Tag Archives: Barcelona

A whirlwind trip through some of Spain’s amazing cities

January 16, 2023 chaput@live.com

Madrid

We met our friends Dan and Kathy from Canada in Madrid. From there we did a tour of some of the most beautiful cities of Spain. We of course began our adventure in Madrid. We walked the city centre exploring the architecture, food and culture of Madrid.

Ibérico de bellota, is a type of ham, the ¨bellota¨ refers to the acorn-rich diets of free-range Iberian pigs. It is considered one of the best type of ham in Spain.

Shelley, Kathy and Dan in front of the oldest restaurant in the world ¨Botin¨ located in Madrid.

View of the Palacio de Comunicaciones in Madrid

We decided to take a break and try some Madrid tapas.

Toledo

The following day we took the high speed train to Toledo.

The city of Toledo represents the essence and soul of Spain. There are beautiful historical landmarks that are located throughout the city. Toledo was declared a Historic-Artistic Site by UNESCO in 1940 and later, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 for its extensive monumental and cultural heritage. It has a rich and long history and dates back to the fifth century BC. In 193 BC, it was taken by the roman empire and remained an important city. During the ages Toledo was known for the quality of the weapons it made for the Romans.

Store front in Toledo selling assorted swords and knives.

We went into the ¨Iglesia de los Jesuitas¨ a beautiful 18th-century baroque church.

We explored the church and even went up the tower and onto the roof area.

From there we could see the spectacular views of Toledo and the surrounding area.

View of Toledo Spain from the roof of the Iglesia de los Jusuitas

We had a wonderful day in Toledo exploring the many sites and historic areas.

Barcelona

The following day we took the high speed train from Madrid to Barcelona. The train speed was as fast as 300 kilometers per hour during the trip. We arrived in the heart of the city and began exploring the second largest city in Spain.

We went to the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, known as the Sagrada Familia basilica. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an extraordinary cathedral. It is the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world. Designed by the Famous architect Antoni Gaudí,

Dan in the base of the Sagrada Familia church

We went to see the Güel park which was built from 1900 to 1914. It was designed by the same architect Mr. Antoni Gaudí that was in charge of the construction of the Sagrada Familia Church. The Güel park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. It is one of the large green spaces in Barcelona, with more than 17 hectares. We walked throughout the park admiring the unique designs of the walls and walkways.

entrance area of the Guadi Park in Barcelona — The Entrance to the Güel park in Barcelona

One of the stone walls along the walkway in the Güel Park in Barcelona

Stone pillars of the bridge section in Güel Park

Shelley towards the top of the Güel park with views that overlook Barcelona

After exploring Barcelona for a few days we were off on the train again this time to Alicante

Alicante

Alicante is a historic Mediterranean port city with a long rich history. The history of Alicante spans thousands of years. The first settlements in the Alicante area were made by Iberian tribes. Since then the area has been inhabited successively by Greeks, Romans, Muslims, and Christians. Today Alicante is a bustling city of over 320,000 population.

We explored the city and walked the beautiful coastline of the Mediterranean sea enjoying the kilometres of white sandy beaches.

Kathy, Dan, Shelley and Ray on the beach in Alicante

Kathy and Dan walking in the Mediterranean sea in Alicante

Kathy and Dan leaving their mark on the shore of the mediterranean Sea.

Over the next few days we explored the city at a relaxed pace. We walked the promenade. It was decorated for Christmas and there was a very large nativity scene on the promenade.

Kathy and Dan at luceros plaza in Alicante

10 meter hight Nativity scene on the promenade in Alicante

Dan and Kathy on the Promenade in Alicante

Dan and Kathy in front of an old Ficus Microcarpa tree in the Canalejas Park in Alicante.

We explored some museums which were quite unique. The Fogueres Festival museum was very special with different fogueres on display.

Kathy and Dan in the Fogueres Museum in Alicante

We went to the Castillo de Santa Barbara and explored this historic castle.

View of the Santa Bárbara castle from the waterfront of Alicante.

The medieval castle is a historic landmark and was built on the top of Mount Benacantil. The views of the mediterranean Sea where amazing and the colour of the water stunning.

View from the top of the Castle of Santa Bárbara in Alicante

Partial view of the castle and the mediterranean sea

Kathy and Dan with some Knights of the Castle of Santa Barbara

Kathy, Dan and Shelley on a section of the castle of Santa Barbara

Kathy in the lookout on the top of the Santa Bárbara Castle

Kathy on the lookout tower of the Santa Bárbara Castle in Alicante.

While in Alicante we enjoyed trying a few of the traditional Spanish restaurants and walking through the fresh food markets.

Dan and Kathy at one of the Spanish restaurants in Alicante

Guadalest

After spending time in Alicante we took a few day trips around the area. The first trip was to Gaudalest a small village anchored in a small valley. Gaudalest was declared a Historic-Artistic monument in 1974. It is known for its ‘castle’, which is literally hanging on the edge of the cliffs.

We did a day trip with our friend and tour guide Filipe to a town called Novelda.

Novelda

The day began with a tour of the Mola castle which stands 360 metres above sea level. The castle was built in the late 12th century by Islamic occupiers. The castle was originally a polygonal layout with eight square turrets jutting out from the outer wall, although only four still survive today.

Dan, Kathy and Shelley with Filipe explaining the history of the Mola castle

We climbed the steep narrow stairs inside the towers reaching the top of the tower.

Narrow and steep staircase within the Mola castle

We also could see the remains of the 12th century layout of the castle from the rooftop.

View of the remains of the rooms within the 12th century castle

We could also see the church Shrine of Mary Magdalene .

View from Castle of the Church Shrine of Mary Magdalene

The church Shrine of Mary Magdalene in Novelda

We explored this amazing and unique church. Work began on the church in 1918 and was completed in three phases. The architect Jose Sala Sala, who is a native of Novelda, he dedicated the church to Mary Magdalene, the patron saint of Novelda.

The outside is made of stone, brick and marble with a similar style to the Sagrada Familia Church in Barcelona.

The main entrance archway is made of large sections of marble and is quite impressive. The marble organ system which is still under construction is made completely of marble. The three main marble pipes are mounted above the entranceway of the church.

Shelley and Dan at the entrance area of the church

After visiting the church we finished our day by visiting the Bodega Casa Cesilia which has a great restaurant. We enjoyed a great meal and then toured the winery.

It was a great way to end our day. Over the next few days we relaxed and enjoyed home cooked meals and some quiet time in Alicante before heading back out on our next adventure.

“Las cosas bonitas se aprecian mucho mejor en compañía de amigos”

Spain

The Basilica of the Sagrada Família

March 18, 2017 chaput@live.com

We went the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona with friends from Canada. The construction of the basilica began in 1882 and after the architect resigned in 1883, Antoni Gaudí took charge of the project. The Basilica still remains unfinished and construction continues with approximately 70 percent completed. The art nouveau design makes the basilica an impressive and amazing architectural building.

We walked towards the entrance admiring the massive and ornate design.

Looking at the main entrance area of the Basilica

We entered the basilica through a large and ornate entrance. The design was very busy with many different features. We took our time to look at the various designs finding unique features throughout it.

Looking up in the arch to the entrance of the basilica

Inside the basilica, we were overwhelmed by the massive structure and unique design.

pillars and stained glass windows inside the basilica

View of the pillars and ceiling in section of the basilica

The design of the ceiling and stained glass made the lighting inside the basilica look almost supernatural

Stained glass throughout the height of the basilica walls

We walked through the main floor area of the basilica admiring the design. The view of the main altar area was incredible. The massive pillars and use of lighting made it quite impressive.

The lighting that entered at the top of the ceiling was reflected by what appeared as gold or copper metal.

Light from the ceiling above the altar reflecting on a copper or gold metal.

The altar also contained a statue of Jesus hanging from the cross.

Jesus on cross hanging above the altar in Basilica

We then walked through a passageway to an exterior section of the basilica. There we admired the outside designs taking our time to see the details. Some of the statues and designs were strange and intriguing.

Design on the door entrance area of the basilica

Roman killing infants while person trying to stop him

Turtle at the base of the pillar on outside of basilica

intricate details on the outside of the basilica

We went through another passageway and down stairs to a lower section of the basilica. This section contained some of the original drawings and plaster models for the design of the basilica. This was also the area where work continues on the completion of the basilica.

Work area for the completion of parts of the basilica

We then headed to the crypt area to see where Antoni Gaudí was entombed.

The tomb of Antoni Gaudí in the basilica

It was a very interesting and unique basilica. Well worth seeing and recommend if you get a chance to see it.

“Adios y que tenga un grand dia”

Spain

Cruising the Mediterranean

July 25, 2016 chaput@live.com

We have been thinking about taking a cruise for quite some time now. We finally decided to take a cruise and selected the Norwegian cruise line with a 7-day Mediterranean cruise. The cruise took us from Barcelona to Naples, Rome, Florence, Cannes, Marseille and back to Barcelona.

This was our first cruise and we were not sure what to expect when we arrived to board the ship. We arrived early and found a lineup of people with suitcases in tow getting ready to board the ship. We Got in line and managed to board the ship easily with a few stops to fill out paperwork.

IMG_20160717_111325693 — Checking into the Norwegian Epic cruise ship in Barcelona

We walked a long gangway to the cruise ship called the Epic.

IMG_20160717_115857666 — View of the side of the Norwegian Epic ship from the gangway

The ship is the very impressive and it has the longest water slide on any cruise ship.

IMG_20160717_131305781 — The Epic claims they have the largest slide on any cruise ship

IMG_20160717_131402867 — The waterside goes right around the top section of the deck

We walked through the ship checking it out. On one of the decks, there is a section with several different restaurants and shops. In the centre of the floor area was an opening with a large crystal chandelier hanging down to the floor area below. It was quite impressive and a nice feature for the restaurant below us.

IMG_20160717_135611762_HDR — The Epic crystal chandelier claimed to be the largest of any cruise ship

Our first evening on the cruise we went up to the top deck area and enjoyed a relaxing beverage and watched the sun set over the Mediterranean sea.

IMG_20160717_211639269_HDR — Sunset viewed from the upper deck of the Epic

On one of the lower decks, there was an outdoor track where we could walk and look out over the side of the ship.

IMG_20160718_173147169_HDR — Walking and running track on the Epic cruise ship.

IMG_20160722_075254713_HDR — view from the walking/running track on the Epic ship

We took several excursions when the ship was docked. We tried to explore as many places along the trip as possible. On one excursion we could not dock on shore and had to take a boat to ferry us to shore.

IMG_20160722_082715231_HDR — Leaving the cruise ship by boat to head to shore.

IMG_20160722_083232778 — View of the Epic ship from our boat

IMG_20160722_171213805 — View of one of the boats used to bring people to shore

The cruise was different from what we are accustomed to for travelling, the pace is relaxed, the downtime is full of things to do and the food was extremely good. We enjoyed the change of pace by travelling via a cruise ship.

Here is a short video of some of the highlights of the cruise ship “The Norwegian Epic”.

https://youtu.be/_UvmNK-7Ylo

“Adios y que tenga un gran dia”

Spain

Trip to Barcelona

July 17, 2016 chaput@live.com

We went to Barcelona for a few days to check out the city before heading out on our Mediterranean cruise. We took the high-speed train from Alicante and arrived in just over five hours to downtown Barcelona. The train ride was very relaxing and there were some beautiful views of the Mediterranean along the way.

IMG_20160715_133727982 — View on the train ride to Barcelona.

The city is beautiful with numerous architectural features and historic buildings. The city is quite large with a population of approximately 1.8 million.

IMG_20160716_210741774_HDR — View of Barcelona from the hilltop of the National Art Gallery

We walked through the downtown core area and in the old quarter of the city. Some of the buildings were unique and old.

IMG_20160715_205036057_HDR — Building in Barcelona

IMG_20160715_204004394_HDR — Statue in square of Barcelona

IMG_20160715_200831338 — Typical walkway in old quarter of Barcelona

One building, we particular liked was the art centre.

IMG_20160716_075950185_HDR (1) — Unique art centre building in Barcelona

There was a statue that was very neat and you could look at it from different angles and it would change its shape.

IMG_20160716_081133576_HDR (1) — unique statue that changed depending on where you looked at it

We took a break and stopped at a restaurant in a large plaza that had numerous restaurants. The food was very good and the salads were very tasty.

IMG_20160715_163833127_HDR — unique Salad from a spanish restaurant

After lunch, we did more exploring and came across a store that had miniature characters of famous people. Below are a few pictures of some famous people. Can you figure out who they are? We found over 10 people we recognised.

IMG_20160715_190956848 — caractures in store in Barcelona

IMG_20160715_190932624 — Characters in store in Barcelona

We walked about 12 kilometres throughout the day and finished the evening sitting on the rooftop terrace of our hotel admiring the skyline. It was a long day but very enjoyable.

“Adios y que tenga un gran dia”