Running with the Bulls: Kings, Gaudi, and Fabio (Part 2)

A friend invited me to come stay with her as she worked in Barcelona mid-September. The beautiful thing about Europe is it is easy, cheap and conducive for last min trips. So... why not? Thus a weekend trip to Barcelona... 

Crazy architecture was everywhere

I walked up from a random metro stop and found this statue in the middle of a round about...

Found a cute dessert shop in the middle of all the stores and enjoyed some fudge-like dessert... it was delicious.

Barcelona had so many fun shops

This was at the end of the main street of shops, 'Las Ramblas'...

Ocean :)

Sadrada Familia... there are no words to describe this building. I stared at it for 30 min. I was in awe of  story that echoed off of the incredible design.

More Gaudi...

Old men watching the tourists pass by

Catedral Basílica de Barcelona

I walked into a Catholic mass

No need to light candles? Just a coin. ?!

Every Sunday Castilian people gather around the Plaza del Cathedral and dance their traditional dance that has been passed down.

As I watched the simple steps and turns, I was amazed by how the historical attachments such movements had. How many people have danced these traditional dances and in what contexts?

Saint George's door... leading into the old royal palace...

Randomly wandered into the old city hall...

After much walking around, I gave up my desire to spend the day in museums. Scoured the streets for a book store,  bought a book and camped out in front of the ocean. 

Next boat Dad?

Barcelona was a fun city. At times the unusual and vibrant aritechture reflected the cities characteristics...

I thought Boulder's 16th street would give any cities street performers a run for their money, but one hasn't seen truly bazar street performers until they have been to Barcelona. It isn't a way to earn a few dollars... but rather a career.

Toured Gaudi, strolled down las ramblas, ate some deilicious paella (traditional Spanish dish), and soaked up some sun. Barecelona was nothing less than a culture filled weekend. 

... Part 3 to come soon... 

k.