Barcelona Day One

A very lazy rise this morning...about 7. 30. Not in a hurry to do anything. Caught up on communications using the iPad and Tony’s Phone.
At 11.30 we decided to head to the Sagrada Famillia...Gaudi’s legacy to Catholicism. For Tony it was “Gaudi who? “ and I wanted him to be genuinely surprised. He was! The nearly finished church...the plan is 2025...is certainly a wow moment when you first see it. I couldn’t help but grin. Having used the eccentric man’s work for many an art theme, I was most chuffed to see the real thing. We made a hasty decision to join the hop on hop off bus, avoiding the crowd around the church site and hoping to return at a quieter time tomorrow.  We certainly got a wide overview of this often elegant city with its wide avenues, many trees and an abundance of out there architecture. I was in Gaudi-spotting mood. I do not need any more Gothic examples, having plenty in my previous travel albums.
We hopped off for a bite of lunch in a most pleasant patisserie, and then rejoined the bus for an extensive tour of the more popular suburbs and grand cultural areas. I imagined that wonderful diving board with a view at the 1992 Olympics, behind the pool’s high fence.
We spent a long afternoon in the warm sun on top of the bus. Wanting closer photos, we finished our tour near the two other Gaudi wonders, on the ritzy thoroughfare of Passiege de Gracia.  Some interesting fashion amongst the high-end fashion houses. I also liked some of the window displays!!!!
Time for an ice-cream and after returning to the apartment, time for an aperitif at one of the umpteen cafes nearby. Spaghetti Neapolitan for tea.  
With Barcelona claiming the creative talents of Picasso, Gaudi, Dali and Miro, amongst many others, Tony has decided that the drugs must have been stronger here!!