Chapter 34
After our overnight trip on the boat from Palma, Helen and I disembarked in the early morning hours and took a taxi to our hotel, located within viewing distance of the Temple of the Sagrada Familia, the amazing and still unfinished creation of the Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudí. By leaning out our hotel window we could see the tall spires pointing skyward far down the avenue.
We were to meet with José who was free for the day and would take us around the city to see the sights, visiting the Barri Gòtic...the Gothic quarter, the Parc de la Ciutadella...the large city park and of course, the Temple of the Sagrada Familia. 
Helen with José walking in the Gothic quarterI was so wide-eyed at being in Barcelona and to be seeing all these sights. We passed by the famous Ramblas, that beautiful treed avenue where people were sitting at outdoor cafes.
We visited the Parc de la Ciutadella...
The statue known as La Cascada:
Through the Barri Gòtic to the magnificent Barcelona cathedral, known as La Seu.
We passed through narrow streets in the Gothic quarter and famous landmarks such as Gaudí's Art Nouveau restoration of Casa Batlló.
And finally arriving at the enormous and awe-inspiring Roman Catholic Temple of the Sagrada Familia, whose construction began in 1882 and is still not finished. It must be seen to be believed and this was how it looked in 1968 as we walked around taking in as much as we could of the intricate carved facade.
We stopped for something to eat after which they dropped me at the hotel where I wanted to have a long siesta and rest my feet after such an exciting day. Helen and José were to meet with his parents and then go to a movie.....without their chaperone. I had developed a rather bad headache and so I fell into bed and was immediately asleep. I guess I hadn't slept so well the night before on that boat trip after all. But it had been a wonderful day that I would always remember!
Here is a slideshow of these photos enlarged and a few more of our day in Barcelona. They are the original slides I took in 1968, and although they are not in perfect shape I do treasure them. I hope you will also enjoy seeing them. Hasta pronto!
Next: Kristian Krekovic and Bill Lewis
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10 comments:
Great photos... I love barcelona, and La Seu is a fabulous cathedral. did you manage to see the 62, late 14th century misericords? They must rate as some of the finest examples of their kind in Europe.
No Dominic...unfortunately we were on a rush tour and didn't get to see everything. I think La Seu needed a whole day just to explore but I hope to visit there again another time. Thank you for bringing these to my attention as I was unaware. Thanks for the visit! Sharon.
Wow - definitely awe-inspiring! That's a lot of beautiful architecture in one city!
Hi Bug....yes Barcelona is a beautiful city full of many architectural treasures. In later years I visited the Picasso Museum but haven't yet seen Gaudi's Parque Güell, another fascinating site.
Thanks for the visit.
I've commented on these pictures on another site - they are excellent. I was in Barcelona in July 1968 and they bring back such happy memories of the time I spent there with a student from Berkeley and a Dutchman who were both on their separate ways to Formentera.
Thank you Harry. The photos are old slides which I had to photograph using a bright lamp rather than a slide scanner. But I also think they came up not too badly.
Sharon, one of my three wishes is to personally experience Barcelona, even if just for one day.
My grandfather (el gallego) was born in Orense, Spain, and lived with his 5 sisters. He, being the only boy in the bunch. Poor grandpa.
In any case, he always spoke very fondly of his land, so I hope to see it for myself, someday.
Sol you would love it! And Barcelona is such a beautiful and interesting city. You must come one day. And I'm sure your grandpa would be proud to know you had visited 'su tierra'.
What a beautiful city Barcelona is. I love being their near beaches
these pictures touch my old memories. my love for barcelona is endless
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