Tibidabo

We took the metro then a bus and a funicular to get to the top of Barcelona's highest peak Tibidabo. A little unusual as there is a huge neo-gothic church seen from all over the city with a huge amusement park right in front of it!

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Guell park and Barceloneta

We toured this strange park designed by Gaudi for his benefactor Guell in early 1900. It was to be a community of upscale homes just outside of the city. It never materialized. But the Gaudi part remains.
Later we went by taxi to Olympic Harbor and a fabulous fish lunch at La Fonda. Then we walked the length of Barceloneta, a lovely beach.

Gaudi's La Famiglia

Went to see this huge cathedral designed by Gaudi in early 20th century and still under construction.

Barcelona Marathon

At many locations there were bands...sometimes drum bands. The first one was along the passig de Gracia near our hotel and on front of 4 Gaudi buildings. Later they ran past the cathedral at the same time that Caledonians were dancing their native dance, a Sunday noon ritual.

Visit to foundacion Joan Miro

Today, Sunday, there is a very large marathon, somewhat like Seattle's Rock and Roll Marathon. As we tried to see the sights we kept being forced to detour! Our first stop was to be the Miro museum. We set out to take a funicular to get there...not running...bus couldn't stop!! Finally we arrived at this wonderful place with a lovely view of Barcelona.

We meet up with Sally and David

Magic Fountains

When we checked in the hotel clerk told us we must go on Friday evening to see the Magic Fountains at Fira Barcelona. We took the Metro to Placa Espanya and walked with the crowds the short distance to the grounds of the 1929 Exhibition where the fountains are located. This was the place to be! For several hours the fountains including colored lights "performed" to both classical and contemporary music.
Afterwords we returned to the plaza and entered an old bull fighting ring, Las Arenas, now a huge shopping mall, movie theatre and restaurant venue where we found "early" dinner around 9pm. Spaniards eat at 10:00 or 10:30!

The last shot is from the top of Las Arenas looking back towards the fountains and the museum.