BarcelonaPics
Barcelona
Barcelona is quite a city. There are over 90 museums and countless activities going on, such as street festivals, art fairs, parades, concerts, & on and on... Typically Spanish, one must get used to ¨Spanish Time¨ where stores are closed for lunch, and may I say, a bit longer. The architecture of the city is spectacular and there is a lot of conservation efforts on-going, no doubt from the influx of European Union dollars (or I should say Euros.) The streets are quite clean for a large city but the one area that Barcelona could improve upon is the dog poop in the Streets, although one could argue, mayb e effectively, that Paris is worse. What does seem ba to us however is the petty, non-violent crime. Locals blame it on the influx of illegals from such places as Morocco, Albania and Romania. No-one seems to know for sure the exact numbers of illegal alliens as the police here seem to tolerate the illegals as long as they only bother the tourists and are non-violent. We, and other cruisers here, have been subjected to petty crime, mostly theft and pick pocketing. By USA standards, it is intollerble. One learns to cope and not to carry valuables. The pick pockets (Ladrones) here are unbelievably skilled. We are told that they are worse elsewhere and Europeans, although they don't like them, seem somewhat blasé about it all. You will never know you have been hit by these individuals until well after the fact. But that is a small, abeit negative factor given the otherwise rich environment provided by this vibrant city. The photos below are meant to give you a brief glimpse of the life we saw while here...
Town Tour
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Mayors Office
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Misc Scenes
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Views of Barcelona from the Tram
Thanksgiving in Barcelona
Over 90 people in Attendence
from 7 different countries
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New Years Eve
Party 2004
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We found Barcelona to be quite social. In many ways, it is just like Trinidad. There was always something going on, whether it be a special get togeter for Thanksgiving or Christmas or New Years Eve, bike or ski trips or just great parties in local establishments or on peoples boats. Not much of an excuse was needed for people to get together and have a good time. We had a great group of people at Port Vell Marina to help us enjoy Barcelona.
Cava Party at a new German Bar in the Born
Dan and Jerry on Láme Libre
Dan and Faith on Boundless
Impromptu Party on Dakare
Our Guests in Barcelona
Karen, Justine and Dan
Panoramic view our favorite hangout, El Mucuro in Barceloneta
Easter Brunch at the Art's Cafe
Doug, Dan, Nancy, Jerry, Ben, Ken,Walter, Karen, & Judy
Forum 2004
with Doug & Judy, Limerance May 2004
& The Xi'an (~200BC) Terra Cotta Warriors at the Forum
It is believed that there are about 8,000 life-sized warriors guarding
the tomb of the Chinese emperor Shi Huangdi.
For details on the terra cotta warriors Click Here. (Note: This is an external website, to return when finished, click the Explorer "back" button)
Guell Park:
Pictures from Guell Park - The utopia that failed!
Montserratt
Situated 4,000ft above sea level, the monestary of Monserrat is a place of solitude and worship. Both the religous and the non believer will be moved by this spectacle and the views from the top of the serated mountain. The carving of the image of Our Lady of Montserrat can be seen in the Basilica. There are two funicular railways, one of which will take you to the top of the mountain to St Joan and the other halfway along the path to Santa Cova. A cable car leads to the railway station in the valley below which connects to the main Spanish rail network.* Taken from http://205.178.173.205/travelnotes.org/Photos/pres0018.htm
Mt. Juic -TBF
Overlooking the harbor entrance of Barcelona, it was also
the central location for the Olympics in Barcelona.
Tibidabo -TBF
Situated on the mountain overlooking Barcelona in the NW, Tibidabo houses an amusement park, a beautiful church, and of course, many dining places.
Tarragona -TBF
A major Roman ampitheater is located here. It is in relatively good condition. THe city is also an interesting place to visit with many shops and restaurants.
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