Spain Day 4: Barcelona

We started our day at Merkat de la Bocaqueria in the Gothic Quarter, the oldest part of the city, where we were delighted to find an assortment of food choices. 

We tried the shaved ham with cheese, empanadas, the traditional ham sandwich, a pastry shell stuffed with ham and cheese, and fresh fruit juices. Then we found a bakery and purchased cake stuffed with Catalonia cream. Delish! 

Our next stop was the Barcelona Cathedral. 

The boys wanted nothing to do with another church tour, but they played along since we buy the beer and food. We climbed the steps to the rooftop terrace. 

And listened to a tourist play the organ. 

From here we found the famous piece of the original Roman wall that every one must photograph. We window shopped as we walked the medieval streets.

We took the metro to Montjuvic Castle, which is now a museum, where we stopped for sangria. We discussed important matters like Keagan using “de nada” even when no one says thank you, our love for sangria, Evan’s need to hit the gym after drinking copious amounts of beer the last three years, the Spanish’s need for Sonic ice, and wondering how many bottles of sangria we can take back to the US. 

We took the metro back into the city to tour Casa Milo, considered to be Gaudi’s masterpiece, where he was again inspired to create by the patterns seen in nature - shells, beehives, leaves, sea creatures.

The terrace gave us a beautiful view of the La Sagrada Familia.

I feel like I have to come back when the scaffolding is down and the construction is finally completed. It’s only taken 100 years to build; I can wait a couple more to see it finished. 

We headed back to the market to grab a quick bite - hoping to order fish tacos but found that stall closed so we settled for spicy beef burritos and hamburger tacos. 

The boys ended the night watching a Barcelona basketball game. The boys knew just about every guy in both teams’ line-ups. 

Wes and I attended a flamenco show. I’m not sure how authentic it was, but it was impressive just the same. I know nothing different. 

Before we leave tomorrow, I had to see Casa Balto’s evening light show synchronized to music. It did not disappoint. Every section of street is decorated here with a different theme of Christmas lights. Tonight we walked every street to catch every design.