Let me start this post by saying that Barcelona may be my favorite city in the world. Granted, I have not been to all (or maybe even most) of the great cities, but among the ones I have visited, Barcelona stands out. We were here a few years ago and fell in love with the people, food, transportation, everything Gaudi, and the cosmopolitan nature of the city as whole. This second visit was even better.
However, this trip was more about family than the sites and tastes of this place. The reason we were there was that Holly’s brother, John, his wife, Nan, and their daughter Meliza and her family were there. Meliza works for an airline out of Jackson, Wyoming and they all get standby flight perks. ( Won’t any of my children take the hint and go to work for an airline? Holly and I could use perks like those.) We found places to stay not far from each other and met everyday for food and explorations.
First let me introduce the cast of characters. As noted above there was Holly’s brother, his wife and daughter and her husband Hamilton, son Adriano, and daughters Aila and Aven.
First, Adriano (and of course a marble Buddha, why not?). The whole reason for the trip was that Hamilton was taking him to a soccer match to see his idol, Lionel Messi.
Holly and Nan
Brother John with Holly
Meliza and Aven
John and Hamilton with Nan, Adi, Aila and Aven all going with slightly different agendas
Beautiful Meliza
Adorable Aila and Aven
Aven taking notes with Meliza
The 19th early 20th century artist/architect Antoni Gaudi had a major impact on this city. His fanciful organic touches are seen everywhere, Park Güell (with fantastic views overlooking the city) , apartment buildings and houses. But his masterwork is his cathedral, La Sagrada Familia. He worked on it for over 40 years until his death in 1926. It is still in the process of being built and won’t be finished for many years to come.
With markets, restaurants, pedestrian walkways and one of the best urban transportation systems we have encountered, sights and smells are everywhere in Barcelona and easily accessible.
There is only one caveat if you come to Barcelona. Although Holly and I have never had the experience, several people we know have either been robbed or had their pockets picked here. If you go, just beware that there are sophisticated groups here who want nothing more than for you to go home without all of your property. Be aware of your surroundings and watch your possessions.