We had family pictures done yesterday. I went to the same place that we had the kids pictures done in November (Here). Unfortunately we didn't get near as many poses as last time, and I think they turned out alright.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Barcelona Day 3
Day 3 was by far my favorite day. After another 2 hr meeting and winning a Royal Caribbean cruise. We had tours set up. I chose the city tour prior to traveling. I wish I would have known what I was going to see on the tour, the day prior because I would have not walked Las Ramblas the day prior. Why you ask? Because that is what my tour did.
Remember the market I talked about in the previous post. Well this time we went it. It was packed, and the nice thing is it did not smell. I think the one thing that sticks out about the market is on Saturdays the schools take children to the market give them money and a list of items to by. Then afterwards they teach the kids to cook.
This is another market in Barcelona. However I just the the roof was really cool.
Four Roman columns are the only remains of the Temple of Augustus from the Roman city Barcino.
The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, also known as Barcelona Cathedral, is the Gothic cathedral and seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona, Spain. The cathedral was constructed throughout the 13th to 15th centuries, with the principal work done in the 14th century. The cloister, which encloses the Well of the Geese (Font de les Oques) was completed about 1450. The neo-Gothic façade was constructed over the nondescript exterior that was common to Catalan churches in the 19th century. The roof is notable for its gargoyles, featuring a wide range of animals, both domestic and mythical.
The cathedral is famous for its 14th century cloister, with a central courtyard surrounded by a marvellous Gothic portico. There are always 13 geese in the courtyard. Each goose represents one year in the life of the martyr Santa Eulalia, a young girl alledgedly tortured to death in the 4th century by the Romans for her religion.
Tonights dinner was at Casa Batllo. It has been restored and remodeled by the Spanish modernist arcitect Antoni Gaudi during 1905-1907. It is now one of the most overlooked buildings by the tourist who visit Barcelona. Gaudi desgned the Casa Batllo for a wealthy Barcelona Aristocrat. The local name for the building is Casa dels ossos (House of Bones), and indeed it does have a visceral, skelatal organic quality.
Some local artist.
It is a meusum. But it was closed and we had the entire place to explore.
Ta-Dah!
On the roof top.
After dinner, we enjoyed a night of dancing.
Such an amazing day!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Barcelona Day 2
After a morning of meetings we had some free time to enjoy the city. We decided to walk up La Rambla.
La Rambla can be considered a series of shorter streets, each differently named, hence the plural form Les Rambles.
La Boqueria (pictures from the inside next time). Probably Barcelona's best-known market, ideally situated just off La Rambla this market is a must whether sourcing ingredients for a fine meal or just wandering through. It's an assault on the senses with smells coming from the fish to fruit. The food sold ranges from ready-made fresh fruit salads for the tired tourist, to literally fresh out of the sea still moving crabs and lobsters (maybe you would also like to look out for the whole sheep's head!?) Not to mention the bright sweet counters that will act like a magnet for any child (or adult!).
Enjoying the sights of Las Ramblas.
The statue was sculpted by Rafael Atché and is said to depict Columbus pointing towards the New World with his right hand, while holding a scroll in the left. As it was sited, instead of pointing to the west towards the New World, the statue points east towards Columbus's supposed home city of Genoa. The statue is atop a socle, on which the word "Tierra" (land) is inscribed.
Barcelona Head, a sculpture by famous pop artist Roy Lichtenstein can be admired at the end of Moll de la Fusta, that is, the north eastern part of the harbor area (check this google map with the exact location). Roy was appointed Amici di Barcelona in 1993 by Pasqual Maragall, city mayor during the Olympics. In fact this sculpture was inaugurated for the 1992 Barcelona games as part of the important transformation the wharves underwent during the early 90s. Its 64 feet of concrete and ceramics reminds you of some famous pop art work by the same author
That night for dinner we went to Bell Reco. Bell Reco was built for a family as their primary residence in the early 1900's. After several years of living in the house, the family decided to move. The mansion remained vacant for 20 year. Today, it is one of the most majestic mansions in Catalonia.
The pacesetters from Salt Lake. Kelly, Wilma, Kevin, Me, Diane, and Lori.
Inside the home.
After dinner we were able to enjoy some famous Flamenco dancing.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Barcelona Day 1
After a long day of traveling I finally made it to Barcelona. Now this was no ordinary work trip. This was to celebrate my performance the year prior. I was in the top 5% across the network. Delta was wonderful to us, providing silver status and upgrading us to economy comfort (well worth it). Once we arrived at the hotel, they had 15 minute massages waiting (needed) and we were able to check into our room.
The hallway to our room.
Our room.
The view from our room.
We decided to take a walk along the beach once we settled in. Good thing we did, it was our most beautiful day the entire week.
W Barcelona
Some random sights along the beach.
This city is known for the architecture.
We even managed to find a portion of the beach nude! No, I didn't take any pictures it was both men and woman.
Our first dinner was at the Gran Hotel La Florida. It sits up over the city, and had some amazing views.
Stay tuned for the rest of the amazing trip.
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