No Rain in Spain!

An overnight layover and visit around Madrid some years ago left me thinking I wasn't really that enamored with Spain.  But a visit to Barcelona changed all that and now sign me up...I'm a fan!

I can't say what I loved most about Barcelona--the crazy Gaudi architecture... seen here at Casa Batllo

Casa Batllo

and here at La Sagrada Familia.

A great tip from a friend who lived in Barcelona for years was to book tickets to these places online first to avoid the long lines of tourists.  Book Casa Batllo tickets  and Book La Sagrada Familia Tickets  You can choose what day and time you'd like to go, and go into a separate entrance from all the tourists waiting in very lengthy lines.  Headphone tours are included with your ticket if you enjoy hearing every detail; I tend to prefer just poking around with my camera.

I splurged and stayed at the Majestic Hotel, which was in a great location about a block from Casa Batllo on the main thoroughfare Passeig de Gracia.  Majestic Reviews on Trip Advisor  It was several blocks down the street to El Cort Ingles Department store, where you can pick up some of that gorgeous Spanish soap, Maja, for gifts. You can also pick up some Iberian ham in the grocery store on the lower floor--but warning!  It is pricy!  I saw some beautiful sunrises from my balcony.

And what's not to love about the food in Spain?  Paella, that gorgeous fresh seafood and rice dish, Iberian ham, which I think puts prosciutto to shame (although I reserve the right to change my mind after my trip to Italy!) or my personal favorite, Tapas!  My favorite spot was Lonja de Tapas, which has several locations.  One is right next to the Picaso museum, but my favorite  (and where this photo was made) was a little restaurant just across the square from the Santa Maria del Mar church.  Musicians continually perform in the little square so you get entertainment with your lunch.  What's not to love about small plates that let you try several things in one meal?!  So fresh, so delicious!  so wonderful!

Best gazpacho ever at Lonja de Tapas! Plus patates bravas and calamar.

If you head to the marina, you can take a couple of hours boat cruise, and of course you're going to want some seafood after being out on the Mediterranean, so I recommend having some Paella.  You will find it everywhere!

Lunch size portion of Paella with Sangria.

Another favorite spot in Barcelona is Palau de la Musica Catalana.  A fine example of Catalan Modernist architecture, you can purchase a ticket for a guided tour at the door. Be sure to find out when the English tour is, as they are offered in several languages. Or even better would be to see a concert here, although my timing didn't allow for it.  The architect of this UNESCO World Heritage Site was Lluís Domènech i Montaner and it is gorgeous!  A fantastic stained glass ceiling allows in light.

A mosaic of the muses of the world flanks the stage.  I highly recommend visiting--it was one of my favorites.

And I can't leave Spain without admiring a couple more beauties...