One Final Day of Bliss in Barcelona
11 Nov 2011 Leave a Comment
Friday, June 3, 2011
Casa Battlo, a popular work of Gaudi
Our cruise ship returned to Barcelona very early this morning. We had one final breakfast onboard in the dining room and, reluctantly, were off the ship by 8 a.m. We’re so sad that our cruise has come to an end, but glad that we have one final day in Barcelona before our flight back to the U.S. tomorrow.
We took a cab back to Olivia Plaza Hotel where we had spent the first days of our vacation. They remembered us, welcomed us back, and put us back in the exact same hotel room we had before. Then, we were off to purchase a ticket for the Hop-On, Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus once again. We had a mission today to see the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell in the L’Eixample neighborhood. We drove past Casa Battlo by Gaudi one final time.
Sagrada Familia
As the bus turns the corner and approaches Sagrada Familia, Barcelona’s most famous building, you can’t help but be in total awe. Antoni Gaudi started construction on this temple devoted to the “Sacred Family” or Holy Family in 1883, and as you can see by the cranes, it continues today. It’s absolutely massive and it doesn’t matter what time of day or day of the week you go; the line to get in wraps around the entire block. We waited in line for 30 minutes (which was actually quite short from the stories we heard) before we paid our admission and added the self-guided audio tour and elevator ride to the top.
Inside Sagrada Familia; looking up at the ceiling which represents trees
The audio tour was super helpful in understanding the design and the complex symbolism of the building and I highly recommend it if you go. For example, when completed, the cathedral will have 18 spires representing the Twelve Apostles, the Four Evangelists, the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. There are three grand facades: the Nativity facade facing East (like the rising of the sun representing birth); the Passion facade facing West (like the setting sun representing death); and the Glory facade facing South (to be completed, but representing hell, purgatory, the seven deadly sins and the seven heavenly virtues). The detail is unbelievable.
The Nativity Facade of Sagrada Familia
You can easily spend the better part of the day here. We explored the exterior and interior extensively and then took an elevator ride to the top (timed entry) for spectacular – and quite scary (if you’re afraid of heights) - views of Barcelona. It’s a lot taller than it looks. Then, you walk back down by way of a claustrophobia-inducing spiral staircase. Good times!
View of Barcelona from atop the Sagrada Familia
Once safely on the ground, we were ready for lunch. We chose a cute little restaurant called “Picasso” which specialized in paella, a Spanish staple we had not yet tried. Tracey and I each ordered our own and Mom sampled the tapas dishes. Delicious!
Me and my paella
After lunch, we got back on the Sightseeing Tour Bus and made our way to Park Guell. I recall seeing this famous park in various movies including, most recently, “Vicky Cristina Barcelona.” Once again, this garden complex was designed by Gaudi between 1900 and 1914. It features a house that Gaudi once lived in (tours available for a fee) as well as some very famous mosaic tile work such as a serpent-like bench and a dragon sculpture.
At the entrance to Park Guell
We walked around for much of the afternoon. It’s a beautiful place but was very crowded. In the movies they make it seem like such a peaceful place where you can wander in solitude. But the truth is, be ready to deal with crowds.
The mosaic tile serpent-like bench
We spent a little time browsing through gift shops before stopping for gelato and getting back on the bus. We completed the loop and returned to our hotel. We decided to have dinner at a restaurant in nearby Placa Reial (where we had seen the flamenco dancer on one of our first nights here). We enjoyed some pizza, pasta and wine. I wanted to buy a couple of paintings I had seen on La Ramblas so we returned to make one final souvenir purchase. We called it an early night so that we could pack and prepare to get to the airport early the next morning. It’s been an amazing trip and I can’t wait to return here one day soon! Adios Barcelona. Hasta Luego.
Guitarist in Park Guell
Deep Into the Caves We Go…
05 Nov 2011 Leave a Comment
in Mallorca, Spain, Mediterranean Cruise
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Thursday, June 2, 2011
This morning we arrived on the island of Mallorca, one of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea belonging to Spain. It’s our final port of call before we return to Barcelona. We are grateful to see land again after a very nauseating evening of turbulent seas. We’re promised, however, that it’s smooth sailing the rest of the way.
Arriving in Mallorca
The bus took us on a two-hour journey to the other side of the island, from the capital city Palma to Porto Cristo. Along the way, we passed La Seu, the Cathedral of Palma finished in 1601.
La Seu, the Cathedral of Palma
Upon arriving in Porto Cristo, Mallorca, the city nearest the Caves, we were given some free time to explore the beach or pick up some souvenirs. We enjoyed the beautiful views and then found a quaint little coffee shop. Tracey ordered a latte and I enjoyed a cappuchino and mom got a Coke. We tried to order everything in Spanish.
Some free time in Porto Cristo on the beach
Coffee Break
Back on the bus, we drove to the nearby caves. This is obviously a huge international attraction drawing several thousands of people daily. I had never heard of these caves before, but by the lines forming outside, and the timed entry, it was clear these caves were a major tourist destination. We joined the mass of humanity and filed into the entrance. The winding path takes you about 25 meters (82 feet) into the depths.
The Cuevas del Drach
The caves are well-lit with high ceilings and easy-to-navigate, man-made pathways, so you never felt claustrophobic. In fact, the stalagmites and stalactites were so mesmerizing, you forgot just how many people were in the cave with you (please no earthquakes, please no earthquakes…). We enjoyed the beauty of this natural wonder which may have formed just a mere 23 million years ago.
The truly surprising part of this adventure was what awaited at the depths of the cave: one of the largest underground lakes in the world, Martel Lake. And across from the lake was amphitheatre-style bench seating for the mass of humanity. As the show begins, the lights in the cave dim until you are sitting in virtual darkness. And then, you hear it before you actually see it: an orchestra sailing across the lake.
Stalactites
Then, little glowing boats appear and sail slowly along while their passengers play a beautiful concert of classical music. I can imagine how extremely romantic this would be if a man rented this cave for his date and treated her to a private, solo performance. Oh, and then naturally he’d have to propose to her and serve her champagne.
The glowing boats on Martel Lake
But, unfortunately, the reality of this public performance was filled with people sneezing, coughing, babies crying, foreigners loudly whispering in their native languages, people shushing each other. It kind of detracted from the moment. But, I extracted the beauty nevertheless and it was certainly worth seeing.
A small lake underground
Then, of course, you have to take a photo of the rock shaped like a dragon.
Cuevas del Drach - the rock shaped like a dragon
We boarded the bus for the return trip to Palma. But first, our guide took us to the most famous place in Mallorca: the Orquidea pearl factory. Mallorca Pearls are world renowned. It might be the only place where artificial pearls are as coveted as authentic ones. And it’s all because this factory laboriously creates such quality pearls that they cannot be distinquished from real pearls. We walked through the factory and naturally, into the gift shop.
Mallorca Pearl Factory
We returned to the ship. Tracey and I had a final and enjoyable dinner in the dining room while mom went on a second date with Kenny. In fact, he took her to the exclusive Captain’s dinner which is by invitation only. It’s like getting to eat at the chef’s table in the kitchen with 20 people and enjoy a several course tasting menu along with champagne and wine. I believe there was also a private tour. Tracey and I were very envious.
