BCN - Personal Highlights
On a more positive note, please allow this posting to serve as a brief recap of some of the highlights of my BCN visit.
Unable to fly direct, I had to connect in Paris. I had a window seat on the flight to BCN, and got to check out the Pyrennes as we flew over - - a truly amazing sight.
Barcelona Contemporary Art Museum (MACBA). A lot of exhibits spread over three floors of a very white interior. It is, indeed, very modern.
While not containing his most recognizable works, Museu Picasso is certainly worth checking out. It traces his artistic development and contains sketches, paintings and ceramics (really cool and playful) from throughout his life.
A lot of stores and museums are closed on Sunday, so I figured to check out the Gaudi-designed Parc Guell, which is situated on a hill overlooking the city. In a word, wow! Amazing views of the city stretching to the sea, but be forewarned that hiking around the area is slightly physically rigorous. I took the 24 bus up there, which drops you off right at the entrance. Perched on a hillside, overlooking a soccer game and eating a bocadillo was one of the most gratifying moments of the visit.
If you want the wide, tree-lined avenues associated with European cities, Eixample is the neighborhood for you. Gaudi’s La Pedrera building is unlike any structure I have explored; it is all curves and no right angles. Climbed up the stairs all the way to the rooftop; walking around up there is a fantastical experience.
Walked over to Sagrada Familia afterwards but didn’t go inside. Tripped-out is probably the best way to describe this epic, still ongoing project; definitely worth seeing up close and in person.
Museu d’Historia de Catalunya. In the Barceloneta area, this museum provides a full history of the area, from prehistoric times through the Spanish Civil War to the present. Perhaps a bit dry, but good exhibits and a lot of information.
Montjuic is a lovely area in which to walk around. Fundacio Joan Miro is cool, but my favorite museum of the whole trip was the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC). Situated in a majestic building with commanding views of the city, wide-ranging exhibits (e.g. Roman ruins, Impressionism, sculpture, Picasso) and not too crowded – everything a European art museum should be.
One dish I had at a few restaurants: cod and spinach (with raisins and pine nuts – an exquisitely tasty combination).
I only took a cab once: to the airport on the way home. Walking or metro (easy to use, short waits for trains and quick trips) is the way to go.
Enjoy walking around, savor the food, overlook the multitude of tourists and budget for the weak dollar and you too may be able to make the most of a visit to BCN.
Unable to fly direct, I had to connect in Paris. I had a window seat on the flight to BCN, and got to check out the Pyrennes as we flew over - - a truly amazing sight.
Barcelona Contemporary Art Museum (MACBA). A lot of exhibits spread over three floors of a very white interior. It is, indeed, very modern.
While not containing his most recognizable works, Museu Picasso is certainly worth checking out. It traces his artistic development and contains sketches, paintings and ceramics (really cool and playful) from throughout his life.
A lot of stores and museums are closed on Sunday, so I figured to check out the Gaudi-designed Parc Guell, which is situated on a hill overlooking the city. In a word, wow! Amazing views of the city stretching to the sea, but be forewarned that hiking around the area is slightly physically rigorous. I took the 24 bus up there, which drops you off right at the entrance. Perched on a hillside, overlooking a soccer game and eating a bocadillo was one of the most gratifying moments of the visit.
If you want the wide, tree-lined avenues associated with European cities, Eixample is the neighborhood for you. Gaudi’s La Pedrera building is unlike any structure I have explored; it is all curves and no right angles. Climbed up the stairs all the way to the rooftop; walking around up there is a fantastical experience.
Walked over to Sagrada Familia afterwards but didn’t go inside. Tripped-out is probably the best way to describe this epic, still ongoing project; definitely worth seeing up close and in person.
Museu d’Historia de Catalunya. In the Barceloneta area, this museum provides a full history of the area, from prehistoric times through the Spanish Civil War to the present. Perhaps a bit dry, but good exhibits and a lot of information.
Montjuic is a lovely area in which to walk around. Fundacio Joan Miro is cool, but my favorite museum of the whole trip was the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC). Situated in a majestic building with commanding views of the city, wide-ranging exhibits (e.g. Roman ruins, Impressionism, sculpture, Picasso) and not too crowded – everything a European art museum should be.
One dish I had at a few restaurants: cod and spinach (with raisins and pine nuts – an exquisitely tasty combination).
I only took a cab once: to the airport on the way home. Walking or metro (easy to use, short waits for trains and quick trips) is the way to go.
Enjoy walking around, savor the food, overlook the multitude of tourists and budget for the weak dollar and you too may be able to make the most of a visit to BCN.
posted by DoronFL @ 5:55 PM
0 comments
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home