The word is out on Barcelona!

Everyone loves Barcelona. Even our friends in Madrid got all misty eyed when they spoke of it. After a week here, walking, biking, metro-ing, eating and drinking all around this city, now we understand. And word has gotten out apparently, everyone else seems to love it at the same time. Hordes of tourists (7 million a year?) around the Guadí buildings and the old part of the city. Forget walking Las Ramblas, we endured that only to see the famous (rightfully so) La Boqueria market. Alas, that's what happens when you are Barcelona and your buildings, food, parks and beach are so fantastic: You get a lot of attention. Our apartment in the Gracia neighborhood has been a great respite and we spent a bit of time up in Montjuic, a fabulous hilltop park with beautiful museums and wonderful views. Amazingly quiet and green up there. Made the obligatory visit to La Sagrada Familia and was quite moved by the place (Tony, you were right, photos do not do it justice!) and by many of the other Guadí sites. Just walking and remembering to look up at the buildings, there are so many jewels of architecture in this city. Tomorrow we leave and head to a small village outside Girona, hoping to do the Dali triangle there and get some country time in. Hope all is well with you. Bill, we love you and hope you feel better soon!!!