Ocean Princess traveled for 2 nights to a cool cloudy morning in Barcelona Spain. We had a minor glitch last night around 11 PM but all is well. Today was a Touristic Bus trip thru Barcelona. We went off the southern Red Bus Line to the distant Blue Line which took in Parc Guell and the Football Club Barcelona Stadium, the largest stadium of all the European Clubs.

At the Port Vell, the first thing you will notice is the massive statue of Christopher Columbus. This is the port that Columbus returned to after discovering the new world. He was after all financed by Queen Isabella of Spain. We also took in the cathedral Familia Sagrada by Gaudi - a massive church that is unique anywhere in the world. It was consecrated by Pope Benedict last year.
We ventured off the bus onto Las Ramblas, a shoppers haven that was packed with tourist from 6 cruise ships plus other locals and tourists. One might also find pickpockets here along with shell game tricksters.
Lunch was Spanish wine, with their awesome seafood paella and Spanish tapas. Marvelous! We also visited the neatest open market where the produce is arranged like a decoration.
The influence of the architect Gaudi is everywhere. Check out the picture of the Gaudi apartments. In another location, he made the exterior of the building to resemble the skin of a dragon - whatever that could be.
Two nice Barcelona policeman stopped to take a picture - (for Ken to compare uniforms). They are well armed and do keep the peace. The transit system is eco friendly and it runs on tracks in the midst of lawns rather than stones.