Friday, September 27, 2013

Our Trip Photos - Barcelona Spain (part 1 of 3)

Hi Everyone,

Hi Everyone,  I have so many photos from our trip I had to divide them into 3 posts and I came back and added links.  This post is about our 3 days in Barcelona Spain.  Part 2 is the Costa Brava area of Spain (and some Halloween samples), Part 3 is on Provence France Markets and Shopping.    Also, here's the link to my Post-it Note Tutorial and FREE Template to create a 6 fun custom Post-it Notes

 I was lucky to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary with my honey traveling through Spain and Provence France. We went with 2 old friends and met 2 of our daughters in Barcelona for 3 nights.

One of our favorite places was the giant market called La Boqueria which is on the most famous boulevards in the city, Rambla. The market place is packed with fresh fruit stalls, colorful produce, delis, seafood, candy, spices and a dozen bars serving tapas. You can get any fruit cup or fruit smoothie flavor for 1 Euro if you shop around.This is me and daughter Holly.


Catalan food is tasty but I'm not really into sausages or cured meats much. Boy - they really love their cured hams - jamón Ibérico is their specialty.  You can buy snack bags filled with thin slices and it's the most popular appetizer in restaurants. You could buy skewers of meat and bread here for 1 Euro




Look at this cool old dragon sign below outside of a Chinese Food restaurant


Both of these building were along the famous boulevard Rambla. I have a passion for old architecture so I was in heaven. It's the detail that is so amazing.


Below is a photo of architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) who is one of Spain's most famous people and his  Modernista architectural style is showcased in buildings around the city, often incorporating his love for nature with talents in mosaic, stained glass, woodworking and other arts.

One of Gaudi's most famous houses Casa Batllo (in middle) he built between 1904 -1906.  The best way to see the city is to buy tickets for the Hop On and Hop Off Bus, or their competition Bus Turistic.  They run often and you can ride up top and hop on and off anytime.

Here it is at night. It seems like he was born born before his time as his style is so quirky

Sagrada Família church is Gaudi's most famous work and and it's still unfinished but is expected to be completed in 2025. My regret is we didn't make it inside this church and Casa Batllo as they are both supposed to be amazing.

We went to the Park Güell where Gaudi began building a subdivision of designer homes in early 1900's but after the 3 houses he built didn't sell he moved into one of the houses and the property was given to the city as a park.

We toured the inside of the house that Gaudi lived in at the park.  
He designed and built the furniture to match his funky house.


We went down to the harbor and watched cruise ships arriving and leaving. There are great seaside cafes and bars where you can sip some famous Cava Sangria and enjoy the views.


I thought they was such a cool lighting idea with all the jars

There were so many beautiful old buildings, amazing doors and woodwork! Below is my friend Mariana, husband Scott, youngest daughter Chelsea and good friend Dennis.


Here is Part 2 of vacation photos from the Costa Brava area of Spain we explored with it's medieval villages and beautiful coastline.  Plus there are some fun Halloween and Fall samples by our talented Design Team ladies.

 Wishing you joy and creativity
Sandy  

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3 comments:

Darlene said...

WOW! What fabulous photos ... so much to see and admire! So glad you were able to have this experience and thanks for sharing it with us! Looking forward to 'Part 2' ... happy day my friend!

Conniecrafter said...

Oh Wow that looks like such a fun and interesting trip. I too like the old architecture so these pictures were so neat to see, thanks so much for sharing your trip :)

Cynthia said...

Wow, beautiful photos, Sandy! Love the colorful photos of the market and the beautiful architecture. TFS!