Italy and Med Cruise Day 8-Barcelona (2)
It's rare to have an overnight on a cruise but it was welcome in a city like Barcelona where there is so much to do.
We had time specific tickets for the Sagrada Familia so off we went again via shuttle from the port, walk to the Metro, two different Metro lines and then it dumped us off right in front of the very impressive structure. Mom and Dad had toured it 10 years ago but much progress had been made especially on the interior which was really amazing. The stained glass that went on for 4-5 stories tall etc. It's odd because the whole place is such a mix of styles, old and newer. Our ticket purchased in advance included an audio tour as well as a ride up into one of the towers. You get to ride an elevator up but have to walk the 400 spiral steps back down (a little tricky with the bum ankle I was now sporting.) We finished up there and handed back on a couple more different Metro lines to the top of Las Ramblas.
Las Ramblas is a long pedestrian gathering place, shops, restaurants, vendors. Much quieter than on a holiday Friday was a nice day to visit. We made our way about 1/2 way down and then turned into a very large amazing market. Full of everything I obsess about. Meats, cheese, seafood, fruits an veggies, flowers, dried fruits and nuts, it was incredible. A true foodie paradise. There were maybe 200 vendors? I had some crab on a stick and also grabbed a cone of various meats and cheeses and hams to take back to the ship to munch on later. I wished I could buy all kinds of things but not very practical when on a cruise.
We walked the rest of the way down Las Ramblas and saw a memorial of sorts for the people that passed in the attack there just a few weeks ago. A sobering reminder of the state of things in our world and society.
Back to the shuttle and back to the ship for another great evening of food, drinks, casino time and fun with family!!
