Beauty in Barcelona...

We woke up on Sunday morning to another sunny day. Bev and I had gone out after we returned home from Tibidabo the night before in search of Palms for mass. I'd been told that you had to purchase the palms for blessing. And I'd seen them everywhere before Bev and Nicole arrived. They were twisted into fabulous arrays and some were really tall. I had thought we'd have time to have the kids pick some out themselves but time got away from us. By the time we made it to the store there was one Palm left. So, it seemed preordained that this was to be our palm. I finally found the church where the English mass is held. Maria Reina church in Pedrables.

The church itself was beautiful and I'm sure has some history to it although I'm not sure how old it is. They had the stairs at the entrance set up to do the blessing of the palms outside. From here we processed inside. They had all sorts of branches on the side that we could use instead of palms. It was really quite lovely.

Alexa found a regular palm and one of the parishners showed the kids how to make crosses out of them. Alexa figured out a way to have Jesus on her cross.

After Mass, we decided to go back into Barcelona. Only Alexa joined Beverly, Nicole and I as we explored the Barri Gottic, walked the roman ruins, toured a medieval church( Maria del Mar) and then on to the water front...

The next day Nick had to work so we took all the kids to Park Guell.

Joe met up with his friend the samuri..

We took the train back into Barcelona and had lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Then since we were still feeling adventurous took a stroll up Passieg de Gracia.

The next day it rained all day. And the kids were pretty worn out from all the walking the day before so we took it easy. Later in the afternoon we went to the mall and did a little window shopping.

Wednesday morning it was still pretty gloomy and we had hoped to get to Montserrat to the monastary. We decided to take a chance on the wet weather, since what we really wanted to do was to hear the boys choir and see the statue of Mary. I'm so glad we went because despite the clouds above us, we had the most amazing views. I swear we could see for miles and miles.

You can't see it in the picture in the distance behind the girls you could actually see the antenae from Tibidabo. It was absolutely breathtaking to realize we could see that far.

In the other direction were snowcapped mountains.

We really enjoyed the choir. The acoustics in the church are so beautiful. My friend Drea was waiting for results on her bloodwork to see if the chemo was working so we all prayed for her...and for Beverly to sell the house. Joe came home and wrote on his facebook page that he was waiting for something amazing to happen since he'd touched the statue's hand. Shortly after I received word that indeed Drea's chemo is working, her lab work came back improved! She still has a long way to go but we're happy for this bit of good news.

On the way home from the Monastary we stopped in Sant Cugat to show them around.

On Thursday we were thinking about going down to Tarragona but decided that it'd be better to stay closer to home. We took the kids to Poble Espanyol. It's a touristy place that showcases different Spanish architecture and craftsmen. There were shops and restaurants throughout. Plus, they have a scavenger hunt game that kept the kids occupied and happy.

Examining the clues...

Jess found a clue...

Watching the guys blow glass...
Another clue...

The view from Poble Espanyol of the city.

Taking a break...

On one of the streets there were these posts with figures on top. I think about 6 or 7 of them lined the walkway. Each post had a different figure.

These are two people holding up theater masks...oh the drama.

Jess with a clue....my sunshine..

The kids at the end of the hunt!!

We still hadn't gone to the Mediterranean Sea yet. So, we hopped back on the metro to Port Olympic where we stepped on to the beach to dip our toes in the Sea.

Getting ready to pose for a picture

Everyone on the beach...

On Friday, the only place left on Beverly's to visit list was the Palau de Musica, a theater built in 1908 for a Catalan Choir's use. It is a Modernista masterpiece. Unfortunately, there are no pictures allowed in the building but the outside is just as ornate. The pictures don't do it justice though because it was a gray day.

The entranceway...um, don't know this couple but I do like the facade of the poles...

Here is a statue of St Jordi, patron saint of Catalonia...and prominent figure in a lot of Modernista buildings.

Beverly, Andrea and Nicole near a tiled column

Bev and Nicole

Nicole, Me and Andrea

the side of the building.

a closer look at the columns above.

and another group of columns

Nicole and Andrea as we walked through an outdoor market. This was outside a medieval church, Marie del Pei, I think.

We walked all through Barcelona over the past week and enjoyed the company very much! I can't believe how quickly the week went by us.

Easter is tomorrow...and I will end with the Easter greeting my father used to say to us early Easter morning...Chrystos Voskres. (Christ is risen)

And the traditional response is ...Voistyno Voskres (indeed he has risen)

May the peace and joy of God's love be with you this Easter morning!

Love you all

Bren