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Barcelona...cruise part 4.

bloomer

By bloomer

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Another port,another Country..We visited Barcelona twice,as we were unable to dock at Mahon,in Minorca,because the tugs were unable to guide our ship into the Harbour for technical reasons,so we were a bit disappointed,as we hadn’t visited this Island before,but although we have visited Barcelona before,we decided it was a good opportunity to see a different side of this wonderful city…so we headed for the beach…A lot of people are unaware of this lovely area, and the marina. We started off at the landmark of Christopher Columbus, turned right..and off we went in anticipation..


We walked around the side of the above building,and arrived at the lovely tree lined promenade.


It was a much longer walk than we expected,as we had to walk all the way round the Marina ,no short cuts..so naturally,we stopped off for refreshments en route,before arriving at the lovely beach…This area was very run down,and was completely regenerated for the Olympic Games in 1992.There was no promenade,or beach,which is man made.It has brought a lot of new business and leisure activities ,which all seem to be thriving.

There is a Dubai style hotel in the Background

We are now going to the traditional Barcelona,on our second visit.We went on a coach sightseeing tour of the highest views and places of interest above the city, before heading down to see the city itself.Some of the photo’s are not as clear as we would have liked,as it was a very dull,overcast day,and the only one we had during our holiday..
This is the world famous Sagrada Familia,by Antonio Gaudi,started in1882 and still continuing.Its a shame we had to take this from the coach window,hence the poster spoiling the shot,but Gaudi’s Barcelona was a different tour.There are many more of his wonderful buildings around the city,which we visited the last time we were here.


We start to climb upwards to Mount Tibidabo,and admire the views .


From here, its on to Montjuic,The hill is home to to the 1992 Olympic stadium and also the magic fountain.After dark,giant jets dance in time to a classical soundtrack..and where Freddie Mercury,of Queen,sang his chart topping dedication to the city.


Back down to the city,and some more lovely architecture,on the way back to the ship.


Hope you enjoyed the tour..I think we will visit France the next time,if thats ok with you….

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Comments

 

You lead a very exciting life Bloomer...one long holiday!!
I've been to Barcelona three times with my ex inlaws (who I still adore) The first time was because of car problems when we travelled overland to Spain. We ended up going to Barcelona to get things fixed, loved it and went back on other holidays to enjoy it. I thought the old part of the city was amazing, all the buildings where covered in foliage and looked beautiful :0))

8 Jan, 2011

 

I enjoyed that Sandra, thank you. I have never been there, but it looks very interesting,

9 Jan, 2011

 

Lovely to see Barcelona again. We visited several years ago on a holiday trip before we moved to Spain and have been promising ourselves a return journey ever since. We walked down Las Ramblas to the port, seeing many 'living statues' along the way; saw the old Greenpeace ship; went in the aquarium and walked along a glass tunnel under swimming sharks; visited Sagrada Familia and took a few 'bar breaks' along the way. Lovely city! Thanks for all the reminders. Enjoy France. :o)

9 Jan, 2011

 

what a lovely city ~ i didnt used to like cities but the spanish seem to know how to build them!
i loved that waterfall, and i would love to see the dancing fountains with the music.
ive only been to spain once ~ seville is my favourite city of all time i think.
i like these trips you are taking us on ~ will we get round the world eventually?
im not an adventurer but i like seeing the pictures!! armchair travelling ~ thats what i like!!

9 Jan, 2011

 

Thank you Sandra. I enjoyed seeing the photos, esp the prom with palms, and that marina - so warm and open. - why did I say open lol. But that's the word that came to me

Nice photo of you two aswell - looking like you're having a very enjoyable time :o)

9 Jan, 2011

 

Its nice seeing Barcelona again, I can remember going on a family holiday to a resort near the city years ago, I was 10 I think, we also visited a monastry called Monseratt (spelling), that was up in the hills and a terrifying coach drive, but worth it, just for the veiws.

9 Jan, 2011

 

Gld you enjoyed a return visit,Annella..I love this city too.We went round the old part the first time we visited, so interesting,especially as we had a guide,and it is a place
I would like to go for a few days,so much more to see,that we still haven't visited yet

Thank you Cinders..you would love it.If you get the chance,do try it,you wouldn't be disappointed.There are lots of companies do short breaks,..or I believe it is quite easy to do it independantly..There is a train station goes direct to the city centre from the Airport,as some friends did that,and prebooked B& B online..They aren't exactly adventurous people,but it all went well,..we are a bit like that too,but may try it one day...unless we go on another cruise round the Med,as they all seem to go there anyway..

Glad it brough back some nice memories for you,Nariz.We didn't walk down Las Ramblas this time,.amazing isn't it? ..but we did the same walk as you,.and back...its a heck of a walk though..the street artists and "statues" are fantastic..and so creative..maybe this will spur you on to revisit?

Thank Sticki,I haven't done any other Spanish cities either,but would love to visit Granada,and the Alhambra palace...Don't think we will be going round the world, 2 to 4 hours is long enough for me on a plane..and so many lovely places nearer home..I would rather spend time,looking,not flying..:o))

I know what you mean,by 'open' Hywel,I agree.Plenty of room to stroll,and it was so peaceful.Glad you enjoyed it,thank you...

Seems a lot of GoYers have lovely memories of Barcelona,Littlelegs.We have never been to Monserratt,although..it is said to be beautiful,especially as you say,for the views...I have heard about the nail biting drive up there..so not for me ,I'm afraid..

9 Jan, 2011

amy
Amy
 

Littlelegs I well remember going on that terrifying coach journey up to Montserrat we were sitting on the back seat with our two children when they were young , I swear the back of the coach was hanging over the cliff edges when we went round the corners , I always think of it when I see the film ' The Italian Job ' LOL it was worth it , such an amazing place I clearly remember us putting our hands through a hole in a glass cabinet to touch the Black faced Modonna .... I would love to go back ..

Your photo's are stunning Sandra , I just want to soak up the sunshine and gaze at the blue skys :o)

9 Jan, 2011

 

Lovely blog Bloomer, great photos, especially you two!, dont the photos look much nicer in the sunshine!! Suppose its the blue sky that we havnt seen here for ages!

9 Jan, 2011

 

It was terrifying Amy was'nt it. It was'nt only the burning rubber from the coach wheels you could smell! LOL

9 Jan, 2011

 

not been here but heard alot about it sandra and will hope to go some day, lovely pictures and looks like you enjoyed it all, love the buildings to, amazing really how they built them isnt it,:o)

9 Jan, 2011

 

Great tour, Bloomer - I just love all those Gaudi buildings . . . what an imagination. Thanks for the memories! (I went with a friend a few years ago . . our only disappointment was a paella in a beach cafe - with only one prawn!!)

9 Jan, 2011

 

Love that waterfall garden such work gone into those buildings, yes I will love you to try France next time I love France lovely place. Thanks for sharing your tour.

9 Jan, 2011

 

I don't think I could have gone up there Amy,I would have been terrified..I hate heights,especially those kinds.It does sound lovely though,I will have to be contant looking at pictures...thanks Amy...:o)

I haven't heard anyone ever say they didn't like Barcelona,San,so much history.Although we have visited 4 times ,its only been on days out,and so much more to see,maybe one day San,you will see what its all about..i hope so..so much for you to paint there..Lol

Thanks Sheila,wasn't Gaudi a genius?..only one prawn?
Oh dear,doesn't say much for their traditional dish..we havwn't needed to have a meal there,but had a coffee on Las Ramblas...very pricey..so next time we went on a back street,much nicer and half the price..we enjoyed watching the world go by though,and all the street artists..lovely..

Thank you Sixpence,we docked at both Toulon,and Marseille,so went on trips out of the area,on both occasions.We loved Provence,and took some lovely photo's there..will give it a couple of weeks,as I don't want to overload everyone..its miserable day material,I think,..and it takes me a while to try and describe things properly..Thank goodness I was told that I wouldn't lose my draft,if I logged off..that was such a good help,as i can do a bit at a time,till I think it is ready to publish....I still learn a lot,thanks to you all on here..:o)))

9 Jan, 2011

amy
Amy
 

LOL... Littlelegs , there is no way that I would dare drive my car up there ,suppose the brakes failed ,,, Yikes !!!
The Paella reminded me of our holiday in Ireland , we went to 4 places in a town before we could get an Irish Coffee .. :o)

9 Jan, 2011

 

lol sandra, we are going to spain in may for a week but to Benidorm lol, baz hasnt been to spain, i have and we just wanted a week of rest and warm sunshine and love Benidorm the series with Johnny Vegas haha, would be great having them lot at our hotel, what a laugh that would be :o))

9 Jan, 2011

 

We haven't been to Benidorm for years,but I wouldn't mind revisiting for the sunshine either..Its only about a 40 minute drive from where Anthony's mum and dad live..so ,if ever we get invited again ??? maybe we could go.I can just imagine that lot in the same hotel..HaHa.Oddly enough,we were sat next to an English lady and her lovely young daughter,on the plane coming home.They live in Spain,and we got chatting,as they were making a fuss of the baby.It turns out that the little girl is
going to be in episode 4 of Benidorm,and they auditioned in both Spain and England,till they found her.I think her real name is Isabel,or Isabella,but her name in the programme will be Paige..she was such a lovely child,very happy and well mannered,and loved our Thomas.she is very pretty with blonde hair,so you will have to watch out for her...

9 Jan, 2011

 

glad you like benidorm sandra makes me glad i booked it, hope you get to go again one day and will look out for the little girl to once it starts again :o)

9 Jan, 2011

 

Its a shame Benidorm got such a bad reputation,as its nice.Beautiful beaches,lovely old town..I think a lot of the lager louts moved on to Ibiza and Greece..just the minority give it a bad name,and if you aren't there in july and August,it is great...There are many positive reasons why lots of retired people spend the winter there..you will have a great time...I should have said series four of Benidorm ,San,think it starts in march..

9 Jan, 2011

 

Just catching up with blogs,Sandra, and this is a lovely, blue-sky one! Just the kinds of pics to see on this grey and dreary evening. Never been to Barcelona, one day though . . . maybe. : o ))

14 Jan, 2011

 

Pleased you liked it Shirley...plenty to do and see ,There are some lovely gardens to see as well,apparently,but never had time to go yet,so like you..maybe one day..:o)

14 Jan, 2011

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