Barcelona

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Greetings from Barcelona, one of my favorite cities. I like to refer to the city of Barcelona as a Museum. The architecture, art, topography, street scenes, culture, food and its people make this a very livable and memorable city. Barcelona was originally founded as a Roman settlement in 218 BC. Before the Romans were the Iberians who have had a tremendous influence up and down the Mediterranean to this day, but after the Romanization of the Iberians, it was a new age for Barcelona.

Let’s simply start with Antonio Gaudi, who with his Modernism / Catalan Art Nouveau has had a huge influence on the Architecture here in Barcelona. He has left a legacy of colorful leafy, flowing, blooming shapes in doorways, entrances, facades and ceilings. Whether it is with stone, ceramics or metals, Gaudi has come up with novel approaches to architecture and space.

A CITY IN A MUSEUM

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Parc Guell was originally planned by Gaudi as an upscale gated community; fortunately for us it failed, leaving behind a 30 acre park which displays his whimsical architecture. Around Barcelona are several other special examples of his work, such as his Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, and the Palau Guell home, built in 1889, believed to be one of Gaudi's first true representation of his style.

Enjoyed many museums and sights around town including the Picasso Museum, (line around the block to get in), The Chocolate Museum, Catalan Concert Hall (fabulous), The City History Museum, which included going underground to see some of the roman ruins of the city, The Ramblas and their ever so entertaining street performers, the Monument to Columbus, with outstanding views over the city, The Sagrada Familia Church, another unfinished landmark church of Gaudi, the Museu De L Erotica, and of course the giant Fat Botero Cat. (Could not find his litter box. Can you imagine the size it must be? LOL)

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Found a fabulous Mexican food restaurant in Barcelona. It was in the top 3 of my international travel for Mexican food.

Saved the best for the last. The Foundation Miro, the museum dedicated to Miro, one of my all time favorite artists. The Museum is in the Olympic District where the 1992 Olympics were performed. I was fortunate to attend the 92 Olympics with my friend John Adams and it certainly brings back memories. John, EPI says hello !

Finally after a grueling non stop schedule of 4 days in Barcelona, today was a relaxing day at the beach, then dinner at Port Olympic, with stunning views of the marina, sailboats, mega yachts, and art sculptures reaching into the sky. What could be better than Paella, a glass of wine and sunset in this magnificent city. Yes Barcelona is a museum.