After leaving the airport we took a train into Barcelona, stopping at one of the main train stations where we planned to call the man who was in charge of checking us into the apartment we were renting. The phones apparently cost 29 Euros a minute for the first minute!!!! That is OVER $29! Crazy town!
So we got onto the metro and took the train to our stop Sagrada Familia. It was really fun to have such a famous landmark right around the corner from where we were staying. The bells grew to be a familiar and welcome sound marking the hours as well as each quarter hours. I even began to recognize what time it was by some of the songs. The kids would say "Sagrada Familia!!!" when they saw it because they knew it meant we were almost "home".
That first day I actually didn't think a whole lot of the famous cathedral. There was a lot of scaffolding and I just didn't get what the big deal was all about.
But . . . I'll also admit that could have had to do with the fact that I was tired and hungry.
We were shown around our small little Spanish apartment that reminded me of those displays in Ikea that show you living in so many square feet. It was not horribly small at all but it did make me appreciate all the space we have at home!
There were two bedrooms, an eensy bathroom that you had to maneuver your way in and out of and carry your soap, shampoo, etc. back and forth to each time and a laundry/kitchen as well as a living/dining area and a clothesline out the window.
As soon as we were able we headed out to find some food. After quite a bit of walking (because we are both picky and cheap . . . oh and dealing with food allergies for the kids) we ended up at a wonderful tapas place with our first taste of Spanish chorizo and the best tapas bravas we had on the whole trip!
Right before we found the restaurant we saw this beautiful hospital with a fountain in front of it that the kids enjoyed playing in.
After we ate we hit up a grocery to get some provisions for the apt. as we were staying in Barcelona for 9 days. These two were a mess!
Chocolate cereal is a Europe treat! (I know you can get it here but it is not really something we normally have at home and it is a fun, dairy free option that they end up eating in Europe.)
On the way "home" we spotted this fantastic brick structure that I had actually seen a picture of online before we went. It is just a neighborhood park but the kids (locals and our kids) have definitely capitalized on this fun wall!
Can you spot David climbing up?
and sliding down!
back up!
and sister is going for it too!
almost at the top
hanging out at the top together
inevitably rolling things down came next
after kind of stubbing her toes landing too hard from sliding down fast, Mama became her "bumper"
Brother getting to carry the cereal home
(you have to pay for grocery sacks so we didn't ever get them and this day we had our other shopping bag full)
