Amorino

You cannot visit Barcelona and not eat your way through the city. Barcelonians are all about food: whether it be tapas, pinchos, large meals or dessert.

While not strictly Spanish, the Gelato shop Amorino along La Rambla was probably my favorite haunt; conviently located 2 blocks from our hotel, Le Meridien.

I don't have much of a sweet tooth but I do have a taste for good gelato -and this is the BEST gelato you will ever have, I promise you. So if ever in Barcelona, Paris, London, Munich or any city lucky enough to have one of these shops, be sure to visit and indulge! Be sure to get a cone and enjoy the presentation: an ice cream cone transformed into a flower.

Placa Reial

Directly off La Rambla is one of my favorite spots in Barcelona, the Placa Reial or Royal Plaza.

Built in the 1850s, the central fountain in the plaza has become one of the prime meeting spots in the city.Admittedly very touristy, as is much of La Rambla area, the arcades surrounding the plaza are filled with countless (mediocre) restaurants. However, if you don't speak Catalon or Spanish, the menus are available in English and it's a wonderful place to spend an hour absorbing a beautiful space in a central location. It's not all tourists though; while not mealtime, locals gather here to soak up some Spanish sun under the stately palms!

Of course, it wouldn't be Barcelona without a touch of the modernisme; the Neo-Classical lamps were designed by the cities' most popular architect, Antoni Gaudi.

Be sure to walk through this enormous and beautiful square while in Barcelona!

The faces of Barcelona

Everywhere you go in Barcelona, you are being watched. If not by crowds of people out enjoying the city and people watching, then by the very buildings themselves.

You can't help but notice the confrontational stares of statues on nearly every building. Beautiful, ugly, stately, comical; they all have something to say. The gentleman above reminds me so much of my father and I know what he is saying; I had too much wine with lunch!

This doorway along the Carrer de Ferran in the Gothic quarter was probably my favorite, flanked by this lady and gentleman. Now what do you suppose they're thinking? That monocle doesn't look very friendly!

This fountain, also in the Gothic quarter, had 3 haunting faces glaring out; not a place I would feel comfortable taking a drink!

I think the Barcelonians are in on the joke. This small museum had windows for an exhibition showing photographs of people facing the sculptures themselves.

Like I said yesterday, there is something interesting around every corner!

A trip to Barcelona

I'm back from a whirlwind trip to Barcelona and have so much to report on; a glamorous wedding, stunning architecture (both old and new), delicious food and stunning weather!

On every visit I find the city has something new to offer. I had done all of the main 'touristy' things one hears about on previous trips so felt free to explore some lesser known areas of the city. If you haven't been, please plan your next vacation to Barcelona! In the next few weeks (or until people seem bored) I'll point out some of the places I loved. Tell me though, if you've been to Barcelona, what was your favorite find (so I can plan my next visit!)?

All of these pictures were taken within hours of each other on my first day; the city is just jam-packed with something to discover around every corner and I can't wait to share them with you here!