Day One - flew to Barcelona On arrival to Barcelona we took the commuter train into the city, and metro to our Hotel Arc La Rambla in the famous La Ramblos section of old Barcelona, and within walking distance to the pier.

Our sightseeing began with a funicular ride to the top of Montjuic, home to several museums and parks with beautiful overview of the coast and the city. Walking through parts of Parc Joan Miro, we started using museum passes at the Fundacio Joan Miro, Barcelona's great Catalan 20th century artist. Afterwards we went to Palau Nacional that houses the Museu Nacional D'Art de Catalunya, Stretching below are fountains including the largest, La Font Magica. Inside the museum there are large custom built structures to house medieval frescos, and masterpieces from periods as far ranging as gothic to art deco.

Barcelona is a fantastic place to explore 20th century modern and contemporary art. My friend who shared this trip with me has expanded my horizons - I never liked modern or contemporary art, but traveling with an aficionado I've learned to appreciate its color and movement, though I'll never understand things like those large canvases with a single line! Read more