Impressions of Barcelona (Spain)

Hola dear readers! I'm finally in a city that actually has summer temperatures - although Paris was sunny and warmer the day I left (go figure). Nevertheless, I've wanted to travel to Barcelona for a while. I first visited ages ago, when I was still a young teenager, and while I do remember most of it, especially the Gaudi architecture and terrific food, I wanted to see it again and perhaps more. My better half has never been here, so we figured it was time to head to Spain.

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is the second largest city after Madrid and very much a tourist destination. This can have several reasons ranging from visiting the Miro museum to getting wasted on the beach. But the main attraction is most likely anything and everything designed by the architect Antoni Gaudi. Part of the Catalan Modernisme or Art Nouveau movement, Gaudi's works can be described as intricate, irregular, unique and somewhat surreal. If you're bored by architecture, chances are you'll actually love his buildings.

Gaudi's Sagrada Familia: Amazing despite being unfinished. Supposedly it will be finalized by 2026. I don't think so...

Another thing worth noting is that Barcelona does love fashion. Don't forget that this is the city where high street giants such as Zara's biggest rival Mango (or MNG) was born. And all Spanish brands are approximately 20% cheaper in their home country than they are in the rest of Europe (and about 30% cheaper than in the U.S. or Asia). I've been told there are a few emerging designers who have some edgier collections, but in general, clothing, especially streetwear is very very colorful from what I've seen. And one thing I did notice is that the harem pants are everywhere. Not the black toned down version - but bright colorful (almost traditional) ones made of cotton or linen. One disturbing thing I did see was what seems to be the return of the mullet (the hair style, not the fish). I have seen four examples so far - not sure if it's a local thing or if they were sported by misguided tourists. I'll try to find out in the next few days...

La Rambla. It's usually very full (mainly tourists). I took this pic at 10:00 am.

Gaudi restored Casa Batlló. The interior is impressive as well.

Roof detail of Casa Batlló's 'dragon back'.

Gaudi's Casa Milà, again with some amazing roof architecture.

Plaça Reial off La Rambla.

Gaudi's Palau Güell. Loved the chimneys.

Monument of Christopher Columbus.

The Marina.

Barceloneta Beach.

View of Gaudi's Park Güell entrance from above.

Still Park Güell: Gaudi designed the unique tiles on the ceiling.

Vegetarians might want to skip this one, but I couldn't resist posting...

The Spanish love their ham. So do I. I wonder if I could take one back on the plane...