Fun with Jim and jane

That sounds like the name of a children's book doesn't it? We've been busy going to outdoor markets, working around the house and visiting with Jim and Jane's friends John and Cathy.

Fashion show I attended with Jane to benefit the charity organization PADS.

Sweet Miss Molly

(Jane and Kathy) The three of us went out for coffee and sweets after the fashion show.

Look at that,it does rain in paradise every so often.  It doesn't last long though.

John and Kathy friends of Jim and Jane's.  Jim and John worked together for years.

John and Kathy's caravan parked at Jim and Jane's

 This is an outdoor market we attended today. Jane said there is a market somewhere close by everyday.  Lots of fresh produce and vegetables plus everything else under the sun.  They are a lot of
fun.

There is a lot of graffiti in Spain and some of it is excellent .

Isn't it lovely to be viewing  the mountains and the water at the same time.

Two men on a mission----coffee!!!

My dear friend, Jane

Jane working on a project in her sewing room.

Lee replacing a couple of tiles on the roof.

This is Jane and Jim's tool shop.  Jane is working on one of her gourds.

Emma I guess you will have to share this bed with Miss Molly.

Barcelona Part 3

Next I would like to concentrate on some of my favorites. Below is featured Palua National de Montjuic.  We spent quit a bit of time walking around this building and enjoying the view of the city from the top.

Palua National de Montjuic

This building took on a glow at sunset and made it so beautiful

It would have been really special if they had had the fountains on at this time.

All the statues are lovely and so many to take in.

A beautiful view of the city from above. It helps you get your bearings when you are looking over the city from here.

Yes, we did lots of steps that day.

We will leave the Museum now and move to the Barcelona Football Stadium

The football stadium has the capacity to hold 120,000 spectators. It is surrounded by all kinds of soccer equipment,clothing and memorabilia.

Next let's move onto mastermind Gaudi,s

The Sagrada Familia Basilica

No matter where you are if you're looking out over the city this building jumps out at you defying description.

The building is presently being sand blasted and additional work is being done on it.

Here you can see the workmen working on the Basilcia

Doesn't this look like a large drip castle?

Isn't this building just fascinating? It is considered modernistic and you are absolutely drawn to it.  It is the Batillo house

This is La Rambla street

We were told we must walk this pedestrian walkway during the day and at night.  It is so alive with people, shoppes and cafes and restaurants.  In the center there is this huge open market with every kind of food you can imagine. This road goes from the center of old town down to the sea. 

We stopped about 7PM for dinner and had Paella (the national Spanish dish) at a restaurant along this street. We finished by 7:45 and then caught the last tour bus of the day at 8:00.  We were hoping we could see some of the city lights but it was not as spectacular as we thought it might be.  We got off the bus exhausted and walked our 5 blocks back to the room.

We had a cup of coffee in our room and then to bed .  It was a long touring day.

The next day we walked around a little and then picked up a battery for my camera and had a nice breakfast out. We checked out of our hotel and caught a cab to Scent railroad station to await our bus.  We had lunch in a nice park adjacent to the staion and then went in and awaited our train.  A wonderful trip.

Barceloona Part 2

There are over 1,000 cabs in Barcelona it reminds one of New York City.  All of the cabs look just like this and it is very easy to hail a cab no matter where you are.

Barcelona does an excellent job of maintaining their beautiful historic buildings while at the same time developing new areas in the city to provide the needs of a modern city.  I think this all started with the development of the downtown area for the Barcelona Summer Olympics.

More beautiful window appointments.

I recognize that person.

How's this for a picture of the historic and  modern?

I love the fact that these statues are always full figured women not Barbie doll figures. Nice full thighs, big buns and a little tummy--love it

A monastery we came across.

So many courtyard areas where people just sit around the fountains and relax and chat.

Everywhere you look a work of art!!!!

All of you who know me, know how much I love the way Europe frames their windows.  Is that beautiful or what?

Lots of public areas for taking time for break with a beverage.

Lots of colorful fans, shawls, and scarfs

Just another day in paradise. Above is Gothic style Santa Maria Del Mar.

Detail on large door from church below

That's quit a steeple

The rod iron lamps and balcony rails were beautiful.  Notice the incredible tile work.

See, this is where the neck strain comes it!!!

You look down a side street or little alley and there's another beautiful building to explore.

Look at this building very carefully there is so much detail

There is no way as an American to describe a European city.  There is the history, majesty, and artistry of the buildings that just overwhelms you. Your head is in full motion as you stroll down the streets trying to take it all in. Each building has its own special artistry and so much detail to try to take in.. One cannot with pictures capture the glory of it all.

The sidewalks are bustling with pedestrians, sidewalk shoppes and outdoor cafes and restaurants. There is an electricity in the air and a real sense of life being lived to the fullest. There is always time to stop for a chat and a coffee. We found Barcelona a very laid back city filled with people of all cultures and so alive with activity.

I cannot believe how fast the cars travel through the city but there are plenty of pedestrian walkways so getting around the city is no problem. We've fallen in love with the wide open areas in the city that are pedestrian only. Pedestrians can stroll around without any concern for cars as they shop and just plain try to absorb all the city's beauty.

We got off the tour bus about noon and went into a charming cafe and had a piece or pizza and the most delicious coffee drink I've ever had.

 

There are miles of beautifully maintained beaches and a lot of newly appointed facilities to  accompany them.

Lots and lots of outdoor eating areas