LivingOurDream: 2019

Sunday, December 29, 2019

Barcelona to Miami to Sanibel

Hi All,

Instead of a cafe for our last breakfast in Barcelona, we went to the Boqueria Market with an enormous array of foods. We had fruit cups for breakfast but the candies were more photogenic.

Soon it was off the the airport for a short flight to Madrid followed by a five PM sunset departure for the ten hour flight to Miami.

We landed in Miami at 9:10 EST.

We are now, finally, parked at the Ding Darling refuge looking forward to a great winter of guided walks and interpretive programs.

Love,

Sandy & Carl

Living & Traveling in our Motorhome

Volunteering across America

greenbaum2@gmail.com

www.livingourdream2011.blogspot.com

617-435-8502

Thursday, December 26, 2019

Barcelona Streets

Hi All,

We plotted a walking course from La Sagrada Familia back towards our hotel that included a number of other popular sights

The 38 story glass Agbar Tower is visible from a distance.

Gaudi Errata

Hi All,

Gaudi started work on La Sagrada Familia in 1883 not 1833😖.

Sandy & Carl

Living & Traveling in our Motorhome

Volunteering across America

greenbaum2@gmail.com

www.livingourdream2011.blogspot.com

617-435-8502

Magic Fountain

Hi All,

After a late afternoon rest, and, truth be told, a nap as well, we went to see the 8 PM Magic Fountain show.
Thirty minutes before the show there was already a huge crowd.

We found a spot to stand with a good view and watched an amazing display of shooting water and colored lights, pulsing to the beat of popular music in multiple languages.

The Bellagio has nothing on this show.

Back in the hotel we had our own light show as we celebrated the fifth night of Chanukah

and sadly our last night in Spain..

Love,

Sandy & Carl

Living & Traveling in our Motorhome

Volunteering across America

greenbaum2@gmail.com

www.livingourdream2011.blogspot.com

617-435-8502

In 1833, Barcelona architect Antoni Gaudi took over the design and construction of a new church. He worked on it until his death in 1926. Work has continued sporadically since. It was consecrated as a minor basilica in 2005. It is hoped to complete the structure based on Gaudi's models and plans, by 2026, the 100th anniversary of his death.

The front is the Nativity facade

with statues depicting Christ's life

The interior is full of beautiful stained glass.

The main columns are designed like trees with branches supporting the roof.

More great stained glass

Below is the crypt where Gaudi is buried.

The back is the passion facade.

The towers are capped with fruit!

An astonishing structure.

Love,

Sandy & Carl

Living & Traveling in our Motorhome

Volunteering across America

greenbaum2@gmail.com

www.livingourdream2011.blogspot.com

617-435-8502

Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Barcelona

Hi All,

This morning we flew from Madrid to Barcelona. Once settled into our hotel, we walked along the Ramblas soaking in the unique architecture.

Our destination today was the apartment building designed by Gaudi.

Unique does not adequately describe this facade.

On an adjacent building St George slays the dragon.

We did not recognize the meaning of the sculpture on the other side of the door frame.

Unusual buildings abound.

Tomorrow is our only full day in Barcelona and we intend to make the most of it.

Roberta and Elliot stayed in Madrid to help celebrate Kim's 50th birthday. We will next see them in Delray Beach in January.

Love,

Sandy & Carl

Living & Traveling in our Motorhome

Volunteering across America

greenbaum2@gmail.com

www.livingourdream2011.blogspot.com

617-435-8502

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Madrid

Hi All,

Started the day touring the Prado, the National Museum of Spain. Lots of magnificent art including a special Goya exhibit. Sadly, no photos allowed.

Next was a hop-on, hop-off bus tour of the Madrid historic district. Some interesting commentary though it was, at times, hard to tell which building the narrator was talking about. Limited photo ops from the bus but here are some interesting images.

Not many birds in downtown Madrid

We will be returning to the America's, some silver pillaged by the Spanish in the 16th and 17th century.

Tomorrow we leave the Schultzs in Madrid and fly to Barcelona.

Merry Christmas to our Christian friends.

Love,

Elliot & Roberta, Sandy & Carl

Monday, December 23, 2019

Salamanca

Hi All,

We took the speed train to Salamanca with the Schultz's daughter Kim and her husband Sean.

The "New" Cathedral was built between 1513 and 1733.

In the 1970's the facade was restored and the architect wanted to add modern elements, sooo along with the saints and gargoyles we have an astronaut!

Like most cathedrals of the period the organ is immense.

Once again the choir seating is ornately carved wood.

The new cathedral was built adjacent to the "Old" 13th century cathedral. The original intent was to tear down the old one but it was decided to keep it. Even the original wall painting has survived.