This was supposed to be a birthday trip for my mother but due to a vicious attack by nature I am here on my own. There will be a lot of pictures of Gaudi buildings as that was the main thrust of the trip when originally planned.

Really late flight led to arriving in Spain around 11:30AM and dropping off my luggage at the hotel around 12:30. Staying at the aptly named Hotel Gaudi.

Right across from my first Gaudi building Palau Guell.

My first stop was to the nearby Mercat de la Boqueria for some much needed food.

After a relaxed lunch outside, I toured the market itself and desperately want to bring it home with me.

Once I was able to tear myself away from the market I headed off to the palace.

Apparently, this palace was Gaudi’s first big commission and included elements he would become known for. If you wish to know who Gaudi was and why he’s important there are a whole host of detailed books out there on his life and work. I will just let his buildings speak for themselves.

After touring the palace I was able to check into my hotel and get a brief nap. Once the sun set, I went to see my first Spanish Christmas Market. The one around the Barcelona Cathedral has a lot of religious items available but, surprisingly to me, no food.

I did grab some food a short bit later. Just a simple mix kebab.

Tomorrow I head further into Barcelona and get to try the public transportation. I will leave you with an image of a statue of a popular item in town, known as idea why.