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4 DAY TRIP TO BARCELONA - 16th - 19th May 2008
Contributions by various members.
BARCELONA
The recent trip to Barcelona, was a first for the u3a, inasmuch as the group travelled by train, First Class, from Valencia to Barcelona. The time spent in Barcelona was "free time" for everyone to enjoy the city as they wished. We were taken by coach from Calpe to Valencia where we caught the hi-speed train. The hotel was above the mainline Barcelona Sans Station so no additional travelling was needed for transfer from the station. This was on a bed and breakfast basis, and I am sure that everyone would agree that there was something for everyone in the buffet style breakfast, to set one up for the day ahead. As everyone "did their own thing" we asked for contributions from the group about what they enjoyed most about Barcelona.
One of the many things that I found very enjoyable was our visit to Tibidabo. From our tour bus which we had been using to see the city from above ground, we caught an old fashioned tram, the Tramvia Blau which is the only remaining tramline in the city. We then took the funicular railway, taking in all the magnificent views of the city, on the way to the top. On the peak of Tibidabo there is a funfair - which we avoided - bars and a restuarants and the Church of the Sagrat Cor. We were very fortunate in that whilst we enjoyed a cold beer we were able to watch the guests arriving for a Spanish wedding. Inside the church were stunning mosaics on every wall - an inspiration for our mosaics group!
We returned down from Tibidabo using the Funicular, then found that we had missed the last tram. Fortunately, a bus was laid on for us and at the bottom we barely caught the last tour bus of the day which took us back into the city.
by Gill Moorcroft
Our trip to Barcelona had many nice surprises. Firstly, our hotel was directly above the train station, Barcelona Sans. There were connections to the metro system and the tourist bus stop was just outside. The transport system was efficient and good value.
Casa Batllo is an excellent example of Gaudi’s genius. My main impression of the building is one of colour, shape and texture. Rounded carpentry, leaded stained glass windows, the multi coloured chimneys and even a dragon-like shape across the top two floors were just some of the outstanding features. A building that is both elegant and fun.
Diane Putnam
I have to say the main highlight for me as silly as it may seem, was the luxurious style by which we travelled, on the first class train.
There we were sitting back, G & T in hand being waited on hand and foot. Comfortable seats, picks and nibbles with our drinks,and interesting company, what more could we want? The rain might have been slightly inhibiting for some, but personally I was having such a good time I hardly noticed it. One could always duck in and out of all the wonderful museums to avoid it. A second highlight was people watching down by the busy Port. Some people dressed to kill, others in little more than beachwear, it just didn't matter. On the final night I finished the
holiday in style by going to the theatre on La Ramblas for a concert of gipsy flamenco and opera, I was joined by four other people and had a wonderful evening preceded by a lovely meal in a restaurant,Attico
also on La Ramblas.
I had absolutely no complaints at all. I thoroughly enjoyed everything, and the hotel couldn't have been more central, with the Metro service being right on the doorstep.
Carol West
For our first visit to Barcelona, three days or so only gave us time to familiarise ourselves with the city overall and to get our bearings. However, despite these limitations (not a criticism), our overwhelming impression was of Gaudi, in particular the Temple of Sagrada Familia and the Park Guell, with the fascinating museum in Guell's house. We felt privileged to see the inside of the temple, with all the evidence of continuing building work around us. This will certainly not be our last
visit to this vibrant city.
Heather Grahame and David Holme
On Sunday morning four of us decided to visit the Ciutadella Park and were most surprised to find a notice at the entrance to say The Catalan Parliament Building, was open to visitors that day. We made our way across the park to find a most impressive building and waited our turn in the short queue. The inside of the building was equally as interesting as the outside, and amazingly we were allowed to stroll around at will admiring the architecture, furnishings and the equipment used by the Members. The first Catalan Parliament dates back to the 11th Century, has taken various forms until disbanded during the Franco years but was re established in its present form in 1980.
Following our visit we then happened upon International Families Day celebrations in the same park. This was a wonderfully happy occasion with hundreds of children, parents and grandparents. balloons, music, events and equipment were set up for children,s play activities and everyone was having great fun.. .
Both events typically Spanish, free and easy and a joy to see.
Janet Mitchell
I would just like to say, on behalf of everyone who went on the trip, a big thankyou to Janet Mitchell for all her hard work in organising the trip and thinking of something that was a bit different for us to enjoy. I am sure that we all felt that this "taste of Barcelona" has just wetted out appetites for a return visit at some future time.
Just as a little "ps" to this report.....one of the highlights of the trip for Alan was coming across the ship which he served on in the Navy for 3 years, which is due to be decommisioned next year - the HMS Manchester!
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