This morning we woke up, had coffee and croissants at the hotel, and went back to our room. We finished up the packing and said goodbye (not literally, mind you), to the hotel.

Then we took a taxi to the train station (I nearly typed a train to the taxi station … I’m sort of tired!). Of course we were early, but I’d rather be early and not worry. We did have longer lines both for security and to get on to the train, so the early bit was maybe a good thing. Then off we went …

to Barcelona!

We are in a rather funky hotel in the middle of the action. I think it will be fine, but it’s probably the lowest rated of all that we’ve stayed in, and it is older and somewhat odd, but honestly we don’t spend enough time in a hotel room to really care as long as it’s clean and safe. We spent time figuring out our Gaudi plans (I foolishly hadn’t made reservations earlier but, as it turns out, we ended up getting better deals in a strange way: Dan was online and plugged in one destination and I did the same. It was cheaper on his phone than it was on my computer or phone. We made reservations for two places on his phone. For the next it was cheaper on my computer! Very, very odd, but we did get things done and then headed out to check out the area.

We wandered in a rather random way and ended up at a Gothic cathedral. I knew it had to be important … heh … but didn’t realize this was the Barcelona Cathedral. (Via Wikipedia: The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia (Catalan: Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia). I love how we just randomly end up at important spots … it happens in nearly every city! I have to admit the clowns and other people dressed up seemed so odd in front of what many would think of as a rather sacred space, but what do I know?!

We attempted to find streets that were less crowded, and happened upon an event that was just such fun … double reeds included. I wish I could post the video, but it didn’t work, so you only get stills, and it’s nearly impossible to see much. Sorry!

We also headed to the water.

Then it was back in search of dinner, but going slowly both because it was a bit too early for dinner and because people just walk more slowly here.

As always it took us a while to find our dinner spot, but we did finally find a place, and enjoyed a tapas assortment. Prices here are definitely higher than other cities, but we were prepared for that. By this time the crowds were just enormous. And it was 9:30 or so.

Now we are back in our room and as soon as I post this I think I’ll try to sleep.