Spain 2015 - Barcelona

The last stop in Spain was Barcelona.  We were glad that we had no problems with our Leon (our car).  By the time we dropped off the car at Barcelona airport, we had covered over 1,700 Km. from when we picked up the car in Madrid.

Our dependable Leon.

Our Barcelona hotel, Dahlia Ramblas, was centrally located in the heart of the La Ramblas, just behind the opera house.  It was short walk to Barcelona's Central Market.

Street Sign.

Barcelona's Central Market on La Rambla

Beautiful display of fruit and fruit drinks. 

Fresh Produce.

Exotic fruit

This was our last chance to have authentic seafood paella.

Seafood Paella in Barcelona. 

Our last morning in Spain started off with a hearty breakfast.

Breakfast at McDonalds.

From the Ramblas district, we took the metro to Parc Guell to see the famous Gaudi's Park.  There was a long uphill walk from the metro stop to the park.  The view at the top made the long walk worthwhile.

The way to Parc Guell

Parc Guell

Parc Guell terrace and  Hall of Columns. 

Gaudi's house now a museum.

Leaving Park Guell, we took a bus toward downtown to view the famous Gaudi's church, the Sagrada Familia (Holy Family Church).  Gaudi started work on this church in 1883 and construction has continued to the present.  The partially finished church is not expected to be completed for another twenty five years.

Gaudi's church has been under construction for 132 years.

Front of the church.  Large crowds were waiting to get in.

Side of Sagrada Familia

Front of Sagrada Familia

We passed the University of Barcelona which is located at the upper end of the Ramblas district.

University of Barcelona

 We left our hotel in the early afternoon.  We had a short walk to the harbor to catch our cruise ship (Norwegian Spirit).  

Port of Barcelona Terminal

 The Christopher Columbus Monument is located at the lower end of La Rambla.

Christopher Columbus Plaza

Ship terminal

Open deck on the ship.

Getting ready to sail.

Windjammer ship heading out to sea.

Our cruise will last sixteen days.  From Barcelona we go to Madeira, Antigua, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and disembark in Port Canaveral, FL.