Tag Archives: Barcelona

La Rambla

La RamblaAccording to Wikipedia, “La Rambla is a street in central Barcelona, popular with tourists and locals alike. A tree-lined pedestrian mall, it stretches for 1.2 kilometres (0.75 mi) connecting Plaça de Catalunya in the centre with the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell. La Rambla forms the boundary between the quarters of Barri Gòtic, Continue reading

Sagrada Familia Barcelona

Sagrada FamiliaI’m not real fond of the structure. It’s because I don’t see a lot in it that I like. People’s perspective on what they like and don’t like can be so persnickety. Mine especially. I don’t like it because the the people who worked there weren’t friendly. They were actually a little rude as far as I was concerned. The tickets are $25 or more. You can’t get any information outside of the structure. I’d call it a church but they only hold a Mass inside the main structure “by invitation only” on “special occasions” and those special occurrences may or may not include Easter and Christmas. What kind of a Catholic church doesn’t allow regular folks in for Mass? Yes, it’s a great structure, but I think it’s more of building that happens to be a tourist attraction than a church. But, it is Barcelona’s #1 tourist attraction, outside of Barcelona itself.

Beach Bum in Barcelona

Beach Bum in BarcelonaI’m not really a beach bum. I’m not really into beaches anymore. I used to really like to go to the beach. Anymore, I can take them or leave them. I’m hoping to spend more time at them in the future, but they just really don’t as much for me as they once did. As a child I spent a lot of time at the beach. I lived in Florida and my family camped out at the beach as often as they could. Today, I think I’m more of a mountain guy. I like the trees and the views more than I like the surf. That, however, is open to change. I reserve the right to start liking the beach a whole lot more at any moment.

Camp Nou Barcelona

Camp Nou BarcelonaThis post is for my friend John. I went to the stadium because I think soccer is more significant in the world than the sports of football, basketball, and baseball that are played in the United States. However, I’m really not a soccer fan, although I will admit that John has helped me to become a more aware consumer of soccer both from a game standpoint and a media perspective. It’s good to broaden one’s horizons. But, I would have gone to the stadium anyway. It’s old, it’s big, it has a heritage, and it’s one of the most famous stadiums in the world. I would have gone even if he hadn’t asked me where the pictures of Camp Nou were in my gallery.

Barcelona Hostel Breakfast

Barcelona Hostel BreakfastHostels are not for everyone. Actually, they’re not for most folks. But if you travel a lot they are almost a necessity. Unless, of course, you have a lot of money. I don’t. That means I need to stay in them to conserve resources. The cost is so much less than a hotel. This is the breakfast at the hostel where I stayed in Barcelona. There was juice, coffee, and tea. Continue reading

Barcelona From Montjuïc Castle

Barcelona From Montjuïc CastleThis picture does not do justice to the view. It is a truly great view. Much, much better than the picture. There are probably much better pictures on Google. Actually, I’m sure there are. I’ve seen them. But, sometimes it’s good to have someone point out that there are some really good views of a really good view out there. That’s what I’m here for.

Cathedral in Barcelona Spain

Barcelona CathedralThis is a picture of the Cathedral in Barcelona, Spain. This is not the largest religious structure in Barcelona. That goes to the Sagrada Familia which is actually the top tourist attraction in Barcelona. I went to the “church” to visit. The term church is in quotes because I couldn’t seem to get anyone to tell me the times for mass. I could get lots of people to take my $30 to get in to see the inside of the main area of the church, but that is only used for services “on special occasions” I was told. When I asked if Easter was considered a special occasion I was told that it wasn’t. I’m not sure what special occasions Continue reading

Park Güell Barcelona

Park Güell BarcelonaPark Güell is one of the premier tourist attractions in Barcelona. It is one of the works of Antoni Gaudí, a famous architect who worked in Barcelona until his death in 1926. Park Güell was created between 1900 and 1914 and was supposed to be a park for a housing project Gaudi was working on. The housing project never made it to fruition, Continue reading

European Lifestyle

European LifestyleI call it the European Lifestyle. It is the way many people in Europe live. First they live in apartments. Yes, they are small. Much smaller than typical housing in America. But, how much space do you really need? Second, they’re built in very strong buildings. You don’t hear people walking around in their space that can be above you or beside you. Continue reading