Spain
August 2019
Inishnee’s crew of 2 made a couple of quick stops along the Costa del Sole before tying up in Barcelona. The French and Spanish boarder area is also known as Catalonia. There is a movement toward independence. Many homes and businesses fly the unofficial Catalon flag.
L’Estartit, Aug1. 2 nights. We took on fuel and located the small but sufficient grocery for a few fresh provisions.
On to Arenys de Mar, another 2 nights. Bonus; marina with a pool! The marina is undergoing a major refit, floating pontoons with finger piers. Dinner out, a massive mixed fish dinner for Jim.
Barcelona.
We entered the marina basin following the opening of the noon o’clock bridge and followed instructions to our slip. Finger piers again. After the formalities of checkin, we showered the boat and ourselves, then took a place at the pool and just chilled. If we had been a member of the yacht club, we could have used the rowing pool located under the deck… bummer for us
After a days rest, we got to the task of some serious cleaning and rearranging; our guests would be arriving in a couple of days. Adam and Melissa would be joining us for some much needed fun; they both work crazy hard jobs, each putting in 70-90 hour work weeks !!!!
Work Hard : Play Hard …. their motto
We were so pleased they chose to share their vacation time with us… ON the boat. We were truly excited to see them and have them come aboard… although a bit apprehensive. Melissa sometimes being afflicted with ‘mal de mer’ and our (their) accommodations are quite cozy and lacking in privacy.
We met Adam and Melissa at the airport, taxi’d back and started their holiday pronto!
Over the next 8 days we toured, ate and a drank pretty hearty…
Barcelona has a great array of tours and experiences for all budgets.
Free walking tours. Paid, guided tours. Tapa and wine bars. Monuments. Cathedrals and churches; aside from the obvious, are great places to get out of the heat and just sit in the quiet for a nice long spell… for free.
From our slip, we could see the 60 meter (197’) monument to Cristóbal Colón (Christopher Columbus) positioned at the edge waters edge, pointing out to sea.
We joined a couple of walking tours…
A free architectural tour, 2.5 hours. Highlights included several of Antoni Gaudí’s the modern art buildings, ending outside La Sagrada Familia. Our guide pointed out the 4 characteristics common to modern art / architecture; they must include nature, metal, color and (a)symmetry.
Gaudi designed numerous building in and around Barcelona, each unique yet easily identified through his signature style.
We toured Park Güell. Eusebi Güell purchased a large parcel of land on one of the hills over looking the bustling city of Barcelona below. The intent was to build a planned estate for the wealthy. He selected Antoni Gaudi as the architect.
Gaudi chose to use mosaics to adorn many of the exterior surfaces, both colorful and imaginative designs. Walls, benches, windows and roofs covered in broken tiles, grouted into place. This planned community was to be where their family, friends and associates would live; including parks, gardens and majestic vistas… Unfortunately, the distance from the city, lack of transportation and it’s unique exclusiveness was not well received and eventually failed as a community.
After Güell’s death, his heirs offered it to the city of Barcelona in 1922. It was soon deemed a public space allowing visitors a glimpse of this unusual community. It is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.
The Basílica de la Sagrada Familia, is a tribute to the ‘sacred family’. Construction began in 1882 in a field outside of Barcelona and is still under active construction. It is now completely surrounded by the sprawling city.
The original architect Francisco de Paula del Villar resigned and Gaudi took over as chief architect. He transformed the structure with his architectural and engineering style into a fantastic and spiritual wonder until his untimely death in 1926, having been killed by a passing tram. Construction continued however, numerous artists and architects interpreting Gaudi’s models, drawing and notes. It is hoped the construction will be completed upon the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s death. His remains are buried in a crypt within the basilica.
The exterior, combining gothic and Art Nouveau, can be viewed at street level for free, There are 3 grand facades. The nativity (birth) facing east, the passion (crucifixion) facade to the west, and the glory (one’s ascension to God) facade yet to be completed. The structure is like no other church or artistic endeavor we had ever experienced.
Towering support structures reminiscent of bone and sinew. The number 32, Christ’s age at death, symbolically repeated throughout the surface areas. Numerous spires symbolizing important biblical figures reach for the sky. Cavings and castings lead the viewer though the life and death of Christ. 
The inner chapel can only be accessed through timed tickets secured in advance. The funds collected are the sole source of income for construction. The ornate and stimulating exterior gives no clue as to sense of serenity one gets upon entering the chapels interior. Thousands of stain glass windows cast a spectrum of bright colors throughout the space, changing shapes and hues as the sun and clouds shift outside. The support columns; smooth and taunt as skin stretched over muscular and graceful tendons extending to the heavens. A masterful work of art, spirituality and engineering melding together.
We, visitors, are left in complete and utter awe…
An afternoon walk down La Rambla took us to the old covered market, Mercado de Sant Josep la Boqueria.
A public market and landmark dating from 1217. Produce was originaly sold, then around 1470 it included a pig market. Continuing to evolve with changing times and taste to todays trendy and functional market with fruit and tapa selections, butchers and fish mongers.
Montserrat. Saw (serrated) Mountain. A bus tour took us inland to Montserrat. Home of the Benedictine abbey and Santa Maria de Montserrat. The pink’ish peaks of the mountain can easily be seen from miles away. There are 2 ways in which to reach the village; road or rail. From the the lower village, visitors can opt to take an addition funicular railway to the peak; the remains of a few monk hovels and spectacular views.
From the abbey we walked out to a view point where a cross has been placed on a ledge. The surrounding valley sprawling beneath us…
We spent some time in the art museum there as well featuring numerous Spanish artist, including a few paintings by Picasso.
many samples and varieties. A brief tour of the cellar then a tasting of some not mature grapes direct from the vine. It was a quiet, sleepy ride home…
Our evenings were spent sampling Barcelona’s gastronomic food fare.
Rooftop dining a favorite, taking in the vistas of the city and sea.
Melissa booked a fantastic walking tour; Tapas and Wine Tasting. 6 participants and the guide. The Born neighborhood; a foodies fantasy. 3 stops spanning several hours. Offerings included: papas brava, gazpacho, jamón ibérico. Tortilla de patatas, croquetas, pan con tomate. Seafood and beef. Crema Catalana. Aperitifs, wine and sangria. Spanish style vermouth. Followed by a digestive; orujo, a grape brandy. Palettes stimulated, bellies sated, we returned home.
Adam and Melissa, fortunately / unfortunately have other lives that needed their attention. Our last evening was spent over dinner and drinks. We are grateful for their friendship. Miles and circumstances separate us but social media and great memories tie us together…
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