Barcelona - May 2011

We found Barcelona to have a little bit of everything. It had majestic churches and other architecture, good food, hosted the Olympics, and even a beach! We found we spent most of our time admiring Gaudi's work. We spent several hours exploring Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila (La Pedrera), stopped by Casa Batllo, and strolled through Park Guell. Compared to Madrid, we found Barcelona to be much more expensive. Part of that was due to the International Auto Show being in town for the weekend. That added more sting to an already weak US dollar vs the Euro. More photos from Spain: Gaudi's Sagrada Familia Segovia. Madrid. Bullfight in Madrid.

We almost didn't have to eat dinner after having this meal.
barcelona spain Restaurante Salamanca
While writing the captions, I noticed that he's wearing two watches. I wonder why.
barcelona spain Restaurante Salamanca
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An artist working on La Rambla.
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Castelle de Montjuic. On our last full day in Barcelona, we went to Montjuic. Montjuic is a mountain in the southwestern side of the city. This castle is on the southern side of the mountain. Admission is actually free, but there isn't that much to see.
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barcelona spain
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This is the courtyard of the castle. Pretty barren except for a few tables for a restaurant.
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Fundacio Joan Miro. One of a few museums in Montjuic.
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Outside the Olympic stadium.
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The Olympic track stadium.
barcelona spain olympics
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This is a different side of the track stadium.
barcelona spain olympics
barcelona spain olympics
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya or MNAC as it's often abbreviated.
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barcelona spain mnac
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The backside of the MNAC.
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The International Auto Show is down below. It was responsible for significantly raising hotel rates while we were in Barcelona. The huge fountain is lit at night.
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Caixa Forum along with one of more popular forms of transportation. This building shows some of the Caixa Bank's art collection.
barcelona spain caixa forum

movestill

Barcelona - May 2011