The first thing we noticed and most prevalent feature of the city of Barcelona is the resurgence of the mullet--a hairstyle generally reserved for honkys and doublewides. There was a guy on the plane with us that had a mullet. We thought he was an isolated case of tacky Spanish WT, but as we got into the city, we realized that 1 in 10 people have mullets. Disturbing.
We had no idea what Spain had to offer when we arrived, but we lucked 
out and had a roommate from Argentina who had the whole day planned. Her name was Elenora, but we renamed her Marta because we liked the name better. With Marta we went to the Sagrada Familia church and the Park of Guell ("go home tourist" sign, mega escalators & mosaic dragon). After lunch, we went to Montjuic--an area developed to support the Barcelona Olympic games when they came through. We took the tram to the top of the hill where we found a castle, a great view of the city and some Austrailian girls that we ended up running into about 10 more times during the day.
We ended the day by going to the park/zoo, rowing in a rowboat, seeing the arc de triumph, grabbing dinner and walking the promenade area. It was a good way to see the city. Thanks to Marta for planning the day for us.
TUESDAY
Today was kind of a take it easy day. We spent the morning sleeping in and changing hostels. We went to the train station and worked on arrangements to get us to Madrid in a day or two. In the afternoon we spent a short while at the beach. We went to the local public beach, but we found that European swimwear is quite a bit less modest than the compartatively modest suits sported by people on Malibu beaches. What was supposed to be a full day at the beach turned into a much shorter visit. We ended up spending the afternoon at the maratime museum instead and really enjoyed seeing the old ships and the boat building process. It is the end of the day, and we came back to the hostel for a nap and then on to dinner for the evening. It was a little more relaxing day and we saw a lot--perhaps a bit more than we'd hoped.
sounds like you did it all. Good grief, you hustled. I think you fought and conquered every tourist trap.
I did like the museum. Those slave boats were enormous, and what sad tales they told. Did you have a guide?
I like the church, but I'll bet it was hot climbing all those stairs. They should have more than enough money to finish it, but the money must be going other places. I am sure the number of tourist daily, have contributed sufficient funds.
You were lucky to have a clear day for the train and mountain trip. It was very cloudy the day we went so we were disappointed. We did enjoy the tram ride.
Due to cool weather we missed the barenaked ladies. I can rejoice about that.
I am glad you had some down time today. You missed the bull run in Madrid this week. Millions turned out to cheer the crazies onto the trampling mayhem.
It is always good for me to know that you are taken care of by kind stangers.
I enjoyed visiting the Goudi (sp) house. It was very unique in design and structure. That was the favorite tourist trap for the Bellows.
Dad is doing well. His biopsy is in the lab, and his side is sore where he was punctured, but the doctor is very hopeful. Glen's spirits are lifted I am very grateful for Hope.
The diabete's specialist is checking his pancreas tomorrow and seems very positive. We have had excellent care and Glen has enjoyed attention from many.
I am staying with Lorisa and Scott. Glen's tests start at 4:00 A.M. and I chose to be here instead. They had a bed for me. Maybe I'll stay with him tomorrow.
Dan is trying to help me discover why my legs hurt all the time. I had xray's today, and blood tests. I wish I were on a study and these were free.
I really appreciate Dan
Everyone is well. Mara called Glen and said: Hi Papa, We were both surprised to hear her voice.
It is bedtime. Thanks for updating your blog. It is fun for me to share your trip with you.
Find another Angel tomorrow.
Love, MOm
Home again sure feels great! I haven't updated the IJ blog yet , but so far all of the news has been great: Much later and I would have developed diabetes.
The Arc d' - was only two-three blocks from out apartment in Bartha-loner. I'm glad you;'ve been able to see most of the same things - I want to see your pix!
Going back to lay down before a song practice. I'll update later.
Iron Jak loves Blakey-poops!
Sure miss ya, loved the mullet dialog, wish I could grow one!
Love the shirt Blake! Makes me proud!
I know i am a little late to comment here, but i felt i had to defend the honor of the mullet in any public forum where i was given a voice. I have publicly declared my love for them in the past, and think that i should warn you that i forsee this as one of the many European trends that the US is finally going to get on the bandwagon for a few years too late. Do the right thing and just grow yours now to start speeding that process up, please.