The streets of the Gracia neighborhood in uptown Barcelona cannot be confused with any other city or town toward the end of August. The Fiesta de Gracia zaps the laid back neighborhood with bands, fireworks, drinks, bocadillos, and decorations you truly must see to believe. The residents of each street meet to decide their theme. The best-decorated street in the neighborhood goes home with a prize. The decorations turn into dream-like visions. Wooden planks form a giant arch down one as little old ladies scramble to write their name and message as others have done before them. As I sign my Continue Reading

As I eagerly climb the metro stairs up to bright Barcelona daylight, I expect to walk up to one of the city’s most pictured attractions, La Sagrada Familia. However, a Disney line met me, snaking around the Gaudi structure as though an exhilarating ride was on the other end. I hesitated. Is it really worth it to go in? Then, reason kicked in and I recognize I’m not sure I will be back here or see this under construction church actually completed. Twelve euros later, I enter the work in progress church. Construction on La Sagrada Familia began March 19, 1882. Just one year later, famed Continue Reading