Summer and Autumn in Barcelona

  Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Friday, October 31, 2008

Andy, Cathryn, Avtar and Richard

We were fortunate to have a lot of visitors our first Summer and Autumn in Barcelona. First our friend Cathryn came to visit from England, then our friends Richard and Avtar from Ireland, then Claire's parents from Canada, followed by Andy's brother Adrian and his wife Bessie and finally Andy's parents from Ireland!

We had fun showing everyone the sites and most of the time the weather was warm and sunny except for a few days in September. We made it to the beach every weekend from June - October, which was amazing. We also had a lot of fun going to Montjuic movies, checking out outdoor festivals and concerts and meeting up with friends for BBQs.

In August we checked out the street festival in the neighbourhood of Gracia, which was visually stunning to say the least. So many streets were decorated in different themes. There was a street with Antarctic decorations, another with Mexican wrestlers, one with giant sewing decorations and so many more that I can't recall. Definitely a fun place to go in August.

On September 11 when my parents were visiting, we went to the city centre to see the giant statues and human castles for the National day of Catalunya. The Plaza was so full with people we couldn't move. It was a very cool parade. Later in the week we went to some concerts in the area too. We even saw the Sam Roberts band from Canada!

Inside Sagrada Familia 2

Later in November when Andy's Mom and Dad visited we went on the City bus tour which was so fun. I always wanted to go on it but never had a chance. It is a really great way to see Barcelona and you can get on and off all day with the same ticket. There are three lines running in the summer so you can get a pass to switch lines and see even more of the city. I think the highlight of the trip was when Andy and his Dad went to Nou Camp for a tour of the stadium. It was fun going to Sagrada Familia again too - every time we go it is even more amazing than the last. Can't wait until it's done in 20 - 25 years!