Barcelona pre Christmas 2015

We visited our daughter in Barcelona as an early Christmas for us.

After our flight from SF to Paris to Barcelona we arrived mid afternoon.

One of the first things we do is take a walk to the under construction     

Sagrada Familia church.This is a Goudi design that was started late       

1800s. It's very interesting to see how much work has been done from   

 our past trips.It's to be completed by 2026.                                              

                               There are five cranes the tallest at over 600',working the site.

                                    An early 1900s photo.Construction was slow in the early years and stopped
                                 during the Spanish civil war,to start again in the mid 70s.

                                   The interior was completed in 2010 and is used while the rest of the church
                                 is being completed.

                                   Around the city store window displays of nativity scenes,and the city's
                              display set up in the government square. 

                                  This is Santa Maria del Mar church built in the 1200s and was
                              completed in 55 years.A very short time of construction. It's of Gothic
                              design.

                                     Aside from visiting our daughter then next best thing is food.
                                 We go out form lunch and have dinner (about 10 pm) at home.
       

                                  We found last Christmas a good vegetarian place. Great food even if
                               you like meat.

                                  Deserts are special. This place Bubo makes some of the best.

                                   Than there's the pintxos at Sagardi's one of the best ways to eat.
                               These are small bites on a slice of baguette with a tooth pick in them.
                               At the end of your meal you pay by the number of tooth picks you have.

                                   Than there are the rice dishes .

                                 Tapas are also a great way to eat.Just small plates to share.

                                  Some nice breakfast goodies.

                                   The counter loaded with choices.

                                     Some nice Chinese food, Din Sum.

                                        A great duck dish.

                                           Lots of beers to choose from.

                                    Holiday lights around the city. Almost every street has lights.

This is a hospital that has been renovated and now used for college classes 

                                 Gaudi's Casa Mila,one of his many buildings he designed.

                                    A typical fish counter in the stores.

                                   The 1992 Olympic "fish" flame.