star item.   The wait isn’t too bad and we only got lost 2 times.  This is the only time I am happy to have google (apple) maps.  The directions have been flawless.  This is really the only time I am happy to have T mobile for phone service. There is no data charges so we can use our maps any time

Back to our day.  After about 2 hours with Picasso. It was really amazing to see his early works. Nothing cubitist at all. Okay the map is out and we are heading to the Palau de Música with a stop at theat the st Catherine’s Market. Unfortunately not as much flavor as the Boquoteria along the Ramblas but it was 3:00pm and closing time. I do miss the flowers In the markets like we saw in Thailand and Vietnam.   Our tour was due to start at 4:00 so enough time for some sugar and a Diet Coke. No Diet Coke or Coke light here only Coke Zero. The Palau is amazing. Lots of mosaics and ornate cornices similar to Gaudi works but done by a contemporary. I did add some photos.  A short choral presentation to really hear the acoustics. I would have attended a guitar concert but we were getting a little low in energy and I still had 2 more things on today’s agenda. Off to the cathedral and views from the rooftop that is still being reconstructed. It is an amazingly clear day and mild temperatures in spite of the wind.

No Saldana dances in front of the cathedral but it is truly a congregating place with people outside on the steps just passing the time.   It kind of surprised us there was a charge and no Saturday masses. A beautiful old church from the 12-14 hundreds

Off to the last stop of the day. The Casa Batillo.  This is another Gaudi creation a fun multi level structure that showcases his creativity and engineering. Got to use a video system touring the house that would superimpose what furnishings looked like in the past in the room. A crazy system but fun to use.  Dan was sure his day was over since we didn’t get there until 6:30pm surprise open until 9:00pm and st this time hardly any time to wait. 😃😃😃

Now the long walk home but we get to stop at the Tapas bar we eyed the night before but were too tired to stop at. It was great!!!  Truly crowded with wall to wall people but the best garlic shrimp ever!!!  No the long walk home.  Good news.  I didn’t lie to Dan. We did not do 17600 steps today only 17300.  Almost slacking!!