We arrived in Barcelona right as the sun was starting to rise and took a bus into the city. We found our hostel and asked to store our backpacks, which they obliged. We then took off on foot to explore.
Wall art at our hostel. A caricature of Barcelona.
A street, a sidewalk, a bike path?.... sometimes, we just couldn't tell which was which.
I was surprised at the focus on running, exercise and yoga that we found. Walking around Barcelona that Sunday morning we came across not just one, but many races that were underway. At the same time, when looking around, you'd be hard pressed to find anyone overweight, so I guess that goes hand in hand.
Through the alleyways, alongside the cathedrals.
Cristóbal Colón standing guard at the port.
View of the city and port from Montjuic.
Cafe and tapas.
Becoming acquainted with Gaudi. Casa Batlló
Monica, Maria and I at La Sagrada Família
La Sagrada Família
Gaudi designed La Sagrada Família playing to the strengths of light and color.
La Sagrada Família
The setting sun expressing itself via the stained glass of La Sagrada Família.
View from the passion facade of La Sagrada Família.
Barcelona
From Barcelona we rented a small Peugeot and I had real-live refresher on manuel driving as I maneuvered us out of the city and North for Monserrat.
Montserrat
There is the option to drive up to the Monastery at Monserrat, but then miss these amazing views?!?! We took the short hike up to the Monastery. Best decision!
Montserrat
Montserrat
Montserrat = serrated mountain
The basilica at the Monastery is absolutely beautiful. We did pass by the Black Madonna.
a memorable evening in Tarragona
stopping at the market in Valencia
The market at Valencia
market at Valencia
And don't think we left without paella valenciana. We definitely had paella valenciana. ;)
We made it to Xàbia by sunset. The coves along the coast used to be shelter for pirates and smugglers.
Monica and Maria waited for me as I ran down to and along the coves searching for pirates! Got close enough that my shoes definitely got soaked with the Mediterranean.
Cala Blanca
Twilight at Xàbia
Breakfast along the Spanish Mediterranean coast before heading off and into Andalusia.
Granada, off to explore Moorish castles and gardens.
The Alhambra
Detail of the Alhambra
Gardens of the Alhambra
Palace of Carlos V
From the top of Torre de la Vela, military area (Alcazaba) at the Alhambra
The Alhambra
Gardens of San Fransisco at the Alhambra
Pausing along the Palace of Carlos V
Granada
I think I could fly.
mountains of Andalusia surrounding Granada.
Ronda, another of the small white towns of Spain within Andalusia.
from the bottom of El Tajo gorge looking up at Puente Nuevo in Ronda
Climbing up the gorge we came across an old abandoned house
It was perfect for the imagination, just missing the fairies.
Monica, Maria and I hiking El Tajo Gorge
Overlook from Ronda
Overlook from Ronda
Honestly, I think I found where I will one day retire.
Maybe he can be my neighbor!
One last look at El Puente Nuevo!
Sevilla, Spain and perusing the stalls at the Bethlehem Fair outside of the Cathedral.
Sevilla
Cathedral at Sevilla
Plaza de España! Could be from another world!
Plaza de España!
Plaza de España! Trying to catch the rainbows in the fountain.
Plaza de España!
Plaza de España!
Plaza de España!
A place to sit. A story to share.
The gardens at Real Alcazar in Sevilla
The gardens at Real Alcazar in Sevilla
The mosque-cathedral in Cordoba. The quickest drive-by visit ever!
We made it full circle in one piece, both us and the car.
One last walk down Las Ramblas in Barcelona.
Much Love.
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