Europe - Spain -Barcelona Gaudi, Gaudi, Gaudi - September 2018

Barcelona, Spain - Gaudi, Gaudi, Gaudi

On Monday, September 16, we arrived in Barcelona for a 15-day tour of Spain.  It is our first land tour - we hoped for the best - the trip exceeded our expectations in every way.

We are starting in Barcelona touring the Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926) masterpiece.

Park Guell

The Park Guell is a public park located on Carmel Hill.

Antoni Gaudí, a renowned architect and the face of Catalan modernism, began building the Park between 1900 and 1914 and was officially opened as a public park in 1926. 

Colonnaded pathway

Gaudí's Tiled Mosaics on the ceiling.

Curved edges

Planned were 60 villas, but nobody was interested, and only two show houses were completed.

There are animals in the Park

The Salamander is the Symbol of Park Guell

The Snake

Many Unique shapes

Sagrada Familia is a large unfinished Roman Catholic church in Barcelona, designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926). Gaudí's work on the building is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  (Wikipedia)

The hill of Montjuic - a spectacular view of the City.

The Gothic Quarter is the center of the old City of Barcelona. The quarter encompasses the oldest parts of the City of Barcelona.

Pont del Bisbe built-in 1928.

Barcelona Cathedral

View from the Roof of the Cathedral

A quiet street in Barcelona.

 In the Garden

 Casa Mila house the Gaudi Museum. Built-in 1906-1912

 Giant Iron Gate

On the rooftop, there are six skylights/staircase exits.

There are twenty-eight chimneys in various groupings.

 View from the Roof

 Gaudi, Gaudi, Gaudi, the rooftop is like a stair master at the gym.  Leaning against a Gaudi masterpiece.

Interior of Casa Mila

The dining room

Interior Hallway

Kitchen

Sewing Room

Servant's kitchen area

We had a great first day in Barcelona - Our tour guide was great, and we had some free time to wander.

September 17, 2018

North America - California - Napa Valley - Nothing but the Wine - January 2018

It's Saturday, January 27, 2018; we live about 38 miles from the Napa Valley Wine Region. We decided to take a ride today to visit a few of our favorite places in the Valley.

The yellow mustard seeds are growing in the vineyards.

We did a drive-by on Silver Oak, pretty quiet today; during the summer months, it is very crowded.

Stopped to take a photo of the Hall Winery Rabbit in front of the Winery.

Our first stop - Joseph Phelps Winery

 Yummy!

Frank enjoying the taste and the view.

One of the many tasting rooms - so inviting.

Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch Restaurant

Saint Helena

There are long, shared tables for seating, the bar, and some standard 2-4 person tables.  The outdoor seating was not available in the backyard today. Sadly, we spent too much time at Joseph Phelps and missed our reservation for lunch. The place was packed, hour-long wait and it was 1:45 pm 

See you next time.....

Robert Mondavi  - photo by Robert Mondavi Winery

Robert Mondavi established his namesake winery in 1966 with a vision to create Napa Valley wines that would stand in the company of the world's finest.

Entrance to Mondavi Winery

There are many art pieces located throughout the grounds, very modern.

This photo was taken in 1999, we attended a Garden Party at the Winery.  Robert signed his latest book for us - An autobiography Harvests of Joy, published in 1998. It was amazing!

Checked out the BV Reserve Tasting Room

It's all good!

Statue of Andre' Tchelistcheff 

One of  the most profoundly influential winemakers in Napa Valley, guided the philosophy of innovation he defines the wines of Beaulieu Vineyard today.

The French Laundry

You need to call the restaurant precisely at 10 am, 2 months before the day you want to go. Same-day requests can also be made if you show up in Yountville that morning...but there are no guarantees.
Missed this one, too!

So much to see, so little time.

See you Next Time!

January 27, 2018