Barri Gotic and El Born areas of old Barcelona

I am sitting outside the Hotel Princesca Sofia at the moment, soaking in some Barcelona sunshine and blogging while Peter finishes at the conference. We will get going this afternoon which, is perfect as we spend all afternoon and evening out exploring and eating supper and return late to the hotel. We are already living the Spanish lifestyle of eating our supper at 9:30 p.m. I am quite enjoying all of the Spanish ways. Their red wine is so inexpensive and so good: dry yet smooth, with red current undertones (wish I could remember the name of last night's tasting). We spent yesterday exploring old Barcelona. We twisted and turned down medieval narrow streets, touring ancient cathedrals and viewing Roman walls from the 3rd C. We also toured the old "Jewish Quarter" (was the Jewish area of Barcelona before local anti-Semitism outlawed Judaism in the 14th C-- I assume it is no longer illegal!).

Peter during quiet siesta time in Barcelona. 

Barri Gotic area of Barcelona.

Peter

Palau de la Musica Catalana: we will be attending a Flamenco Opera here on Wednesday night.

View of Catedral (1298-1460)

Catedral 

Roman Wall (3rd C) built to protect Romans from Germanic tribes from North.

Peter

Me in front of ancient doors.

Entrance to catedral courtyard.

Catedral courtyard surrounded by shrines to various saints. Catedral still an active church.

Peter in Catedral courtyard.

Interior of Caterdral. Even though I no longer consider myself to be a Catholic, I must confess, if I lived in Barcelona, I would attend mass at this Catedral because of its beauty and ambience and to listen to the priests speak Spanish. 

Peter in Catedral.

A gilded shrine. Some shrines contain crypts.

Geese in Catedral courtyard.

Sant (saint) Teresa's shrine (for Theresa).

Me enjoying the Barri Gotic streets.

In the Placa de Sant Jaume.

Exploring the Jewish Quarter. Purchased Pip an adorable pair of red Flamenco shoes!

Casa Miranda (for Miranda). It seems 2 of my sisters have Spanish names.

Me enjoying gelato. I chose Crema Catalonia. Very sweet and it made my tongue go numb (?)

A beautifully coloured apartment block.

A super narrow street with peter in it ( he hated the super narrow streets as they often have a urine odor).

Another living statue on La Rambla. Note the fire burning in the apartment behind.

Tippy-top detail from the Placa Reial.

Line up to eat at Les Quinze Nits in the Placa Reial. Can you spot Peter?

Two Spanish men sitting in Placa Reial, drinking beer and people watching.

The street dancers/performers were back!

Juggler at Placa Reial.

Supper at Les Quinze Nits.

View of Placa Reilal from our table.

Peter and his steak.

Peter took this pic of me on the Metro after I said no more pics please! This is me, trying to snatch the camera.