Espana part II: Barcelona

From Madrid's Atocha train station, we took the high speed train (velocidad 293km/h) to Barcelona.

Barcelona lived up to its reputation of being very artsy....Gaudi's architecture inspired and amused...





Especially the Sagrada Familia...Gaudi's famous church which is still a work in progress. To us, it was a fresh, creative expression of faith.
Many fascinating Gaudian details. And then there was the ham....

More Gaudi playfulness at Parc Gruell...with the Med in the distance behind La Sagrada Familia. We took a late season dip in the sea which was lovely despite a flotilla of jelly fish, with which Matt had a nasty encounter last year.

The Picasso museum was amazing. One of our favorite Picasso pieces was his study on Vasquez' Las Madrinas, which included the Infanta Margarita. Henceforth, we have nick named our little girl to be "Infanta". Being in Spain, and saturated with a particular Limon or Orange soft drink...we conveniently shortened this to "Fanta". (Don't ya wanta Fanta!?)


The inner court yard at Catedral Barcelona...

Espana Part 1: Madrid

So, we decided to take a trip in October for two reasons: One, we wanted celebrate Teri's 30th birthday, and two, we wanted to take a big trip before the baby comes and we never get a chance to go anywhere ever again (as we have been warned will happen). We traveled to Madrid, Spain, armed with our Rick Steves' travel guide and comfortable shoes.


Our food goals took precedence-- we had to eat the infamously delicious "jamon iberico" (ham), churros y chocolate (the greatest breakfast idea ever), and lots of tapas.


We took in some culture and watched a fantastico flamenco performance, con mucho pasion! We also tried to conquer the impressive Prado museum, which did not disappoint. At the modern art museum, the Reina Sofia, we got a glimpse of Picasso's famous "Guernica," and took a stroll through the Parque del Retiro.


We finished off our time in Madrid with a suckling pig and duck dinner. The following day, Teri's birthday, we took the fast train to Barcelona.

Flamenco con mucho pasion!