Today we hit a couple of new places. I’ve been working on getting into the university for years, but typically we are here during the holidays when the central campus building, and it’s beautiful gardens, are closed. This morning I was able to walk right in and wander about and take photos. University of BCN… Continue reading University of Barcelona, Rambla de Poblenou

C. Còrsega I’m thought of entitling today’s post “false starts” because our planned itinerary fell short twice. This morning I had intended to go take photos in the University gardens, but when I stepped out the gusty wind changed that plan. It’s too hard to take photos in a garden when the wind is up… Continue reading Walking Eixample

I’ve been wanting to get down to the Gothic area early in the early morning while the light is still soft. The alleys are so narrow and winding it’s hard to shoot midday, but it remains one of the most beautiful places in the city. The trick is avoiding the crowds as this is the… Continue reading El Call and Barri Gótic, La Gormanda

The day promises to be warm and sunny.  We decide to train it up to a small beach town north of Barcelona call San Pol der Mar.  Lorena made us sandwiches for a picnic and we headed out to the train station.  We are getting more savvy with purchasing train tickets and knowing where to… Continue reading San Pol de Mar

Barcelona is full of lovely gardens and some of the best are on Montjuïc. I had seen photos of a cactus garden on the side of the mountain. It’s named for a Catalan poet, Miquel Costa i Llobera. We took the bus down to Paral-lel and then walked about 1/2 hour up the steep mountainside. … Continue reading Mossen Costs i Llobera Gardens, Poble Sec

The wind blew last night, slamming the unmoored shutters and keeping me awake. It was truly cold this morning at 8:00 when we made our way to Via Grácia. Today we toured one of António Gaudí’s iconic sights, Casa Batlló. Casa Batlló Patio We’ve passed by it many times. It’s one of the main features… Continue reading Casa Batlló, Casa del Punxes and Ruta del Pincho

We awaken to a decidedly chilled Barcelona. We concede by zipping our outer jackets, but we are still grossly underdressed by city standards.  Carrer d’Enric Granados It was in the low 50’s, and nice in the sun. I’m happy without gloves. But the wind has begun to blow, and we remember from our time on… Continue reading Domestic Day

Lorena had been planning our trip out to Cava Land for ages. After some confusion about getting on the correct train we arrived at a sweet little town.  In the town cava, cava, cava signs all over the place.  You could tell in tourist season the place was probably hopping with visitors but today it was very… Continue reading Cava Land

Wandering El Born I have climbed more steps the past three days than in the past six months and enough excitement and revelry for a life time in just three days.  I am so glad we have our apartment to retreat to.  I am enjoying the kitchen but I am missing the light and views from… Continue reading Menú del Día

It’s a rainy day, one of the few we’ve experienced in BCN. Last year it drizzled one evening. Prior to that, nada. My usual issue here is too much bright sun, which can make the photography challenging. But today we expect a steady rain through the day. This means we can slow down a bit… Continue reading Fire and Rain