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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