No rain in Spain!!

One of the charming streets in the gothic area

That's luggage for 4 people for our 3-night trip!!

We were up bright and early yesterday to head out for a quick flight to Barcelona.  While the weather report was a bit ominous, so far the rain has held off (except for showers at night!) allowing us to walk all over this beautiful city. We started out with a tapas lunch (believe it or not I was actually ready for a break from Italian food!) and then a walk through the charming gothic area and a stop at the cathedral di Barcelona. (Howard couldn't resist yet another cathedral visit!). For dinner we looked for a traditional Spanish

The much awaited...paella dinner 

Having a great time at the Mercat!

style restaurant serving paella.  It was good...not great but fun nonetheless.  This morning we woke up and headed out (by foot) to conquer the city yet again. We started out wih a morning stroll down la rambla heading towards  the Mercat boqueria, the local market which was by far one of the best we have ever seen. There were selections of spices, vegetables, fish, cheese, nuts and anything else you could imagine eating.  All displayed so perfectly!

Hard to believe this is for real!

After that we headed to the liceu area and visited some beautiful galleries and shops and alas Howard and I bought some art!!! No more empty walls when we get back to Calabasas -- we will have some beautiful pieces to remind us of our wonderful trip.  Next it was back to the gothic area to go to the Picasso museum which really was something special. Tonight we are venturing out and having sushi!! No idea how it will be but it has been a while and we are all anxious to give it a try.  Love to all.