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OH MY GOD!!! The drive into Barcelona was one of the most stressful things we've ever done. Jud drove the 620km from El Escorial to Barcelona - I've yet to do any driving - just too freaked out!! So the drive was exhausting - huge full day - then at the end of it when everyone was tired, hungry and frazzled we had to deal with the madness that is Barcelona traffic. We had to find our accommodation in the middle of the city at peak hour and it took over an hour. I was close to tears and ready to ditch Barcelona and head to the hills. But Jud was amazing and kept his cool under very stressful circumstances. The satnav did OK but we came across road closures and detours and got caught on roads we didn't want to be on. OMG - never again!! So kids it's not all fun and games - there have been moments where I would rather be anywhere else.
Anyway after 2 bottles of wine Jud and I settled and took in our accommodation. Our apartment was huge - 3 bedrooms, 2 lounge and dining areas, 3 bathrooms, 2 gorgeous little balconies overlooking the tree lined street and out the back in the inner courtyard area was an enormous terrace. The location was superb - the Psg San Joan - very central upmarket, safe area walking distance to lots of the big sites and close to the main metro line. Really fabulous - Jud went on a search for groceries, bakery and booze. All were close by.
Barcelona was really hot - humid SE Queensland kind of hot - we all got a bit sunburnt. As a matter of fact it's been hot just about everywhere we've stayed.
So our few days in Barcelona have been fantastic - first day was all the Gaudi sites - the Sagrada Familia cathedral. It's come a long way since I was there nearly 20 years ago but still unfinished. Amazing piece of architecture. Love Gaudi's work and so do the kids. So organic and beautiful. Caught the very easy Metro service to Parc Guell - it is like a wonder land for young and old however Ava and Molly were disappointed there was no playground. Everywhere we go we must be sure there is a playground close by to keep Ava happy otherwise her attention span runs out.
We then caught a Metro back to Passeig de Gracia where all the fabulous Modernista buildings are in the Eixample area and Gaudi's Casa Mila. Beautiful district full of the very fashionable and beautiful Barcelona in-crowd. We did the walk back to our very central apartment and settled in for a relaxing evening of wine and food on our back terrace living the life of an authentic Barcelonan family.
Day two was spent walking - I swear if I wasn't doing this much walking I'd be the size of a house by now. So we started in Ciutadella Parc which was just a short stroll from our place down past the Arc de Triomf (yes Barcelona has one too). Stunning lake and fountain area - again you'll have to see the photos. Ned did some gymnastic tricks in the park and a group of Japanese tourists walking by stopped and took photos and cheered. I think they were about to give him money but I stopped him. He now has his sights set on a busking career. From the park we wandered along the Passeig de Colom and to the Port area. There were literally hundreds of boats and all you could see were masts.
Then it was time to hit Las Ramblas - the most famous tourist street in Spain. We'd warned the kids about pickpockets and con artists but it was very safe and entertaining for them. Huge crowds of people and souvenir stalls, street performers and buskers (some great and some really lame). A bit of a change from downtown Cooran and this isn't the busy peak season. I don't think our kids have ever been in such large crowds. Then it was a Metro home and we got ready to go out for the night to watch the Montjuic magic fountain - a spectacular water and lighting show set to music. Unfortunately after travelling to get there and waiting for about an hour with thousands of others we heard that it wasn't on that night - for whatever reason!! Spanish don't seem to stick to any sort of a schedule which can be a problem for us uptight, anal Aussie tourists.
Anyway back to our pad for our last night in Barcelona - what an amazing city! The only downside of our trip is that we have to leave everywhere too soon. We really only just get a taste and we so want to come back for more. Aaah maybe one day. So tomorrow we leave Spain with much sadness and on to France and the unknown - not sure where we'll be tomorrow - our plan is to drive until everyone has had enough. So I'll sign off for now and chat again when next we get wi-fi.
- comments
Louise What a journey and thank goodness for alcohol! Can't wait to read the 'next chapter'! Love to you all xx
amanda We are most jealous you got to experience Gaudi. The man had style! So cool and eccentric. Hope you took lots of pics. We miss you!!
Amanda (Marie) Come on Deb, I'm waiting for Paris news!!! BTW Who and what is JUD??????????????????????????
Beatrice Someone send out a rescue for the Bakers.........they are lost somewhere in France.......last sighting - Barcelona, Spain !! Come on guys give us an update!!!!!!
Louise ...could their plans have been ambushed by the protests and disruption currently taking place in France.....? Look out if Ava doesn't get to Euro Disney! ...calling the Bakers' - are you out there...somewhere....?