Day 2: to Barcelona, Spain

So me and Mr. Jet Lag started hanging out around midnight.  I just knew I would fall back asleep but that didn't happen so just got up around 5:45am.  It is going to be a really long day.  I have an early train to Barcelona today so guess it is good I am up and at it.  I arrived way too early, but I tell you European people watching is hysterical.  The Madrid Atocha (you should have heard me try to pronounce Atocha to the taxi driver . . . I was no where close to saying it correctly but thankfully he took me to the correct place)  train station is beautiful . . . even found a garden with a pond with hundreds of turtles inside the train station.

Of course the track you need isn't posted until about 10 minutes before the train departs so that makes it a challenge.  It was like the running of the bulls as soon at the number popped up.  They had only 1 line open but quickly opened 2 more when the line was super long and just minutes until departure.  I wasn't worried about finding a seat as they are all reserved but didn't want to miss the train.  I did not do so good picking my seat and ended up with the one seat that had a table and a person staring across at me.  At least the trip was quick as the train reached speeds up to 301 km/hour (about 185 mph) . . . it was fun to watch the scenery zip by so quickly.

Spain is beautiful!  Since I booked a seat in first class, breakfast was served.

It was so much better than the airplane food!  While I didn't eat it all what I did eat was not bad.  I grabbed a cab to the hotel and was exhausted!  Again, my upgraded room wasn't ready so just got a room . . . all I needed was a bed and shower!  When the elevator opened, I was taken back; where was I?

The hallway was so dark with black walls but thankfully the room was bright and waiting for me to take a shower and nap for about 3 hours . . . I am sure I will regret this later.  It was okay as my first ticketed activity wasn't until 4pm so a nap had me refreshed and ready to explore!   Man is it hot outside.  When I looked at the weather is said it was going to be in the mid-80s but let me tell you it feels hotter than triple digit Texas!  It was nice outside so made the long walk to Sagrada Familia . . .

It was the ONE thing I wanted to do in Barcelona and must admit I was a bit disappointed.  I found the outside much more awe inspiring than the inside.  It was crowded and the tower visit was a total waste.  It is magnificent but just didn't live up to my expectations.  It is still a work in progress and wonder if it will ever be completed? 

Don't get me wrong it is amazing but the crowds sort of hamper the enjoyment, and I am so glad I went.  The exterior is amazing and still a masterpiece in progress!

I did the Passion Tower which was an add on . . . while the view was good of the city . . .

. . . there really wasn't much else to see but glad I did it.  I also explored the museum in the basement that gave a great overview of the project but it was sure hot!  I grabbed a bottle of water and it was back to the hotel.  Some how I got on the wrong street . . . good thing I had a map and finally figured out my path back.  I wanted tapas and sangria for dinner and the hotel recommended Cerveceria Catalana which was less than a block away.  It was packed, but I really wanted to sit outside even if it was just a table for one.  I waited about 45 minutes but so worth it.  They only had sangria by the pitcher so had to order a small one which was a little too much.  The tapas were amazing with my favorite being beef tenderloin toast . . .

The beef was cooked perfectly and so tender it cut with a fork, oh and that pepper on top was melt in your mouth good.  It was so good I ordered it twice.  While I had little room for dessert, I ordered anyway.  Why not?  The recommendation was the bread pudding and man it did not disappoint even if it was a bit different than I expected . . .

It was a quick walk back to the hotel and ready for some sleep!  Hopefully tonight will be the night!