And we start on day two of the Barcelona adventure and it finds us heading for breakfast at a friends who lives up near the Sagrada Familia.

Barcelona is mostly designed in “blocks” so its quite easy to find your way around. Of course some parts of it are going to be meandering but from what I saw its made of blocks for the most part.

The Sagrada Familia is probably the must see attraction of Barcelona its a church that has been under construction for nearly 150 years. It was started in 1882 (so you’re doing the maths now and realising I over embellished with my 150 years figure). It is I reckon one of the most unique churches I’ve ever seen. It was partly designed by the renowned Catalan architect Gaudi (who truth be told I hadn’t really heard of until I visited the city and saw a number of his buildings) There are 2 facades that are visible the East being the Nativity is mostly the work of Gaudi or mostly designed under his influence.

The Western facade The Passion is very different and the work of Josep Maria Subirachs with very angular / squarish design work.

2 minutes down the road and we were sitting down to breakfast at a friends. Toast with a tomatoe rubbed over it and olive oil poured on top seems to be quite popular with the locals and I think its going to be quite popular with me from now on as well. Very refreshing way to start the morning. With a nice coffee to boot.

After that it was back to wandering by ourselves… and we ended up back on Carrer del Bisbe

We only had an hour or two to kill and walking took up most of the time. Our lonely planet guide to spain told us on the first friday of the month we could visit the Parliment so we agreed to meet our friend there and head on in.

Of course the guide book was wrong and the security were wondering what the hell we were up to … ah well .. it wasn’t the first time and it wouldn’t be the last time the book was wrong It was a nice day to sit outside and enjoy the blue skies.

Back into town we went to get ready for Friday night … we got a quick beer in .. in a quirky little place you wouldn’t find without having a local to guide you.

Back to our Hostal (when I say Hostal it was more of a hotel made from apartments) and more beers on the terrace before heading out and leaving my camera at home. Its probably best though ze missus brought her new baby with her (compact camera).

We hit the town for beers in probably the most popular area to head out with tourists and locals alike Gràcia
End Part II …