Started the day at the big Boqueria, truly a visual feast although I’ve learned that locals view it as way too touristy. I strolled through and picked up some empanadas for lunch later.

Then on to the Museum of Catalan Art. My pension was  close to the funicular that brought be up to leafy Montjuic park. Such a change from the hub  of the city! And with such great views.

As soon as I  walked into the museum I knew I’d spend the day there. The building itself was grandiose with a vast domed entrance hall. These Catalans think highly of themselves.

I started with the Romanesque collection, a style I wasn’t much familiar with. The angular faces and clean lines seemed so modern. The figures of the holy family and saints seemed to exude a spirituality that seemed to fade as greater naturalism took over in the 14th-16th centuries.

The baroque and Renaissance collection was also impressive showcasing Velasquez, Rubens.

By the time I tackled the Modern collection I was tuckered out but I like how it segued from Picasso and Miro to Republican propaganda during the Spanish Civil War and then in to Symbolism which is another movement I don’t know much about.

I had been thirsty for paintings. Quenched!

Explored more of the Raval neighborhood after an Indian meal at Papadam on Ronda de Saint Pau.

October 14

The Palau Guell is so close to my pension it made a perfect last stop before my afternoon train. Designed by Gaudi for the Guell family, the palace is fairly sober in the outside but truly eye popping inside. From the basement stables to the ornamental chimneys on the roof, Gaudi missed no detail. I’m more of an Art Deco kind of gal but I could appreciate his flowing lines and rich use of ornamentation. To me he served as a transition between the highly ornate Belle Epoque style and the creative use of materials that characterised Art Deco.

This was yet another Audio Guide experience and I felt it was not particularly well executed. The audio was drowned out when the massive organ was played. An accompanying text would have been most handy.