May 1st - Barcelona, Spain

First stop was to the Gothic Quarter with its' narrow winding streets
feeding off the squares.

It was at the Plaza del Rei, the city's oldest square where Ferinand and
Isabel received Columbus upon his return in 1493 from "his cruise" to the
New World.

Visited the 13th century Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, which also had a flock
of white geese that guard the church at night.

Many businesses were closed today since it is Labor Day in Spain, and many
of the residents here are making it a four day long weekend.

Walked around the block size Temple de la Sagrada Familia (Temple of the
Holy Family) to take in this enormous and weird structure. The façade of
this church has a different architectural style on each street that it
faces. This was begun in 1892 and is still under construction, with
completion date estimate to be 2026-30. On one side the design by Antonio
Guadi reminds me of Magic Mountain at Disneyland, on another side it
resembles a wedding cake, and my favorite is the side that is modernistic
with stark sculptures on the façade.

Before heading back to the ship the tour took us to Plaza Espana, past the
buildings erected for the 1992 Olympic games and the Hill of Montuic for
some spectacular views of the city and harbor.