Luckyscout

Well got back from an amazing trip to Barcelona. I took the advise of many and just went to Barcelona, although I did take a hour trip outside to Montserrat. The trip from Tucson to Atlanta then to Barcelona is not bad. Arriving and following the directions of my host family I made it and started to explore the Gothic quarter. The winding streets made for some fun adventures and even getting lost was fun, rather than being a problem. Sitting down in the Born area, a small up and coming area filled with cafes and interesting places just outside the Gothic quarter, I had fish soup. A white fish with tomato sauce, olive oil and spices was so good! The highlight of my trip was Sagrada Famila, the amazing church by Gaudi. Strange, alien like structure that evokes nature as Gaudi intended. Very beautiful, strange, weird and amazing is how I would describe it. I would get tickets before you go, it is a must as the line was all the way around the building! Even after spending over two hours walking around inside the church, I asked a couple that just walked in how long the wait was, they were in line almost two hours! Big Fish in the Born district is a great place to try some innovative foods. I had seared scallops in olive oil and sea salt, very good! Then seared tuna, raw in the middle drizzled with molasses and it came with humus! Very different but very, very good! Montserrat is so amazing you must make the trip. Up up the hill you go to see this monastery about an hour by train from Barcelona. You could spend most of a day exploring, I did for about 3 hours and then had to get back to Barcelona. Great views, and take your hiking boots and do some hiking! The famous boys choir was performing, but did not get to see the "Black Madonna" as the line was very, very, long. The wine and the sliced cured ham, wow what a treat! I think I drank and ate more ham than I have in years! LOL What a great walking city, just explore, walk eat and enjoy the people watching. The buildings by Gaudi are so interesting and fun to see both inside and out, I would highly recommend any one interested in architecture to check them out, you will be amazed! More info on my trip and fabulous photos on my blog: www.travelwiththomas.blogspot.com
Happy travels everyone!

danon

thanks for posting. great pics.

CarolJean

Bookmarking to read later!

ekscrunchy

Great photos! I like the dog, but I like the floor under the dog a lot, too! Is that ceramic?

tumblingweed

Amazing Gaudi photos, good job! Question: did you find it difficult at all to find the connections of the different modes of travel on your way to Montserrat?

Luckyscout

The house I stayed with was found on airbnd it is called "super apartment in trendy born." Great old building and yes the floors were original! The train station has lots of kiosks with info for Montserrat, it was a bit confusing but they are used to us tourists. Not sure tumblingweed if you are asking me how, or you found it difficult so... just tell them you want to go and they give you the price for all the trains and you will be there in about an hour. The train station is "espania" I think?? It is at the foot of the great park Monjouk or something, sorry spelling is way off! Thanks for the comments on the photos everyone. Have fun on your travels!

ira

Thanks for posting