All of this as the ORIGINAL POSTER offers no thanks, no comments, no nothing....

Dukey - it was only posted yesterday - they may not have been online since....

Uh, Jamikins, there were people in Britain before the Romans arrived. Well before.

Mimar...I totally realize that, thats was not what I meant...I phrased it badly, I meant that I realize that CDN history is a not about just British history, but that Romans AND OTHER PEOPLES were living here prior to the modern day 'British' peoples...

Geez you guys...this isnt an imperial war over who knows the most history or whose history is the best!

Why dont we focus on helping tali2?

Why on earth did this simple thread turn so bizarre?

I LIKE ALL HISTORY, INCLUDING THE SPANISH, AND THE PEOPLE WHO LIVED ON BRITISH SOIL FROM THE BEGINNING OF TIME!!! Its all valid, its all history and its all interesting. Some of us find certain parts more interesting than others for our own personal reasons. I think we were just sharing why we found either London or Barcelona more interesting so that tali2 could...if she related to our opinions...make her own decision.

And now I am done with this thread.

Barcelona!

Why?

Vibrant city, many great sights, lots of art, hidden barrios, people watching, lots of restaurants, tapas bars, cafes ---

Yes, all of the above you will also find in London (and often even more), BUT:

Barcelona throws in for free the beaches (and it should be warm enough to swim), seafood restaurants and nightly strolls along the waterfront, famous vineyards a stone's throw away (Penedès, and the Cava cellars), and several cute/ quaint/ pittoresque villages along the coast (and a few rather ghastly touristy ones).

P.S. I do like London a LOT, but especially in late September I find it tempting to extend the summer season by choosing a Southern rather than a Northern destination.

Just back from Barcelona and Madrid and having been to London many times I would say the history aspect in London is definitely more prominent.Weather-wise...I agree that September is a perfect time to visit London. I found Barcelona full of tourists and very hot! And I live in Florida! But it is August and the seaside resorts are full and the Spainyards have left.

zeppole: &quot;<i> Could that possibly, just possibly be because I said something that got your national goat? </i>&quot;

What a load of codswallop!!!!! I honestly don't have a horse in this race being neither British nor Spanish. I have said at least TWICE that both cities are marvelous.

&quot;<i>You're quite often accused of being angry and strident yourself . . . . </i>&quot; Folks often do disagree w/ me about this or that - but find me ONE thread where someone has called me angry?????

I very seldom post anything that could remotely be called angry - and nothing like the stuff you post. What makes you angry is anyone ever disagreeing w/ you.

Thank to all of you who contributed to my post! I greatly appreciate your opinions, and will take them all in to make my final decision!

Will let you know of our destination :)

Whew - wasn't that a party....I choose London.

I agree with &quot;Suec1&quot; right down the line. Baracelona has my vote. You can really feel immersed in a different culture than Canada by traveling to Spain. But, London seems to be quite similar to what's familiar to Canadians. Barcelona is a wonderful city...beautiful, historical, rich in art treasures, good metro/airport transportation, and fun! And, no worries about cold, drippy weather in Barcelona. Go for it!

Sorry, janisj. I think I was mixing you up with somebody else who was frequently called a crabby scold or armchair psychologist or something. Not important.

Tali2,

I don't so much want to hear where you're going, but hear what you learned wherever you go.

I have been to both Barcelona and London recently. If you are looking for exploring a new culture and seeing incredibly interesting, diverse and all together inspiring art, you should go to Barcelona. You also get the benefit of the warm climate and the great seafood. If you are looking for a bigger city vibe with great sights and classic history, go to London. In London, there are also great day trips to places like Stonehenge and Oxford. London is a wetter and cooler at that time of year, but weather should not be such a problem. Both the cities have a great subway system and can be quite pricey. Tali2, whatever vacation you choose I hope you have a great wedding anniversary

Having been to both numerous times, London as late as late week and Barcelona, as late as last year, I think there is very little in common between the two.

I think Barcelona is geared more to outdoor activities, and London indoor.

Barcelona has its own sense of style due to architects of modernisme particularly Gaudi and Puig. Parque Guell is a wonderful place to wander. The Gothic Quarter is meant for getting lost among the narrow streets. On Saturday night and Sunday morning, you can watch or join the Sardana, a traditional Catalan dance in front of the Cathedral. The Picasso and Miro museums are a bit over rated.

The sights of London are far better known.

We LOVED the Miro museum in Barcelona, which I only point out to highlight the fact that every traveler is different. We can recommend to others, but unless we know you well, we can't really know whether you'll prefer London over Barcelona or vice versa.

Go to Paris.

Absolutely Barcelona!!!

Gorgeous historical.....
weather much better than London and
visit the LaFamilia Gaudi church!!!
and the Miro museum

I like London better as it is closer to Scotland.

Having been to both, London is my choice hands down. No contest

London is a wonderful city but for your 10th anniversary, I'd say Barcelona hands down! Strolling down Las Ramblas, feeding each other chocolates from Escriba, sipping Spanish wine while gazing up at a the Gaudi apartments, sharing tapas as Catalan words waft through the air...have a great time in BarTHelona:-)

Both places are wonderful in their own way. London has lots of things to do but of course is also more expensive. There are lots of museums and galleries and all sorts of restaurants, tours and clubs. Barcelona is a smaller and has less going on but if you are going for a just a week you will find plenty of things to do. It is a real party town so if you want lots of nightlife this is a cheaper and livelier option. And the weather is more reliable. There is probably more in the way of history and tours in London though.

Barcelona for me!

If I may put a slightly different spin on the anniversary angle of the OP, I always find that time seems to pass more slowly in a country which doesn't speak as its first language my own first language. Which is nice if you only have one week.

You have to make a choice between two great cities. I would choose London though both are wonderful. If you are planning to spend a full week in one city, London is so full of things to do and see that it seems the best choice to me. While Barcelona is fun and exciting, we have never wanted to spend a full week there. On the other hand, we have spent a full week in London several times and have left without seeing and doing half the things we wanted to do.