So I've been talking for awhile that I had a trip planned to Barcelona. That wasn't exactly true.. I did fly in and out of the Barcelona airport. But I really went to Spain to compete in a Half Ironman in a town called Calella (I survived by the way). I did go to Barcelona however, those pictures are below. However they are a wee bit scarce due to the amount of time I spent at the beach or freaking out about my race. I have a few more race/beach photos then city pictures. So - those will come next as soon as I steal a few from some of the best race spectators ever! Read on...
Sarah (who competed) and her boyfriend Julian (best race support ever) changed hotels after the race. This is what happens when you have to carry your bike everywhere with you.
The Cathedral in the center of Barcelona. Built in Roman times it is one of the oldest structures in the city.
Lots of pedestrian friendly places to walk and shop
A wonderful square off Las Ramblas, the main pedestrian thoroughfare. It was a great place to rest with a fountain in the middle and cafes lining the perimeter.
Michael and Tom (fellow competitors and appearing in previous posts) get us a table in the corner. The tapas was yummy!
The statue honoring Christopher Columbus, having been sent abroad with money from Spain's Queen Isabel.
The Barcelona harbor - I loved the contrast of the boats in the foreground with the European buildings in the background.
Billed as the most beautiful church in Barcelona, it has the largest and oldest circular rose window. I love the cafes at the base so that you may just sit with a glass and admire it.
Sarah and Julian check out my new favorite store.
Very narrow streets - you could jump from one balcony to the other!
Las Ramblas - filled with more people and street performers than you could believe. It actually made me nervous that I was going to be pick pocketed so I didn't linger long. Barcelona is known for having your valuables relieved of your possession.
Me being a dork at Park Guell. One of Gaudi's (the modernist architect) main creations.
The columns amazed me how they were built and continue to hold strong today without the help of modern technology.
Tom helps just in case it might fall.
A fanciful lizard guarding the entrance to the park.
Tiled art on the ceiling of what was meant to be an open air market (columns below)
Originally designed as a market, now a resting area out of the sun! 
Another Gaudi design still under construction after 100 years! The cathedral is built to hold 13,000 worshippers. 
Tom and I (with my crooked hat) in front of the Cathedral.
So ends the Barcelona portion - pics from Calella and the race soon. Except I'm off to Italy on Wednesday so there might be a slight delay ... :o) Ciao!
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