Barcelona (Spain)

I was on holiday last year with my partner in the Costa Dorada, Spain. One of the reasons I chose to go there was so I could have an opportunity to visit Barcelona, the second largest city in Spain. I had heard and read so much about it, and it definately was a place I longed to visit.

We ended up booking a trip to Barcelona via our tour operator - I know, I know, these are expensive and you pay over the odds, but I thought that at least this way, we won't get lost and also have a tour guide on the coach. I just wanted a hassle-free day without the stress of catching trains or local transport!

We were taken to Port Vell, which is the old port, not far from The Ramblas. Our guide on the coach journey was very informative and gave us a lot of information about Spain's culture, and pointed out various landmarks and places on the way.
She was very knowledgeable and quite humorous, and although Spanish, she had spent some time in London, and made comparisons between the two countries. She pointed out how the Spanish cannot understand why we put vinegar on our chips, and explained how shocked she was to discover this, as the thought of it was repulsive!

Our coach parked at the Aquarium, which opened in 1995, and is considered to be one of the most advanced in the world. We didn't go inside, but were told it comprised 21 main tanks, which are home to thousands of specimens, some very rare. There is also a miniature Mediterranean Sea with two tunnels flanking it. One of these tunnels is the largest in the world, and visitors can walk along to view the fish and sharks.

Next to the Aquarium is The Imax Movie Theatre, where you can watch 3D movies. Again we didn't visit this as there was so much we wanted to see, and it would take too much of our precious time.

There was also an indoor shopping mall, of two floors, which we did visit and found a variety of shops and boutiques. We visited Starbucks for a coffee which also had an outside seating area, where we enjoyed a lovely view of the port and could watch the chairlift going back and forth across over the water and city. (Not something I would like to try!)

We then crossed the wooden pier bridge, on our way for a stroll up The Ramblas. Before reaching the Ramblas there is a very high column, a statue of Christopher Columbus presides on the top with his arm out-stretched, pointing to what many believe is directly to the America. In fact, if you followed the direction of his arm it would be necessary to completely go round the earth to arrive in America!
An elevator takes you to a viewpoint under the feet of the statue, and provides you with an impressive view of the port and city.

We strolled up The Ramblas and it was very busy, with shops and cafe bars, stalls and artists. There were many artists drawing from photographs and it was quite impressive to watch them. It seemed quite popular, as many tourists were having sketches done, to take home for gifts and souvenirs.

There were also a lot of 'living statues' which I found very entertaining. How they stand still like that for so long I don't know! One of them, an Indian Chief suddenly reached down and pulled me up onto the platform he was standing on, whilst I had been taking a photograph! I got quite a shock and everyone found this very funny, including my partner who was snapping away whilst I aimed a bow and arrow alongside the Indian!

We continued up The Ramblas and couldn't believe how many side streets, lined with more shops, cafe's and bars there were. It would take ages to explore them all. We visited the Hard Rock Cafe for a drink as it was a red hot day, before walking back down The Ramblas.

My only disappointment was that I did not get the chance to visit the unfinished church. It was one of the main reasons I wished to visit Barcelona, but it was quite a walk away from The Ramblas, and as my feet were swelling with the heat, and my partner had blisters, we didn't think it a good idea to walk much further! I love visiting cathedrals and churches, and am quite a fan of Antonio Gaudi's work, so I was really disappointed not to be able to visit the church. Also we were due back at the coach, to be taken to the second part of our trip - The Magic Fountain Show!

This was one of the other main reasons I wished to visit Barcelona - to witness the Magic Fountain Show. I had heard so much about it and had seen them on TV during the 1992 Olympics.
We boarded our coach and set off on the short ride to the National Palace where the fountains are situated. On driving up the hill towards the palace we passed the Olympic outdoor swimming pool, with its outdoor seating which would provide fantastic views out over the city.

On arriving at the Palace, I was amazed to see just how many people turn up for the nightly fountain show which was due to begin at 9pm. There were thousands of people gathered on the steps and gardens around the palace and fountains. The palace itself was very impressive, and at night 9 beams of light are cast to the sky - the same number of letters in the word Barcelona. This combines with the colours and forms of the Magic Fountain.
We found a place to sit at the bottom of the steps near to the fountain and waited for the show to begin. Our guide had told us that if we were lucky they might play 'Barcelona' the 1992 Olympic song featuring Freddie Mercury. She said that whenever it was played at the fountain show, it made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end, and was truly a moving and awesome experience.

Nothing can compare to actually being at the Magic Fountain show and watching the huge jets of water (the central steam is 50 metres high) dance in time to the music whilst, 4730 light bulbs change colour.
The first piece of music was a classical piece, as darkness began to fall, then the music changed to Apologise by One Republic, featuring Timbaland, which was a favourite song of mine from last year. And finally, yes the show ended with 'Barcelona' and I can honestly say it gave me goosebumps, listening to Freddie Mercury and Monsterrat Caballe belting out the Olympic song of 1992, in this beautiful city, watching the colours and forms of the fountain dancing, and the nine beams of light shining up into the sky from behind the palace. It was truly breathtaking!

We headed back to the coach tired, but happy to have visited this beautiful city. There is just so much to see that we are going to visit again this year. I hope next time to be able to visit the unfinished church, and other Gaudi buildings and places such as Parque Guell.

There is so much more to Barcelona than the Nou Camp Football Stadium and I can't wait to return!

Also published on DooYoo under same username