This morning, Todd let me sleep in while he took the laundry to get washed. When he came home, he made us a breakfast of eggs, fruit, bakery bread, tea and juice, which we ate on our little balcony on the fifth floor (which is labeled the third floor). He rented bikes for us like a total genius, and we rode them up to the Montjuic Palace, which is a park, fountains, a museum, a palace, gorgeous architecture, and a forest all wrapped up into one glorious bike ride. The Barcelona Pavillion by Mies van der Rohe was right next door, and it was really great to experience that space. It was made even better because it was't crowded by tourists like all the Gaudi buildings. Afterwards we rode down to the water front and had bacadillos from Bo de B. They were less than 4€ each and a complete meal, not to mention how delicious they were. The water front area is so beautiful, covered in palm trees and old ships, museums and contemporary art displayed on the street, grand boulevards and quaint side streets. Our afternoon ride was completely incredible. The bike routes stick to the larger roads, which were wide and treed and fabulous, and after the route ended we stuck to the small roads. Every building is so colorful, all the laundry hung out on the balconies, each building's architecture is so different and interesting. We're so glad that we rented bikes and got to see the city instead of spending half the day underground in a metro. They were cheaper, our feet don't hurt, and we don't mind when we get lost. Plus, the city is really bike friendly and the weather was perfect.
We went to the Parc Güell, designed by Gaudi, way up the hill away from the water. It took a long time, but the ride was enjoyable. The park was packed with people in a few areas, but it was easy to find places to walk by ourselves. I really like how his architectural elements mimic nature even when they seem bright and colorful or even strange. Afterwords we saw the Casa Vicens, La Pedrera, and Casa Batllo. The last one was probably my favorite. At the end of the night, we went and bought empanadas and ate them in bed while watching a movie, because the restaurant we wanted to eat at was full and we were too hungry to wait. All in all it was a perfect day.
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