20220424 More Gaudi: Got up about 7:30, went down for breakfast, came back up and left with our gear about 9:00. We walked down the street to the front of Casa Batllo, which was covered with roses. Took images of the exterior. And on the main street there was a huge race or marathon or something like that. Thousands of folks running and walking. So, another day where some streets were blocked off and traffic affected. Walked up to a nearby bank for its ATM then got a taxi to take us way up the mountain to Bellesguard, a Gaudi castle/house. Very early in his career, interesting in parts buy not breathtaking like others we’ve been to or then saw today. We met our guide, Charo, there. She had been one of the guides on my 2017 Strabo trip here.
After going through the house, to its roof, and its basement, we headed downhill in a taxi to Palau Guell Gaudi – a real masterpiece built for Gaudi’s benefactor. As with any of this, it’s hard to describe. There are the arches, ceilings, doors, furnishings, rooftop sculptures. We left and walked over to Placa Reial, a huge plaza jam-packed with people and restaurants. Had a lovely lunch there.
Walked to and through the Jewish quarterand then to and into the Cathedral of Barcelonawith its grandeur and structure. Beautiful place. Went to the roof area for a good view of the city. Charo left us at this point, but she made us a dinner reservation. Jeff and I stayed up there a bit and then went down, out on the street, and took a taxi to La Pedrera (Casa Mila). The rooftop sculptures and structures are outstanding. Like Sagrada Familia, you could stay there for hours. Then down a floor to the Attic where there are models of most of Gaudi’s work and furniture he designed all beneath brick arches.
Walked the two blocks back to the hotel to freshen up, download images, and left for dinner a bit after 7:00, taxi to the waterfront and Can Pinxo, an outdoor restaurant in a bustling area. Lots and lots of young people walked up and down the sidewalk along the harbour by the restaurant. Very nice supper.
After we ate, we went on a futile search for taxis. Many whizzed by, but occupied. We walked to one street after another and then just headed in the direction of the hotel. Finally, about the time we thought of just walking the whole way, Jeff spotted a taxi and we went back to our room
We are preparing our gear for tomorrow since it has to be outside our room by 8:00 for Regent to pick it up. Will have between then and 11:15, when we meet in the lobby to be transported to the ship, to have breakfast and wander around a bit.
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