drron29

We are now amongst the crowds at the Basilica.

The Sagrada Familia. The largest unfinished Catholic church in the world. Construction began on the 19th March 1882. Cobtrary to belief Gaudi was not the initial architect. It was Francisco del Paula de Villar. Gaudi took over a year later. The church was consecrated by Pope Benedict XVI on 10th November 2010 as a minor basilica. It was intended to finish construction in 2026 the centenerary of Gaudi's death but Covid put a stop to that. We visited in 2004. The hop on bus stopped right outside. We wandered up to the ticket office and there was no queue and plenty of space inside. Now of course there are literally hordes of visitors, you must book online and obviously space is at a premium. Now continuing our walk to the Basilica.

First though a refreshment stop. Churros and dipping chocolate. Yum. It looked a pretty good spot for tapas especially if you are like me and love anchovies. Plenty of beer on tap.

The last of this incredible hospital. But we now had a short walk to a more recognisable feature of Barcelona.

And naturally the management get the best views.

And now to the Admin block. decoration is a little more flamboyant.

Sterilising. The doctors with 8 out of 18 women in 1984.

The kitchen.

Reminiscent of wards in the 60s and 70s. A radiologist's nightmare.

Some of the spaces are such relaxing areas it must have helped healing.

Brilliant decorations.

We started off underground. There are over 2 Km of tunnels connecting the buildings to provide all weather access to each building. We did have tunnels at my teaching hospital that I attended from 1966 to 1975. But nothing as elaborate or as beautiful as this place.

I am pretty sure you do know where we went JP. Of great interest to our profession. It is the Hospital Sant Pau. Absolutely stunning. For me who first wandered into hospitals in the 60s it brought back many memories.

You left too early. Very poorly attended trivia. We picked up a new English couple. Only scored 15 but were the winning team.

The dress code wasn’t enforced on the last voyage but from the beginning of this voyage it is. Many have had to go back to their suites and don a jacket.

Off on our excursion. Then reached our destination with some interesting artwork on the walls.

Slept in again in Barcelona as only a 9.30 excursion. Awoke to this view from our balcony. The rest of the port that we could see. Then our view became this as the MSC Grandiosa backed in behind us. And then we prepared to be refueled.

And some more.

The second was by the Volmar Devils of Serrallo. They are accompanied by drummers and in the Holy Week parades they accompany the Virgin of Carmen and St. Peter in the processions in Serralo. Because it is Holy Week the group was already together and we benefited. They twirl fireworks on their special maces and sceptres. So here they are.

More of the sunset and night lights of Tarragona. Then there were 2 Special shows before departure. The first was put on by nature with the rising moon.

There was a Transit cocktail party this evening. 133 guests continuing on to Rome. I tried a new cocktail for me - the Corpse reviver number 2. It does say 4 in quick succession will unrevive the corpse. Then to the Grill for dinner. Once again Rojaan had the lamb cutlets whilst I had the fillet steak. Got the corn chips as usual but no salads this time. Cooked perfectly if I say so myself. For sweets Rojaan had the cheesecake and I the apple rose with cinnamon ice cream. Sunset as we finished dinner.

Straight to Kaiseki for lunch. As well as the sushi and Sashimi Rojaan had the beef bowl and I the vegetarian bowl. They were a lot better than the previous time on the Dawn. Then watching a pilot leave a cargo ship.

And lots of coal. And the Moon.