Back to Barcelona

The end and a new beginning.

Our first week of cruising comes to an end as we return to Barcelona. Many people are leaving the ship and a huge group are joining us for the inaugural transatlantic voyage or the Harmony of the Seas.

Our day started with a room transfer as we now move across the hall to 11218 and our exterior balcony suite. Our room attendant Marie had the safe available for us and we quickly moved our personal items over along with luggage etc. It was very well organized as she would take care of or hanger clothes etc. We then went down and "checked out" and "rechecked" back into the ships computer system so that the numbers all added up for passengers. This was extremely efficient considering that 500 guest stayed on board for the next cruise.

We went up and had a nice breakfast in the Windjammer and met up with Cathy & Bryan, our fellow Canadian friends from Vancouver Island. Had a nice visit and then we headed off to see the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. They planned to stay on board and relax but we had booked the tickets for 12pm so off we went.

Once off the ship we grabbed a cab and headed into town. We jumped out at the base of La Rambla and the start of the huge pedestrian walkway that takes you up to the center of town. As it was Sunday, numerous shops were closed but there was still plenty to see. The weather was perfect with a comfortable 20C temperature.

We easily found a bank machine (Deutsche Bank = no fees!) ) in the Placa De Catalunya and grabbed some extra euros. We continued our walk and enjoyed the many different buildings and styles that the city is known for.  We also found our favorite bake shop and planned to return later for some treats.

Our main goal was to arrive at the Sagrada Familia at precisely 12 noon for our journey inside this famous building. We had seen it from the outside when we visited in 2014 and vowed to come back if ever in town. With the return of our ship it was a great plan.

As the weather was so nice we continued our march towards the Cathedral. The exercise would not hurt us:-)

On arrival, precisely at 12 noon I might add, we went to the queue for ticket holders who purchased tickets in advance... and were promptly turned away and told to come back at 12:30... like the ticket said. Kelly looked at me and said.. "ah crap". Not to let opportunity slip by I said we should find a bar and have a cool drink. We walked up the next block and a bar, with a huge flat screen showing a soccer game underway, appeared in our site. Lots of locals with blue & white team garb on cheered as action took place. In we went and for 30 minutes I felt I was I local at a football stadium!  Great fun then we had to leave... darn!

The Sagrada Familia, from the outside, looks like a collective masterpiece with various different designs melding into one. It's all over the place. Now when you go inside it is simply amazing and an absolute must see if in Barcelona.

I will add pictures and can talk about it's amazing architecture and meaning but it is one of those places that you have to experience. Nothing like it exists in the world.. period. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antoni_Gaudi

Outside the Sagrada Familia. Construction continues :-)

More construction but still amazing detail!

Can't really describe it.

Amazing inside!

Kelly and I were both blown away!

Incredible detail.

Just imagine a forest of trees... that was the mindset.

Simply stunning!

We finished up the visit and headed back towards La Rambla. The weather had warmed up and we had a great walk back to the main street and our favorite bake shop "Choc"... yes the name says it all :-)

Gaudi's designs are obvious.

More amazing designs.

We stopped at the Bakery and enjoyed some amazing creations. We even took one back for Patty & Bryan as they both mentioned that they missed out on the experience. We quickly grabbed a cab and were back at the ship within 10 minutes.

Once on board we headed to the pub to grab a drink before returning to the room.   We then unload our backpack and prepare for the impromptu get together for the cruise critic folks up at the Solarium Bar area. How convenient :-)

We met numerous members of the forum and matched names with faces. Good to meet everyone but without name tags going forward it won't be easy to remember everyone!

 We found the glass floored fly bridge and took some photos from the ship. 

Getting ready for sail away.

We met up with Patti & Guy at the Trellis Bar in the Park and had a good visit. We also ran into Cathy & Bryan and presented the special baked goods to them from Choc. We spent a couple hours chatting about family, cruises and life experiences. Kelly and I had "My Time Dining" booked at 18:30 but that flew by... next thing we know we are invited for dinner with the others at Chops Grill. Let me think about that... sure!

Off we went for a ride on the Rising Tide Bar that goes up and down between decks. It was very good and then off to prepare for dinner.

We had a great evening to cap off a great day. Dinner was very good and we retired around 11 PM. It was lights out for us!