Monday, April 21, 2025 - Barcelona

The day has come to get off the ship. We got up early to make sure we had time for our final packing and to have breakfast before leaving. 

By 8 we were ready to debark and everything went smoothly, although we were sad to leave the ship behind! I’d lined up a tour of Barcelona through Spain Day Tours and the guide planned to meet us off the ship at 8:30.

We ended up being on the tour with three other couples we’d met (2 couples from GA and 1 from NJ), along with another couple from a different ship. Our guide was Jordi, who was half Dutch and half Spanish and spoke great English. We first drove to Mont Juic for a tour of the Olympic facilities (1992) and a great view of the city.

We next drove through the city, stopping to see two houses designed by Antonin Gaudi at the turn of the 29th Century. So creative and different, somewhat reminiscent of Dr Seuss creations.

Then it was off in the opposite direction for a visit to Park Guell, also designed by Gaudi. What an amazing park, with so many whimsical and creative touches. Especially impressive were the long benches covered with mosaics. So very beautiful.

Next was a visit to La Sagrada Familia, also designed by Gaudi. I’d seen this magnificent building in 1979, and it was unfinished then. Here we are all these years later and it’s still unfinished! Jordi gave us the history and pointed out the symbolism in the different sides.

By this time the tour was over. We were dropped off near our hotel and Jordi recommended a spot near us for lunch. We checked in to our room at Cuatro Naciones Hotel on La Rambla and headed to Les Quinze Nits in Plaza Real for a late lunch. We enjoyed patates bravas, salads, fish soup and sangria sitting outside listening to live music. Perfect.

We then decided to wander through the twisty streets for a bit and ended up finding the history museum in the Gothic Quarter that Jordi recommended. Fascinating place that lets you walk on top of excavated ancient ruins and look below. So much history.

Then it was back to the room for a siesta, followed by venturing out for dinner. We wandered once again with the goal of finding La Ciudadella Restaurant, another Jordi rec. Great rec once again, with too much delicious pizza. Back to the hotel to crash.