A Trip to Spain

La Sagrada Familia

Attraction | "The 'Unfinished' Church"

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I visited Barcelona last year, and really wanted to visit the Unfinished Church (La Sagrada Familia) but did not have time as we were only there for the day and Barcelona is such a huge city it is impossible to see it all in such a short time. I loved my day in Barcelona but was disappointed not to have seen the chuch during my visit.So we visited again this year and at last were able to visit the Unfinished Church, which I absolutely loved!I must admit I do like to visit cathedrals and churches and am also a fan of the work of Antoni Gaudi, the Catalan architect who designed the church and whose work can be seen in many places in Barcelona. In Gaudi's works there are the most divers...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 10, 2009

La Sagrada Familia

Barcelona, Spain 08013
+34 93 2073031

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Font Màgica

Attraction | "A Magical Experience"

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No visit to Barcelona is complete without a visit to the fabulous spectacle which is the Magic Fountain.I had first seen the Magic Fountain on TV back in 1992 when Barcelona hosted the Olympics. It is situated not far from the outdoor Olympic Pool and stadium. I can remember being quite impressed by the fountain and thinking it would be nice to actually visit and watch the show.Sixteen years on my wish came true, as myself and my partner were on holiday in Spain and having longed to visit Barcelona, we booked a day trip to the city. We liked it so much we returned again this year.The fountain stands at the foot of the steps leading up to the impressive National Palace, situated...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 10, 2009

Font Màgica
Passeig Maria Cristina
Barcelona, Spain 08004

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Port Vell

Attraction | "From Port Vell to Las Ramblas"

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We booked a trip to Barcelona via our tour operator - I know, I know, these are expensive and you pay over the odds, but I thought that at least this way, we won't get lost and also have a tour guide on the coach. I just wanted a hassle-free day without the stress of catching trains or local transport!We were taken to Port Vell, which is the old port, not far from The Ramblas. Our guide on the coach journey was very informative and gave us a lot of information about Spain's culture, and pointed out various landmarks and places on the way.She was very knowledgeable and quite humorous, and although Spanish, she had spent some time in London, and made comparisons between the two countri...Read More

We booked a trip to Barcelona via our tour operator - I know, I know, these are expensive and you pay over the odds, but I thought that at least this way, we won't get lost and also have a tour guide on the coach. I just wanted a hassle-free day without the stress of catching trains or local transport!

We were taken to Port Vell, which is the old port, not far from The Ramblas. Our guide on the coach journey was very informative and gave us a lot of information about Spain's culture, and pointed out various landmarks and places on the way.
She was very knowledgeable and quite humorous, and although Spanish, she had spent some time in London, and made comparisons between the two countries. She pointed out how the Spanish cannot understand why we put vinegar on our chips, and explained how shocked she was to discover this, as the thought of it was repulsive!

Our coach parked at the Aquarium, which opened in 1995, and is considered to be one of the most advanced in the world. We didn't go inside, but were told it comprised 21 main tanks, which are home to thousands of specimens, some very rare. There is also a miniature Mediterranean Sea with two tunnels flanking it. One of these tunnels is the largest in the world, and visitors can walk along to view the fish and sharks.

Next to the Aquarium is The Imax Movie Theatre, where you can watch 3D movies. Again we didn't visit this as there was so much we wanted to see, and it would take too much of our precious time.

There was also an indoor shopping mall, of two floors, which we did visit and found a variety of shops and boutiques. We visited Starbucks for a coffee which also had an outside seating area, where we enjoyed a lovely view of the port and could watch the chairlift going back and forth across over the water and city. (Not something I would like to try!)

We then crossed the wooden pier bridge, on our way for a stroll up Las Ramblas. Before reaching the Ramblas there is a very high column, a statue of Christopher Columbus presides on the top with his arm out-stretched, pointing to what many believe is directly to the America. In fact, if you followed the direction of his arm it would be necessary to completely go round the earth to arrive in America!
An elevator takes you to a viewpoint under the feet of the statue, and provides you with an impressive view of the port and city.

We strolled up Las Ramblas and it was very busy, with shops and cafe bars, stalls and artists. There were many artists drawing from photographs and it was quite impressive to watch them. It seemed quite popular, as many tourists were having sketches done, to take home for gifts and souvenirs.

There were also a lot of 'living statues' which I found very entertaining. How they stand still like that for so long I don't know! One of them, an Indian Chief suddenly reached down and pulled me up onto the platform he was standing on, whilst I had been taking a photograph! I got quite a shock and everyone found this very funny, including my partner who was snapping away whilst I aimed a bow and arrow alongside the Indian!

We continued up Las Ramblas and couldn't believe how many side streets, lined with more shops, cafe's and bars there were. It would take ages to explore them all. We visited the Hard Rock Cafe, which was really good, and enjoyed looking at the music memorabilia, before walking back down Las Ramblas.
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Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 12, 2009

Port Vell
Rambla De Mar
Barcelona

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Golden Donaire Beach Hotel

Hotel | "Good Hotel, Right on the Beach!"

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I stayed at the Golden Donaire Hotel in La Pineda last year with my partner , and enjoyed it so much we booked again for this year shortly after we got home!This is a modern, clean and good value for money hotel with 8 floors and 400+ rooms, located in La Pineda on the Costa Dorada, which is much quieter than its busier neighbour, Salou.Check in was fast and the staff poilte and welcoming. and we were given our key and leaflets explaining information about the hotel and services.Our room contained a double bed and a single bed, built in wardrobe, dressing table & chair, TV, and a spacious bathroom with bath, overhead shower, toilet, sink and bidet. The room was very c...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on September 12, 2009

Golden Donaire Beach Hotel
Platja del Racó
Spain, Europe 43840
+34 977371066

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La Pineda

Attraction

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La Pineda is around a 15-20 minute drive away from Reus airport, and is only a few minutes drive from Salou, which is the largest and most popular resort on the Costa Dorada.Salou, Cap Salou, La Pineda and Cambrils are all situated close together, so it is easy to visit any of these places while staying on the Costa Dorada.THE RESORT :La Pineda is much quieter than Salou, and has became very popular with families and couples, or those who just prefer a more relaxing holiday. As I mentioned above, Salou is within easy reach if you wished to visit, or have a night out there. Salou has far more nightlife than La Pineda, hence it is more popular with younger people....Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 12, 2009

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Spain Journals

A Trip to Spain

La Sagrada Familia

Font Màgica

Port Vell

Golden Donaire Beach Hotel

La Pineda

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