Barcelona, Spain

We decided to get up early to make sure we reset our body clocks to the local time. Since it was Sunday morning, there weren’t many crowds out and we were able to get some breakfast at a nearby cafe. We purchased tickets for the Barcelona tourist bus which is a system of 3 bus routes that have narrated tours (in a bunch of languages) and you can get on and off all day. We used this to get over to Sagrada Familia…which is where the crowds were hiding. We didn’t have too long of a wait to get in, but it was very worthwhile even with a wait in line. This basilica was designed and started by the architect Gaudi. It has been under construction for over a century but isn’t completed yet. It’s a modern, Gothic-style building and is very impressive. It is extremely ornate and full of symbolism. We spent quite a while going through the inside and outside.

After leaving Sagrada Familia we took the tour bus through the city, eventually returning to Plaza Catalunya where we had sandwiches. We took a leisurely stroll down La Rambla, which was now busy with other Sunday afternoon strollers and an obese basset hound. Eventually it was time to board the ship.

We are sailing on the maiden Mediterranean voyage of the Royal Princess. It’s only previous trip was from Britain, where it was christened, to Barcelona to begin this cruise. It is bigger than Princess’ other ships with some new amenities. We’ve explored and, of course, eaten. We’ve even seen Princess’ version of the Bellagio water show.

Tomorrow we are at sea on our way to Livorno, Italy.