The haunting of history is ever present in Barcelona. I see cities as organisms, as living creatures. To me, Madrid is a man and Barcelona is a woman. And it’s a woman who’s extremely vain.
After our days in the urban core of Amsterdam huddled winter clothes, we found some space to breathe. We spent 5 sunny December days in this hot spot of Spain rambling down and hiking up A LOT! but we made up for the exercise with generous amounts of food & wine.
Charming views were at ones disposal every other city block. For example, this time-worn church that reflected it’s warmth into the courtyard where we lounged over espresso & tapas.
![14th century Catalan Gothic church in Barcelona, Spain](https://i0.wp.com/terriheal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/IMG_20141207_134804-e1420700576879-768x1024.jpg?resize=768%2C1024)
My Sketchbook came in handy many times during our European jaunt. Many hours were spent waiting for planes, trains & automobiles. I packed a travel size kit of art supplies for moments such as these.
![Sketch at El Prat airport, Barcelona. Ball point pen, Moleskine journal.](https://i0.wp.com/terriheal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/DSC_0031-e1420361228461.jpg?resize=614%2C387)
Gaudi, Gaudi, Gaudi, & Gaudi. The Catalan architects influence is evident throughout Barcelona. It was underfoot in the walkways and countless buildings as well.
![I was amazed with the architecture and craftsmanship at the Ssagrada de Familia!](https://i0.wp.com/terriheal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/20141206_124556-e1421773628259-576x1024.jpg?resize=576%2C1024)
![Gaudi designed these chimney pots for Casey Milan to look like the helmets of knights.](https://i0.wp.com/terriheal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/IMG_20141208_202111.jpg?resize=640%2C398)
![Paving stones on Las Ramblas, Barcelona](https://i0.wp.com/terriheal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/IMG_20141206_181601.jpg?resize=640%2C640)
We couldn’t get around and see all of the sites but tackled as many as we could! I’ll come back.
Next stop: Bulgaria! Our objective there is to spend time with our friend Amalia who moved to Sunny Beach a few years ago with her husband Matt.