Day 3 Christmas Day

Christmas Day (beautiful/sunny) today so almost everything is closed in the business area. We got up around 10:00, walked to Catalunya Square and then down Las Ramblas. Since this is the tourist section, most of the the restaurants were open and street performers were out in force. Lots of people walking and just taking in the scenery and enjoying the day.

Had lunch at a Chinese restaurant and then walked all the way to the end of the street to view the Monument a Colom (Monument to Columbus) and the harbour. Took lots of pictures to make up for the first day since it was already dark when the tour bus stopped here. Lots of museums to visit in the area including the Reials Drassanes (Royal Shipyards) which house the Museu Marítim.

Day 2 24 December

Got up at 8:00 to a cold and overcast day. Took a shower and ate sandwiches that we bought from a deli store last night. Walked to Catalunya Square and took the Blue Route this time. First stop was at the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, the unfinished masterpiece of Antoni Gaudi. For a bit of histoy, construction started around the 1880's and expected to be completed in 2026. The major portions that have been completed are the eastern and western facades which portray the Nativity and the Passion of Christ. The structure is so breathtaking and has to be seen to fully appreciate Gaudi's vision.

Took lots of pictures inside and outside, rode the elevator to the top of one of the towers and enjoyed the view of the Barcelona skyline. Coming down, visitors have to use a narrow spiral staircase all the way down to the ground. It was so narrow and tight that we had to stop at the lookout points to avoid getting dizzy. Lots of Japanese tourists!!!

Caught the next bus and got off at Park Güell which is a huge garden complex displaying more artworks by Gaudi. His works were patterned after nature and skilfully designed to blend with the landscape. Visitors are greeted by a multi-colored mosaic lizard/salamander fountain at the main entrance as you go up the stairs. The focal point of the park is the main terrace which is surrounded by a long bench in the form of a sea serpent and provides a panoramic view of Barcelona and the ocean. We stayed for a couple hours admiring the different structures and then walked back to the bus stop.

We didn't get off at any of the attractions anymore since it was already getting dark and a bit cold plus the buses were only operating until 5:00 due to Christmas eve. We got off at Catalunya Square, walked to the cathedral to check the mass schedule and also viewed the empty crib, bought some snacks and then walked back to the hotel to rest a bit before going to the midnight mass.

Met up with Lita and Fumio at 10:30 and then walked down the Las Ramblas promenade to view the lights and decorations. The cathedral was almost full when we got there and the vigil service began at 11:00. Also noticed that one of the altar servers was a Pinoy kid. The service was very solemn and we were able to join in using the leaflets that were handed out. At exactly 12 midnight, the bells started ringing including the little ones that are mounted on the wall inside the church which started a lot of the churchgoers (including us). At the end of the mass, the image of the Baby Jesus was carried by the Bishop and placed on the crib for adoration.

Walked back to the hotel afterwards and went to sleep.

Day 1 23 December

Got up at 5:30, had breakfast, left the house at 6:05 arriving at 7:25 at Seville airport. Minimal traffic so the driving was uneventful. I checked in on-line yesterday morning but still had to check in at the counter for our luggage. The departure lounges were nice: marble floors/walls, well-spaced bench seats plus circular ones and had its own bathrooms. Boarding time was at 8:55 but the plane didn´t arrive until 9:05. Still managed to leave on time though since passengers were assigned seats and boarded the plane by rows. Nice feature for a low-budget airline.

Arrived on time at Barcelona and then took the AeroBus to the hotel. We missed our stop though and ended up at the Catalunya Plaza which was just another block farther away from the hotel. Had to look for the hostel though because the name wasn´t posted on the doorway. Checked in and were given a note from Lita who stopped by at 11:00. She set up to meet later on at 8:00 pm infront of our hotel to eat at the Japanese restaurant across the street.

Freshened up a bit and then walked to the Passeig de Gracia and viewed the Casa Batllo, one of Antonio Gaudi´s creations. We walked back to the Catalunya Plaza, got some information about the places of interest and then got a 2-day bus tour ticket which is the easiest and most convenient way. We got on the Blue Route first and viewed the Casa Batllo again, La Pedrera, Estacio de Sants, Creu Coberta, Plaza de Espana, and other places.

We got off at the Mirador de Colom where we had some hot waffles from a stand manned by Pinoys and chatted with them. Walked across the boardwalk to the MarreMagnum complex and had some capuccino at Starbucks.

Got back on the bus for the remainder of the trip, got off at Catalunya Plaza and walked back to the hotel. Rested for a while and then met up with Lita and Fumio in front of the hotel. Found out later that they had dinner at the restaurant last night and they loved the food. I had tempura and mom had katsudon while Fumio had fish and Lita had katsudon. They also ordered assorted seaweed salad and sushi. It was almost like being back in Japan since we were also drinking Asahi beer. It was great to finally meet Fumio and we had a blast talking just about everything. Needless to say, it was a wonderful dinner: great food and great friends.