My wife arranged for the hotel shuttle to take us down to the city center. After getting ready and having a light breakfast, be loaded our stroller and headed downtown.
On the way, we passed near Monjuic Cemetery which is built along the side of a steep hill. it was well maintained and lush with landscaping. It reminded me of Pamukkale, an ancient city in Turkey that has a graveyard near a hill. I wandered if this is what Pamukkale’s cemetery looked like in it’s hay-day.
We also passed by a port where some cruise ships were docked. London got a kick out at looking at the massive vessels knowing that she would be live on one of them for a week. Donna and I decided to book a cruise through Italy since it would be a hassle free vacation. Something that would make our holiday much easier, especially with a 3-year-old in tow.
When we arrived at our destination we headed for Ras Lambras, the main tourist street in Barcelona. I liken it to the River walk of New Orleans. It cuts through the oldest part of the city, and is packed with street entertainers, markets and patio restaurants.
We took a detour through the La Boqueria, a crowded food market filled with produce and meat vendors. This place puts the best supermarkets to shame. Everything there looked and smelled top quality. Even the seafood area was pleasant!
We strolled back to Ras Lambras and decided to get lost in one of the many narrow side streets through the medieval district, finding Catedral de Santa Eulalia de Barcelona. We decided to go inside and admire the architecture of it’s garden courtyard.
After some rudimentary navigating, we arrived at a city park and rested our feet and let London play on the grass. She’s much to young to appreciate the history or significance of where she is at, but London adds a dynamic to our trip that I really appreciate. She brings to my attention the little things that I take for granted, or would even ignore, such as the shapes of the stone pavers we walked on or inquiring what the gargoyles on the rooftops were looking at.
We headed down to a marina that was crammed with sailboats and tourists. Donna, London, and I were fascinated by an old wooded sailboat floating museum. Every time I’m in a marina with sailboats, I think about my Dad. He has a passion for the nautical crafts. I bought London some popcorn, and we cruised the boardwalk, taking in the humid salt air before heading back to our taxi pick-up point.
When we got back to the hotel, we had a light dinner and let London play in the swimming pool wile Donna and I relaxed. Not a bad close to a very fulfilling day.
No comments:
Post a Comment