A trip to Spain for this traveler completed a curiosity initiated in high school Spanish and college art history classes. The history of Roman, Muslim and Christian cultures; Don Quixote and La Mancha; matadors and bullfights; flamenco costumes and dancing; traditions like siestas; gazpacho, paella, and an obsession with ham helped to peak my interest. But, it was the art and architecture that formed fairy tale visions of what the country might offer at it's museums and cathedrals that held me captive. Absolutely thrilling to see Goya's artistry at the Prado Museum, Gaudi's Sagrada Familia Church, the Alhambra Palace, the windmills of La Mancha, and the Roman Aqueduct in Segovia. This tour went beyond my expectations by adding opera with flamenco at the Music Palace; riding the AVE train; experiencing a night time jazz concert; visiting the beautiful white hill towns of the Arcos de la Frontera; learning about fighting bull breeding and the history of the Andalusian horse; wine and sherry tasting; and eating all the wonderful regional foods. Anyone thinking about a visit to Spain will find this tour beyond compare!
Barcelona: 9/14/2013: The Catalan capital is full of history. It holds Roman ruins, a medieval cathedral, and traces of Columbus. It was also the home of Picasso and architect Antonio Gaudi.
Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar: Example of Catalan Gothic architecture where ship-owners and sea merchants worshiped.
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Gaudi's Guell Palace: First of his Modernistic buildings (1886-1890), custom built for the Guell Family.
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Palau de la Catalan Musica: Modernistic concert hall completed in 1908.
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Delicious foods and beverages
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