During the years we have been cruising we have sailed into many magnificent ports ; Venice with it's views of the Doges Palace and St Mark's Square, Sydney under the famous harbour bridge and the slow cruise up the archipelago to Stockholm to name a few. Barcelona on the other hand was not an inspiring sight passing gas holders and an oil refinery before mooring behind two other cruise ships.
After such a beautiful sunny day yesterday it was disappointing to wake up to a cloudy drizzly morning. We had planned to take a taxi into town and then walk via Las Ramblas back to the ship. The poor weather neccessitated a change of plan. A taxi driver agreed to take us on a tour of the city for less than the cost of the ship's organised tour, so we took him up on it.
After driving past the statue of Columbus and the museum housing a model of his ship "Pinta", we stopped briefly at the Catalan parliament building. Nothing too spectacular here, that adjective being saved for the next stop "La Sagrada Familia".
I had heard much about this structure prior to the visit but nothing can quite prepare you for the detail on the building.
By this time the rain was getting heavier with the street vendors pushing umbrellas and pack a macs into the faces of tourists. We however had come prepared with our cagoules.
Returning to the taxi we drove rather rapidly in the busy city streets to Parc Guell, an UNESCO heritage site that we probably wouldn't have seen if not for the taxi ride.
The entrance to the park is past two houses designed once again by Gaudi, these have the appearance of gingerbread houses or something from Disney.
The park was originally intended to be a housing estate of some sixty houses but only two houses were built, the park now being one of the most popular gathering places in the city. From the amazing wave bench one can get views all over the city - on a clear day.
But even on a day like this there are some nice views to be had.
The trip continued past other memorable Gaudi building such as La Pedrera a much sought after apartment block....
...and then onwards to Casa Ametller built for a chocolate manufacturer.
We then drove down Las Ramblas before returning to the ship for lunch.
Although we had intended to go back into the city in the afternoon the rain became more persistent so we stayed on board and became very Spanish - we had a siesta.
Prior to leaving we were treated to a display of flamenco dancing in the theatre and then sailed away past the other cruise ships who were waving us on our way. The crew on the bridge of the Costa Luminosa having an unique way to say good-bye.
Tomorrow we visit Monaco and are hoping for better weather, although the thunder and lightening as I write this is probably not a good sign!!
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