Hola and Bon Nadal from Espana. That´s hello and Merry Christmas from Spain, if you didn´t catch it the first time. We have had a fantastic run of the weather since Valencia, few days have been below 20 degrees. We casted aside our snow jackets for simple tshirts and took to walks along the Mediterranean beach. The water is the clearest blue you ever will see. The rest of our stay in Valencia was pleasant; a visit to the bullfighting museum, esplanade walks by the beach and great great food. Seafood paella, fresh calamari, salads without mayonnaise (v. common in Europe as we´ve discovered) and not mention the desserts – the JB will tell you all about those on our return. With all this fantastic fare, it is beyond us how matadors remain so tiny…
Night shot from our hotel window in Valencia
Valencia: Fountain in Plaza del la Virgen
Bullfighting arena at Valencia
One of the bulls that won all his fights...
Esplanade along Valencia waterfront (not as good as Noosa though)
Valencia night vista from the hotel pool (on 23rd floor)
Our tram named after Lil Bro...
On Saturday we set off for Barcelona; we drove along the coastal road for the entire trip under endless blue sky. Of all the places we have visited in Spain, Barcelona is the favourite with San Sebastian a close second. Barcelona is such a vibrant city with stunning beaches, beautiful parks and gardens as well as some of the most interesting architecture (mainly Gaudi). We´ve visited the former Olympic grounds, walked along the marina and beach, visited museums and had a wonderful time. Some pics.
Barcelona; home of 1992 Summer Olympics
Olympic stadium still used by RCD Espanyol de Barcelona
At the Museu Olímpic i de l'Esport (a photo of a photo for the fridge WWG)
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya
Barcelona waterfront
Tibidabo at night
Inside monastery at Tibidabo (all artwork mosaic)
Night shot of Barcelona from Tibidabo terrace
Placa Espanya
Gonzalo Comella building in the heart of Barcelona (check out the orange peaks)
On our walk we came across a little bit of home...
The first Gaudi we came across...
The second Gaudi...
La Sagrada Familia (no way I could get it in one photo)
Interior shot of La Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia interior
The four Belfries at La Sagrada Familia
The JB´s best Yapping Dog impersonation
La Sagrada Familia
Don´t look down...
La Sagrada Familia, the nativety entrance
Barcelonian streets decorated for Christmas...
We still have another full day here and we´re intending on a visit to Montserrat before packing our gear and returning to France, where we´ll spend Christmas. With most in holiday mode for the next couple of weeks we expect internet access to be a little more sketchy, so may not post for a few days. We wish everyone a Happy Christmas and festive season. Joyeux Noel!
