Barcelona & Catalan Spain
The first day in Barcelona was to wake up on Westerdam and take a cab to Palau de la Musica. We were off the ship around 9am and arrived around 9:30. Our reservations were for noon, so we knew we would have a bit of a wait, but we wanted to be sure we didn't have to exchange our e-ticket for a paper one. Turns out we didn't so we took off walking and saw many of the tourist places, all relatively close. This included several churches of various sizes, along with las Ramblas, and many markets. Barcelona is relatively flat and the weather co-operated nicely. In all, I think we walked over 2 kilometers prior to arriving back at the Palau around 11:30. Shortly before noon we joined the line and were escorted into a seating area where we were given a history of the facility.
We then went into the auditorium. It is a beautiful area for performing music. Acoustics are excellent and the built in pipe organ sounds great. Views were good from everywhere.
Day two began with checking out of the ship. As always, the ship wants you off early and hotels don't want you to check in until after noon or later. I took a cab to the hotel and left my luggage in their luggage room until check in.
From the hotel staff I got directions to the HOHO bus and took off on a 12 block walk. Again, the weather co-operated and I enjoyed the walk. I found the bus stop just before the first bus of the day arrived. The first part of the ride was very good, and I saw several places I will return to and get off for a few minutes. The last part of the ride was a mess. This is not really the best time to visit Catalan.
This appears to be a festival time for the area, and at the same time there are political demonstations going on. Between the two, several stops had to be skipped by the bus diverting to another street, and the bus is only allowed to open its doors at the designated stops. The stop where I entered the bus was one of those skipped, so I walked back to the hotel from a different area, but I don't think is was really any longer.
The hotel is very nice and the staff friendly. Lots going on around here.
The first day in Barcelona was to wake up on Westerdam and take a cab to Palau de la Musica. We were off the ship around 9am and arrived around 9:30. Our reservations were for noon, so we knew we would have a bit of a wait, but we wanted to be sure we didn't have to exchange our e-ticket for a paper one. Turns out we didn't so we took off walking and saw many of the tourist places, all relatively close. This included several churches of various sizes, along with las Ramblas, and many markets. Barcelona is relatively flat and the weather co-operated nicely. In all, I think we walked over 2 kilometers prior to arriving back at the Palau around 11:30. Shortly before noon we joined the line and were escorted into a seating area where we were given a history of the facility.
We then went into the auditorium. It is a beautiful area for performing music. Acoustics are excellent and the built in pipe organ sounds great. Views were good from everywhere.
Day two began with checking out of the ship. As always, the ship wants you off early and hotels don't want you to check in until after noon or later. I took a cab to the hotel and left my luggage in their luggage room until check in.
From the hotel staff I got directions to the HOHO bus and took off on a 12 block walk. Again, the weather co-operated and I enjoyed the walk. I found the bus stop just before the first bus of the day arrived. The first part of the ride was very good, and I saw several places I will return to and get off for a few minutes. The last part of the ride was a mess. This is not really the best time to visit Catalan.
This appears to be a festival time for the area, and at the same time there are political demonstations going on. Between the two, several stops had to be skipped by the bus diverting to another street, and the bus is only allowed to open its doors at the designated stops. The stop where I entered the bus was one of those skipped, so I walked back to the hotel from a different area, but I don't think is was really any longer.
The hotel is very nice and the staff friendly. Lots going on around here.
Day Three in Barcelona
Another great day, another day with good temperatures although slightly overcast. The day started with breakfast at the hotel. Really just juice but at least something. Then the walk to the stop where I joined the HOHO bus again
This morning duplicated the ride from yesterday, except I was on the top of the bus and open to the air. It was very comfortable riding up there. Pictures were taken of areas I chose yesterday. I did get off at one stop pretty high up to take pictures of the city.
A little after noon the bus returned to Catalan Square, just past where I got on. I had two goals here. One was to change some US$ to Euros. The second was to get on a bus with the other route to see the rest of the city. Goal one was taken care of but took about a hour total, partially due to the line and partially due to the agent taking around 5 - 8 minutes for each exchange.
I then got on the second bus and saw another large part of the city. Again, part of the tour covered areas I had seen either by walking or in the cabs but it was still nice. Got back to the hotel and relaxed.
Early tomorrow, train to Madrid!
Another great day, another day with good temperatures although slightly overcast. The day started with breakfast at the hotel. Really just juice but at least something. Then the walk to the stop where I joined the HOHO bus again
This morning duplicated the ride from yesterday, except I was on the top of the bus and open to the air. It was very comfortable riding up there. Pictures were taken of areas I chose yesterday. I did get off at one stop pretty high up to take pictures of the city.
A little after noon the bus returned to Catalan Square, just past where I got on. I had two goals here. One was to change some US$ to Euros. The second was to get on a bus with the other route to see the rest of the city. Goal one was taken care of but took about a hour total, partially due to the line and partially due to the agent taking around 5 - 8 minutes for each exchange.
I then got on the second bus and saw another large part of the city. Again, part of the tour covered areas I had seen either by walking or in the cabs but it was still nice. Got back to the hotel and relaxed.
Early tomorrow, train to Madrid!