Steve and I got out a bit earlier than the kids (both of whom slept late, showered long, and needed breakfast before starting the day), so we wandered into the Gothic quarter. We visited the plaza of St Philip Neri, who was the saint Steve chose for his confirmation name. The plaza was bombed during the Spanish civil war and the pockmarks have been left in the walls as a reminder.
We rented bikes from a small place close by and set off to explore Barcelona on wheels. We endured an unpleasant (trafficky, with bike lanes and roads closed due to construction) ride down to the ocean, but then a wonderful ride along the boardwalk as far as Bogatell Beach. We then turned inland and rode to Parc de la Ciutadella.
We biked around Barcelona's Arc de Triumf to find Sicilian pizza at Fella.
After lunch, a quick visit to the Palau de la Musica Catalana, to admire the concert hall. So far, Barcelona has had the best use of stained glass I've ever seen.
We got some churros and chocolates and returned back to the hotel -- the
boys napped, Liesl rested, and I headed up to the hilly park area of Montjuic on my bike for a
solo adventure. There were some great views overlooking the city and many botanical gardens, monuments, museums (MNAC), and the Olympic stadium.
We ended up back in the Gothic quarter for dinner, at a very relaxed restaurant called Momo. We had paella and tapas, and watched a Euro Cup soccer game on tv along with everyone else.
I returned to the hotel -- thankfully downhill all the way -- and we returned our bikes to the shop. And then we all returned to Montjuic, but the other side of the hill, overlooking the ocean. We walked around Montjuic Castle enjoying the views and flowers, and then took a cable car down.
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