Around Europe in Twenty Days- Barcelona- The City of Gaudi
(Plaza Catalunya- Barcelona)
The morning was bright and sunny though there was a nip in the air, as we stepped out of the hotel. It was just a little before 6 AM in the morning. It was a day for which we had waited for long. We were to board theTGV, one of the fastest before the advent of the Japanese, ‘Bullet’ train. The train would cover the distance of 600 km in just a little over 5.30 hours. We bid adieu to the lovely Lyon, as the train arrived at the platform at precise time.The immaculately maintained train zipped past the stations, in utmost comfort, without any jerks or lateral movement. The French Riviera is very exotic and a feast for the eyes. The train moved through the French cities of Valence, Avignon, Nimes , Montpellier, Narbonne, and Perpignan heading to Spain. Port Bou at the entrance of Spain is a perfect picture post card setting. The sparkling blue Mediterranean sea, visible through a thick foliage of coconut and palms kept playing a hide and seek till the train reached Girona, a small town in Spain. The last leg of journey till Barcelona Sants rail station too passed in a whisker. The huge station of Barcelona spread its huge arms to embrace us.
(Park Guell)
I procured the ‘Hola Card’ that would take care of all local journeys for the next two days that we planned to spend in this beautiful city. Later in the afternoon we reached the hotel a little delayed being sent on a detour, due over reliance on the ‘Google Maps’. After a brief rest we headed for one of the most happening places’ Les Ramblas in the heart of the city. It is a favorite haunt of most of the travelers to the city.
( Colorful La Boqueria market of Barcelona)
It is a 1.2 km long walk with Port Vell at one end and Placa Catalunya at the other end. The place is famous for human statues that one can see, the street performers and the colorful market called ‘La Boqueria’. At night the Les Ramblas gets even feistier as a ‘red light’ area.
( A Flamenco Dancer- performing)
We had booked for a Flamenco dance performance at Hotel Nervion that was a short walk away through the by lanes. The local beverage ‘Sangria’ added to the pleasure, as one after another spellbinding performances lasting almost 1.30 hour swept us from our feet. A young thirteen year old girl stole the show with lilting music and ‘tap dance’ on the wooden floor. By the time we retuned back it was late in the evening after a memorable day with so much seen and done.
( Bascilica de la Sagrada Familia)
Next morning, we headed for a climb to the Carmel Hill, from where one can get a lovely panoramic view of the city. The climb through a series of escalators makes it easy to climb except for the last leg where the gradient is steep. On the way back we saw the Park Guell the famous creation of Antonio Gaudi .The Natural Park has some of the most novel creativity which one can find that blends beautifully with the surroundings. The place has been designated as a UNESCO , World Heritage site. A yet another visit to La Boqueria completed the insatiable urge to see the beautiful market. After strolling and enjoying some fabulous smoothies, we arrived at yet another architectural wonder of Gaudi, Basilica de la Sagrada Familia! It is a jaw dropping experience to marvel at the intricate carvings on this mammoth monument. The restoration of the same is in progress but serpentine queues for entry are an indicator of the popularity of this place.
( Barcelonetta Beach)
Next we headed for the Barcelonetta beach, but not before being drawn to some amazing baked cakes and buns at a local bakery. The crystal white sand and chilly blue sea with a blazing sun is a perfect combination for a beach side holiday. Literally hundreds of people visit this long stretch of beach every day.
(Street Performers in Gothic Quarters)
A brief visit to the Picasso Museum, Plaza Catalunya and walk through the Gothic Quarter brought the curtains down for the amazing visit to this alluring city.There was not enough time to explore many more treasures that lay hidden in Barcelona.
The next day we were to undertake a yet another fascinating journey to Marseilles. The story will follow….