Concerned about travel to Barcelona
 

Traveling with 82 year old mother and dtr. should I be concerned? Nervous after reading yesterday comments on Spain. Is it safe at night? Where should we stay away from, what is it like at the airport?<BR><BR>Anna

As almost anywhere else in the world, Barcelona has its share of petty crime. You need only to be aware of your surroundings, and whenever you feel in danger just scream!<BR><BR>One thing that caught my attention in Barcelona is how many senior citizens you see. You may rest assured that your mother will have no problems moving around. Most metro stations have escalators or elevators, every street corner has a ramp, and people are very corteous towards senior citizens.<BR><BR>The airport in Barcelona is very straightforward. It has three terminals but it is really just one very long building. If you are coming from abroad, you'll arrive in terminal "A". The taxi stand and the Aerobus stop is maybe 50 yards from customs. Consider taking a taxi. You'll pay somewhere around 20 euros to get to the city. Taxis in the city are plentiful, cheap and easily identified. They are black and yellow.<BR><BR>Have a nice trip and let me know if you have any more questions.

<BR>Thanks.<BR>What are some the attracations in Barcelona that we shouldn't miss?<BR><BR>Anna

Depends on your interests. The "basic" are:<BR>- The Sagrada Familia<BR>- The Cathedral<BR>- Santa Maria del Mar (preferably around 5-6pm) It is one of the most beautiful churches anywhere.<BR>- Gaudi houses: La Pedrera, Casa Batllo,(I think that this year it is open!), Palau Guell.<BR>- Parc Guell is very nice, but it requires a lot of walking.<BR>- The Monestir de Pedralbes is very nice and usually empty. They have a nice collection of religious paintings.<BR><BR>Maybe the best you can do is buy tickets for the Bus Turistic. It is a hop-on-hop-off bus with live commentaries that takes you to the main tourist attractions.<BR><BR>Oh, and don't forget the fountains at Montjuic. They are quite impressive. The fountains at Bellagio in Las Vegas will seem VERY overrated after seeing the Montjuic fountains.

I hear the gays go to Sitges....are you interested in going?