Barcelona Day 1

 Upon disembarking from the Viking Sea we had  a 3 hour bus tour of Barcelona. 

Right outside the cruise dock we came across a sculpture called "The Waves" but the locals fondly  call it the Micky Mouse ears.

We then headed up into the mountains to get an view of the city.

"The Mirador del Alcalde Gardens (The Mayor's Lookout) is an exceptional "balcony" from which to contemplate the city of Barcelona and the port. A bright and quiet space to walk and enjoy the views.  This charming and unique space is part of the Montjuïc mountain . It is the great urban park of Barcelona that, due to its morphology, condenses a wide range of parks, gardens, viewpoints, museums, sports facilities (Olympics 1992) and tourist attractions . For this reason, it is one of the meeting points for many families who come to enjoy a magnificent day in the park with their children as well as some impressive views of the entire city."

The following pictures are from that "balcony".  The largest structure in the middle of this panorama is the "Sagrada de Familia" (Catalan for Sacred Family) by Gaudí which you will hear a LOT LOT more about tomorrow.  

You know me from past blogs, I get distracted by the textures of things, walkways this time, so you will see pictures of that as well as the view from this point.  (I'm thinking I have to up my act for our back patio pavers!)

Okay you gearheads, you should love this next one...it is representing the industrial sector of Barcelona).  

 

This was a creative telecommunications tower atop the mountain.   Pretty unique and it lights up and flashes at night.

Other sites on the tour:

A bull ring  converted into a shopping and entertainment center.

Set atop Montjüic hill, Barcelona’s MNAC is in the city’s national palace; access is via grand stairway (or outdoor escalators), with waterfalls that flow down as you ascend.  (The waterfalls are on only periodically so we were lucky to drive by to see them in action.

Later we were able to visit the site and climb the stairs for another great view.

The Parc de la Ciutadella (Citadel Park") is a park on the northeastern edge of Barcelona. For decades following its creation in the mid-19th century, this park was the city's only green space. The 70-acre grounds include the city zoo, the Palau del Parlament de Catalunya, a small lake, museums, and a large fountain designed by Josep Fontserè (with possible contributions by the young Antoni Gaudí).

After our 3 hour tour we arrived at our hotel, Nobu, right next door to the main train/metro system and quit possibly our best view advantage day or night!  We were on the 19th floor.