Barelona - Day 2

Monday

Today's main mission was a visit to the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's famous masterpiece.  We got up early and headed straight to the nearby metro station to catch a tube to the Sagrada.  Issy was deeply fascinated by the whole "catching a train" experience - a first for her!.

I had pre-booked our tickets on the internet, so we didn't have to queue for tickets.  After a quick play in the park opposite the Sagrada we made our way straight in.  

The Sagrada Familia is without a doubt my favourite building in the entire world.  I am totally in love with it.

After our visit we went to a nearby cafe (such a cute cafe!) for cafe con leche and pastries.  I had been raving to Rox and Jon about the cafe con leche we had on the Camino... unfortunately the cafe con leche in Barcelona just isn't the same... so disappointing.  I hate it when that happens!

We then made our way to the Tibidabo Amusement Park, which is a vintage amusement park with amazing views over Barcelona.  Part of the journey there involved a tram ride on a vintage tram and also a funicular.  2 more firsts for Issy.  She handled all this travel like a real trooper.  Although she was mightily unfriendly to a dear old gentleman who was trying to be friendly to her - gave him quite the prolonged death stare! Issy!

We had a lovely time at Tibidabo.  Roxy and Paula took Issy on the vintage carousel which she thoroughly enjoyed.  We all went on a ride or two.  Grant and I went on the ferris wheel which had the most stunning views over the whole of Barcelona. 

Incredible church at Tibidabo -Temple de Sagrat Cor

We had a bocadillo lunch before heading back down the hill and home for a siesta.  On the way we bought some delicious fruit from the fruit shop around the corner from our apartment.  The fruit in Spain is just awesome!

After our siesta it was off to Lilla shopping centre, a short walk from the apartment.  Its a lovely mall.  We had some Häagen-Dazs ice-cream and then Rox, Paula and Jon (he was their porter!) hit Primark, while Grant and I took Issy to the little amusement park on the exterior of the mall.  She LOVED the amusement park.  

On our way home we stopped at an American themed restaurant for supper - it has a lovely play area which Issy enjoyed.