Although it is one of Spain’s most lively and dynamic cities, Barcelona is really not Spanish at all. As the capital and cultural hub of the autonomous region of Catalonia, the city has a long and glorious history all its own. The Catalan language is similar to Spanish, but also has much in common with southern French dialects. Catalonia was a leading trading power in the Mediterranean during the 14th and 15th centuries, with enterprising merchants and bankers, and no feudal remnants whatsoever. United with the Kingdom of Aragon in the 12th century the region became part of Spain in 1469 with the marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella. Today Barcelona is a bustling and cosmopolitan place, a center of experimentation in Politics and the Arts.
We love Barcelona! It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. We walked up Las Ramblas, which is a walking street filled with mimes, flower stalls and cafes. It was a beautiful day, about 75 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. Antonio Gaudi designed a magnificent church in 1883 that lives up to its name…Gaudy, it's one of the really amazing things to see to Barcelona but is yet to be completed. Our friends Anna & Joaquin are leaving the boat here, this is their home. They treated us, along with Barbara & David and Carole, to a true Spanish lunch of “paella” before saying “good-bye.” Below is a picture of them with Gary taken on the terrace of their apartment. We will miss them very much and hope to stay in touch. We will again visit Barcelona and Anna & Joaquin. Their granddaughter is an exchange student in River Forest and we promised to call and take her to dinner.
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