Monday, August 28, 2017

Barcelona, Spain






>>>>> Continue from Madrid, Spain




After 3 hours of train ride, we bring ourselves to Barcelona Sants Train Station.

Barcelona is always the place where I wanted to visit. It seems like much vibrant than other city, at least the name always ring a bell in my mind. Maybe its an influence from my buddy who is a fan of FC Barcelona.

Grab a cab from the station as no cab will accept your booking through cabify or taxify. Saw a EUR 3 surcharge on the cab meter, but queen read in the fee charge table pasted on the back seat, there shouldn't have any surcharge, unless from the airport. Anyway, its difficult to argue with them as their primary language is not English, or rather they refuse to speak.

Just pay and settle down our accommodation with Apartamentos Mur Mar.

Apartamentos Mur Mar is strategically located on La Ramblas Street, where majority of the tourist will visit. Not too far away from the terrorist attack last week. Concern? Yes, but what to do, hotel book already. Nothing stop us!!!

Still early for the famous local dance show; Tablao Flamenco Cordobés. Queen and me walk around for 30 mins where princess decided to stay in the room...

Came across this wax museum inside a street along La Ramblas.
We didn't visit because...
Photo on the right looks so real...
Saw this monument and the building at the end of the street.
Not planned in the itinerary, but did a google check on the name.
Columbus Monument and Agència Estatal d'Administració Tributària, we know it as IRAS.

La Ramblas is filled with artists.




Its time to go for the show. 

Flamenco Dance is a traditional dance in Spain. They will provide brochure to explain the origin of the dance, and what are we going to expect during the show.

In the layman term to describe the dance; its like a tap tap dance, which the dancer will tap their foot on the stage to create a rhythm. However, for this, it surprised us with all the screaming from the singers. 


For a start, it comes with a 44 dishes of Mediterranean buffet before the show starts. You will have 1 hour to enjoy the crusine... Eat all you can !!!

Entrance of Tablao Flamenco Cordobés Nice and grand renovation.

Interior view of the eating place.

Dinner start !!! Dig in...



You are not suppose to take photo or video during the show as it might distract the performers.

The performers will hint you to take photo or video during the grand finale.

They know that people will post in facebook or blog... free advertisement mah... LOL




**********
Day 6:


We decided to travel around in Barcelona in Metro instead. 10 trips at EUR 9.95 that can share within different travelers.





First spot in the itinerary: La Sagrada Familia


The all time famous Basilica in Barcelona. The structure is so ancient and really appreciate the craving on the structure. Too bad, we didn't really expect the crowd and we didn't get the entrance ticket online.

You are allow to go up to the observation deck to view the skyline of Barcelona.

Anyway... next time must buy ticket online and do not assume.

Took a short metro ride to Arc de Triomf. Another gate that we have visited. Seems like we can do a collection of gate visit. LOL...

To me, this is the best decorated gate so far we have visited, all the fine cravings...


Start on the foot journey and walk around for the next few attractions.

Left: At the entrance of Ciutadella Park. A huge park that
comprise of buildings, fountains, monuments, and even a zoo.

Right: Castle of the three dragons. Its a museum, but was close for maintenance for that day.

Cascada Monumental

Nice monument. Suppose to have a huge fountain running down the monument,
but was close for washing for that day. No luck.
Queen and princess cannot take it anymore, need a rest at the cafe... LOL

Need some food to refill our energy, so that we can cover a longer distance...

Nice japanese food. Authentic...

Still on foot... LOL...

Barcelona Cathedral. Building are always so ancient and nicely craved.
 Too many sight seeing... princess too tired and going crazy...


 Next on the list: La Boqueria Mercat a.k.a. Barcelona Market



Had oyster again... Yummy!!!

Selling Emu's Egg and Ostrict's Egg at EUR 35

We slowly walk back to hotel and had a 1 hour rest before we proceed to the last destination.

Convince princess to finish all the attractions in the itinerary, so tomorrow we can go theme park... LOL

Theme park already in the itinerary... omg

Last item of the day: Montjuic Castle

Montjuic Castle is building on the mountain. Having said, it will be very cumbersome to reach there. Referring to the photo posting in the web, seems like a nice place and perfect for sunset.

First: we have to find our way to Funicular de Montjuic Station. It can be reach by metro, and the funicular ticket is tagged together with the metro ticket... Smart!!!

Funicular will bring you up to a cable car station.

Left: Funicular de Montjuic Station
Right: Price of the cable car

Worth the price, fantastic view from the cable car.



Here we are. the only way to enter the castle is through this bridge.

It look more like a fortress looking over the sea port
With several cannon facing the line of defend.

Wow... Supermodel !!!

Cannot view sunset here during this season.
Castle close at 8pm, where sunset will only occur after 8:30pm.
We go for dinner and decided to visit The Magical Fountain, which is located nearby.

Sad... Luck not on our side... Fountain will only operate from Wednesday to Sunday.
9:30pm - 10:30pm.
Monday and Tuesday is its rest day.
Today is Tuesday!!!

**********
Day 7: Theme Park Day

Tibidabo Theme Park

Tibidabo Theme park is one of the oldest theme park in Europe.
Still consider very well maintained.
We bought entrance ticket from a member who got her free ticket from her membership.
We pay EUR 40 for 3 adult tickets, save EUR 50.


For those who know me, usually I do not take ride that is too high,
but this building is too attractive and I have to do it.
Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Mirror Museum is always fun and convincing for all ages

Unlimited rides...

Holidays are always short, especially if you enjoy...

Time to go home...



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