Today was our first day in Barcelona. We got up and ready to go around 10 am. We didn´t really have a set plan, I just knew I wanted to take them to a few spots before we leave the city. We walked out of our hotel to Plaza España and went to the metro. We ended up buying a 3 day pass, which is the way to do it if you are in barcelona, easiest and fastest way to get around the city. We headed to Las Ramblas which is a very popular street for both tourists and locals that makes its way to the ocean. The street is filled with all sorts of vendors and street performers. There were actually a few pretty clever street performers who dressed as statues. We walked all the way down and made it to the beach line. We passed a large monument to Christopher Columbus and headed around the port walking along the docks.
After we made our way to the ocean and walked around for a bit we decided to take a gondola to the top of this large hill overlooking the city and the ocean. I have been to Barcelona once before but I had not seen this section of town. We walked around on the beach for a bit and caught the gondola to the top of the hill which turned out to be a place called Parc de Montjuic. The ride up was really cool and got to see some great views of the town.
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| Dad and I on the beach |
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| Mom and I walking to the gondola |
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| Christopher Columbus monument with La Rambla in the back ground |
We made it to the top and walked around the park for a little bit. The Olympic venues were held on the other side of the hill so there was a lot of monuments for the Olympics around the park. We made it to the top and there was a large castle which I found out used to be a political prison back in the day. We spent a while at the top enjoying the amazing views of the city.
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| Mom and Dad with Olympic Statue |
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| Park at the top of the hill |
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| Dad and Mom |
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| Parents with city in background |
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| The city kept going |
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| Cannon pointed at the Sea |
After spending a while up on the hill overlook the city we decided to head back to the hotel and get ready to go to the Sagrada Famila. The Sagrada Familia is a large Roman Catholic Church that is STILL under construction. They first broke ground for the church in 1882. Shortly after Antoni Gaudi took over the design. I visited the church four years ago when studying abroad. It was very beautiful but there was a lot of construction going on. I was a bit worried when we were arriving but was amazed on how well it looked inside. It was nearly finished and the design was amazing. Gaudi died in 1926 and another architect took over, however many critizize his work. The church is said to be finished completley in 2026. I am guessing it will take atleast an extra 20 years... it seems they don´t mind leading everyone on.
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| Inside of Church |
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| Me out front of the Sagrada Familia |
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| My Parents at the entrance of the church |
After spending a while in the church we headed back to the hotel and got ready to go eat. We were all very tried by the time the day was over. Looking forward to tomorrow!
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| Mom and Dad waiting for metro |
Is this right before I was pick pocketed!! Haha!
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